Joey Jon Townsend

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Townsend, Joey Jon of Plymouth, MN. Born in Minneapolis Mar. 10, 1940 to Joseph & Mabel (Johnson) Townsend, died May 21, 2018 surrounded by family. Joey grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota where he excelled at football and hockey, playing in the state high school hockey tournament his senior season (1958). He played football at Hamline University before joining the Army and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He then enrolled at St. Cloud State where he earned his B.S. in 1968 and M.S. (Education) in 1971 and finished by earning his Education Specialist Degree. While at SCSC, he also met his first wife Macki and started a family. He was a member of the 1967 St. Cloud Rockets Men's National Amateur Championship hockey team. Joey taught in the Minnetonka school system, first at Excelsior Elementary where he met his second wife Kathy, and then at Minnetonka High School, where he also coached both hockey (boys and girls) and golf. Joey had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and golf. He enjoyed the camaraderie at his retirement job at Deer Run Golf Course. He knew everyone. He was an active member of American Legion Post 580 (Chanhassen) where he proudly served in the Color Guard. In 2017, Joey was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award for contributions to Rotary International, even though he was not a member. An unexpected honor. Joey treasured his many connections and his life-long friend. He had a wry sense of humor and was always ready with a one-liner. He kept this sense of humor to the end. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles Townsend (Gretchen), sister Ruth Ann Thorpe (Jim), & second wife Kathy Townsend. Survived by sons Andrew (Jane), Gregory (Tammie), and Christopher. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Lucas, Noe, Ava, Jaye, Jack, Ema, George, and bonus grandchild Audrey; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Also survived by the mother of his boys, Macki Townsend. He will also be greatly missed by his four-legged companions, Jethro and Zeva. Thanks to the staff at Frauenshuh Cancer Center, especially Dr. Menge, Joan, and Laurie. To his hospice caregivers Heather, Beno, Jac and Lisa, thank you so much for your compassionate care in helping Joey fulfill his wish of staying at home to the end. Gonna miss you. Love you Pop. As per Joey's wishes, there will be no formal services.

Published on May 27, 2018