Carl Cox

Carl Douglas Cox, fondly referred to as “Joe” by many family members and friends, son of the late Barney and Irene (Mullen) Cox, passed away on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at the Essentia Health-Virginia Care Center, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with dementia and heart disease. Carl was born on April 8th, 1937, at the family farm in Atchinson County, Missouri, the youngest of five children. Throughout his childhood he enjoyed riding horses and raising mules, cattle, swine and other livestock. Carl was especially close to his sister Mary, who is just fourteen months older than him.

Carl received his early education in a one-room country schoolhouse in rural Atchinson County. In 1949, his family moved to Indus, Minnesota, where they continued to farm. It was there that he met his lifelong best friend, Larry Dobbs. The two families spent many weekends together, often engaged in horsemanship activities, with the boys riding across the river. He completed elementary school in Loman and later attended Indus High School, graduating in the class of 1955. Carl joined the Army Reserves that same year, fulfilling five years of service.

He was united in marriage to Mardel Jonson on September 14, 1956. They lived in Minneapolis for one year before making their home on the Minnesota Iron Range. This union was blessed with three children: JoDei, Douglas and Morris; and was later dissolved. In 1957, Carl was employed by Erie Mining Company (later becoming LTV Steel Mining Company), where he worked as a production truck driver, welder and crane operator. He retired in 1994, following thirty-seven years of labor in the mining industry. Carl learned the skill of logging from his father at a young age and continued working in the woods throughout his lifetime. He was especially proud to share his love of woodcutting with Douglas. He felt blessed to live just a few miles from Morris for many years of daily drop-ins and always looked forward to his visits with JoDei.

Carl married Donna Lappi on February 23rd, 1981, and they treasured thirty-five years together at Loon Lake. The couple hosted family and friends for holidays, meals, games, swimming, sledding, skating, fishing, boating and saunas. They also enjoyed traveling to visit siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Donna passed away in 2016, and Carl moved to Biwabik, later relocating to Edgewood Assisted Living in Virginia.

Carl accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young boy; his faith described as steadfast and unshakable. He participated in men’s ministry and worship services at Heritage Trail Bible Church in Gilbert. His favorite Bible verse was 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” He delighted in spending time with his family and friends visiting, sightseeing, dining, shopping and playing games together.

Carl will be deeply missed by his children: Douglas (Barbara) Cox of SD and JoDei Marcella of MN; stepchildren: Diane Lappi of CA, Kathy Lappi of CA, Randy (JoAnn) Lappi of FL, Kevin Lappi of CA, Danny Lappi of GA and Ricky (Karen) Lappi of NC; six grandchildren and their spouses; two step grandchildren and their spouses; thirteen great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; sister Mary Shaw of MO; special companion Donna Simmons of MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Barney and Irene Cox; siblings: Harold Purtle, Wilma Warfield and Darlene Cleeton; brothers in-law: Don Warfield and Jay Cleeton; sister in-law Marilyn Purtle; son Morris Cox; step grandson Darren Baumann; stepdaughter in-law Cheryl Lappi; as well as numerous friends and relatives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Heritage Trail Bible Church in Virginia, Minnesota on Saturday, May 30th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with services starting at 11:00 AM. All are invited to join the family for a luncheon directly following the service.

Memorials in Carl’s memory would be preferred to Heritage Trail Bible Church in Gilbert, MN.

Blessed be the memory of Carl “Joe” Douglas Cox.