Joseph E. Valasek

Joseph E. Valasek, 70, of North Branch, Minnesota, died Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was born March 27, 1955, in Osage, Iowa, to Joseph and Mildred (Adams) Valasek. After graduating from Osage Community High School, he attended Devry Institute in Des Moines, Ia. He moved to Minnesota shortly after obtaining his degree. He lived in St. Paul where he began a 29-year career with the State of Minnesota as a computer programmer and had been instrumental in helping design several important programs being used today. In his younger years, Joe played guitar in several bands and had a passion for music. He enjoyed farming, gardening and playing cards. He was an avid cross-country cyclist, always up for a long ride and the challenge of the open road. He also loved golf — not just playing locally, but traveling to warm destinations so he could enjoy the game year-round. He was a proud father to his daughter, Jodi and was always very supportive of her and her boys. His grandsons, Anthony and Alexander were dear to him and he helped mentor them as they grew up. Joe loved taking his grandsons fishing and camping, creating memories they will always cherish. Over the last three years he was over joyed to spend time with his first Great Grandson Elliott. He enjoyed watching him play and having early dinners together. Thanksgiving was his favorite of all holidays--he didn’t just cook a meal, he orchestrated it—turkey, practiced until perfect, sides crowding every inch of the table, and to top it off, he never forgot to have an ice cream cake; there was always more than enough, because “enough” was never the point.Joe will be remembered as someone always in good spirits, full of energy, and quick with a joke for anyone around him. Joe is survived by his daughter, Jodi (Jeff) of Red Wing, biological Grandchildren, Anthony and, Alexander of Apple Valley. Step Grandchildren Brianna, Jacob and Nadia; great-grandchildren, Elliott, Azalia, Beau and Drexton; siblings, Patricia Newton of Ocala FL, Connie Fisher of Grand Rapids, MN, Ronald (Jean) Valasek and Roger Valasek, both of Osage, IA and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Millie and a sister, Susan Baldini.Per Joe’s wishes, no services will be held. A private family burial in Little Cedar, will take place at a later date.