Joseph Alex Marcella

     Joseph Alex Marcella, 98, passed away on March 31, 2019, at the Transitional Care Unit of the Catholic Eldercare Facility in NE Minneapolis, MN.

     Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 66 years, Mary Lou, and siblings, Rocky Marcella, Elizabeth (Dolly) Makie, and Mary Marsaa.

     He is survived by children: Joe (Kathy) Marcella, Jeffrey Marcella (Amy Hartmann), and Mary Ann Marcella. Grandchildren: Joe (Tanya) Marcella, Robert (Sarah) Marcella, Nicole (Matt) Elsen, Tina Marcella (Brent Wells), Stephanie (Brad) Engstrom, and Nicholas Marcella (Danielle Wold) and Great Grandchildren: Kaylee, Joey, Kianna, Kalissa, Karley, Gavin, Emily, Beau, Brody, and Aria and several nieces and nephews.

     He was born on February 3, 1921 to Frank and Dora (Sisto) Marcella in Nashwauk, MN. Joe proudly served in the US Army during World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.   On April 5, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Danielson. They lived in Bovey, MN where he worked for the Danube Mine. He was active in the Bovey Fire Dept. and the Bovey City Council. In 1960, they moved with their 3 children to Aurora, MN, where he enjoyed working with the TRC Club and the American Italian Club. He also was a board member for the Hoyt Lakes Credit Union for many years.

      Joe was veteran proud and was a lifetime member of the VFW and a 73-year member of the American Legion. He served on the Honor Guard at the American Legion Post 241 in Aurora for many years. He was seldom seen without his WWII hat on. Joe was honored at a luncheon at the Legion on August 20, 2016, for being one of the two surviving members of the Last Man Standing Club formed after World War II.

     Joe loved working. He retired from Erie after 42 years. A year later, he began driving school bus in Aurora and worked another 18 years. He was also well known as a tiler and in his spare time, tiled many bathrooms in the Aurora and Hoyt Lakes area. He loved hunting and fishing, playing cards, and watching the Twins and the Vikings play. Joe lived with his son Joe and wife Kathy for the last six years and was able to spend many fun days with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, giving them many good memories.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10 am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Aurora, MN. Visitation will begin at 9 am. Internment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine, MN.