Joe H. Plantz

Age 87, of Forest Lake, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Sonja; parents, Herbert W. and Lillian M. Plantz; sister, Janet Moulton; and brother-in-law, Gayle Garlock. Survived by brothers, Gerald (Kay) and Bill (Monica); sister-in-law, Barbara Garlock; children, Michel, Tim, Amy (John) VanBergen, and Carrie (Fred) Krautkramer; grandkids, Abigail, Grace (Cole), Jack, and Reece; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Joe grew up on a farm in Pocahontas, Iowa. He spent two years in the Army stationed in Germany; his closest claim to fame was being in the same company as Elvis Presley. He saw him every morning at roll call! Joe returned from the service, graduated from the Minneapolis School of Business, and met the love of his life, Sonja, on a blind date.

Joe and Sonja were married on August 5, 1962. (this was the same date Marilyn Monroe died. According to Joe she could not go on after hearing he was “off the market”). Joe and Sonja lived in several different states with Joe managing Ben Franklin stores from Wyoming to South Dakota. Their second-to-last stop was on Nawadaha Blvd. in Minneapolis near the Highland Village store. By this time, they had four kids and many lifelong friendships were made including their beloved couples group, the Mini-Mates. In 1977, they moved to Forest Lake, where they built the home they would stay in for the next 46 years. Joe owned the Ben Franklin store in town and again established close friendships. He was an active member of the Lions and the Forest Lake Park Board for years.

Joe was a charismatic man with a sense of humor that was unmatched. His wit, sarcasm, borderline “Iowa” sayings, and one-liners are remembered and repeated by most who met him. Always the life of the party, he had a way of filling a room with laughter without even trying. He was kind to all and created friendships with ease.

He was a gifted public speaker and had a talent for whistling! If you spent any time with him, you knew when he was around and in good spirits. He intensely watched his daughters play sports—particularly basketball—where his undeniable volume and tone were forever seared into those he “cheered on.”

Joe cherished his time at his cabin on Lake Vermilion and built memories with his family over five  decades. They were blessed with the most amazing lake neighbors who added so much joy to their time there. He never missed a fishing opener with the guys—“what happens at opener… stays at opener.” Joe liked to fish but loved taking his kids and grandkids fishing even more. He was an expert at cranking the homemade ice cream maker, teaching how to tie up a boat, and generally kept his cool when his kids would wreck another prop or drag an anchor across the lake.

His greatest and most successful role in life was that of husband, dad, and grandpa. He never wavered in his commitment to, love for, and devotion to his family. He was by Sonja’s side for 61 years; he adored her and was her biggest fan, showing his love daily through compliments and terms of endearment. “Sonja, you’ve outdone yourself as usual,” was heard after nearly every meal. He was always there for his children—no matter what and without judgment. Day or night he’d answer the call, come to the rescue, pick up the grandkids, change the tire, or run the errand—no questions asked. His only response when thanked was, “Anytime!” He loved his grandchildren with his whole being; as they grew, a whole higher level of protection and devotion emerged. He was built to be a grandpa!

Joe suffered from dementia for the past several years and his mind was “stuck” in a time and space. He recognized his children until the end, but now his mind is free and for that we are grateful. His stories will keep him close long after the grief softens. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Those who shared moments and memories with him should consider themselves truly fortunate; we are all better for having been part of his story.

Thank you to the staff at Gracewood Memory Care in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, for their kindness and patience. We encourage those who knew Joe to share your favorite stories and sayings on the online guest book.

A private family celebration will take place at a later date.