TYPE: IV – Retired Chief Non-LODD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of RETIRED FIRE CHIEF CHARLES “CHUCK” JOOS age 72, of COLOGNE, Minnesota, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Charles “Chuck” B. Joos was born January 25, 1951 in Shakopee, MN, the second oldest child of George and Mary Ann (Hesse) Joos. He was baptized, partook in first communion and was confirmed at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Cologne. Chuck attended St. Bernard Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Central High School in Norwood Young America, in 1969. He continued his education at Mankato State College for two years. Chuck was united in marriage to his soul mate, Linda Scheuble, on June 23, 1973.

Chuck and Linda resided in Cologne where they raised their three sons. Chuck diligently worked on the family farm and for the neighboring farmer as well. Later on, he transitioned out of farming and began working for H.E. Westerman Lumber Co. and Welco Ready Mix. He went on to work for Cemstone and remained there for 28 years until retiring in 2018.

Chuck enjoyed and exceled at fixing trucks and equipment and had several other part-time projects. He and Linda were also active in the community and were 4-H leaders for 25 years. In addition to providing for his family, Chuck honorably served on the Cologne Fire Department from 1975 – 2018 and as the department chief from 1989 – 2018.

Chuck served with the department from 1975 through his retirement in 2018. Through the years he held nearly every position within the organization. He was promoted to Captain in 1982 and served there until his Assistant Chief promotion in 1988. Chuck was promoted to Chief in 1989 and held that position through his retirement. His tenure on the department and as Chief echoed his devotion to the job. Many were lucky enough to serve under and alongside Chief Joos including his son, Chief Nicholas Joos (Ret.). He was always proud of his family, community, and organization. The knowledge and history of our organization he shared will be greatly missed

Chucks greatest accomplishments were his love of family and his dedication to his community.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Ann Joos; father-in-law and mother-in-law Andrew and Ruth Scheuble.

Chuck is survived by his loving family: wife Linda; children Michael Joos and significant other Sara, Nicholas (Jamie) Joos, Matthew Joos; grandchildren James-Michael Joos and fiancée

Amber Pieper, Kaleb (Kayla) Stoeckman, Morgan Stoeckman and fiancé Trent Iddings, Megan Stoeckman and significant other Luke Orr, Kody Stoeckmen, Andrew Joos; great-grandchildren Aiden Joos, Brooklyn Joos; brothers and sisters Georgianna (Harry) Rishel, Sue (Dave) Kranz, John (Kim) Joos, Bill Joos; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Laurie (David Johnson) Scheuble, Beth (Bob Mauk) Scheuble; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral and Visitation Information

Visitation

Date: Friday, June 9, 2023; 4:00 pm -7:00 pm and Saturday, June 10, 2023; 10:00 -11:00
Location: St. Bernard Catholic Church, 210 Church Street E, Cologne, MN
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: Cologne Fire Department Personnel Only

Funeral
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023; 11:00 am
Location: St. Bernard Catholic Church, 210 Church Street E, Cologne, MN
Uniform; Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands; Cologne Fire Department Personnel Only

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Chief Joos family and the celebration of his life at St. Bernard Catholic Church (210 Church Street E) in Cologne. There will be a “Sea of Blue” prior to the Celebration of Life.

A Firefighter walk through will be held on Friday, 6/9 at 18:45. Please meet at St. Bernard’s School (adjacent to the church) by 18:30 for the walk through.