Joseph “Joe” J. Sadowski, Colonel, Ret. MN Air National Guard, age 88, passed away into Jesus' & Mary’s loving arms on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Dove Healthcare in Spooner.

Joe was born in St. Paul, MN on July 7, 1935 to parents, Joseph F. and Ella B. (Sime) Sadowski. It was also in St. Paul that he married the love of his life, Carol Sadowski, and had 4 children whom he adored.

Joe graduated from Cretin High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He joined the Air National Guard in December 1953 and became a fulltime employee of the organization in 1956, assigned to Holman Field. Later in his career, he spent many years assigned to the Adjutant General's office and then moved to the Air National Guard Base where he stayed until his retirement. At that time his position was that of a resource manager. Colonel Joseph J. Sadowski retired in September 1990 and moved into his and Carol's dream home on Oak Lake in 1991.

Joe was always involved in sports. He enjoyed coaching baseball and hockey, sports he had played in earlier years. Curling and golfing gave him much enjoyment in his adult years. He especially enjoyed playing golf at Voyager Village with Carol and many friends throughout his retirement. He also made time to volunteer at many Voyager events and was instrumental in restoring the horse stables into the event center that it is today.

Another place that was close to Joe’s heart was Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Webster. He volunteered for the parish council, as well as an usher and a bass in the church choir. He did all of his volunteering in between trips across the U.S. with Carol. He was proud to say “that he touched all 50 states with his little lady.” Joe was very grateful for the time he had church going, traveling, golfing and volunteering with Carol, because after she began showing signs of dementia, these things became few and far between. Joe cared for Carol in their home for around 12 years, before his family realized that she needed more care than he could provide anymore. Carol became a resident at Maple Ridge Care Center in early 2013, where he would visit her daily, up to the point where he needed more help as well. Joe eventually became a resident of Maple Ridge himself in June of 2020.

Joe was such a kind, humble, and loving man who would do anything for anyone, especially Carol and his family. He definitely earned his wings and taught us all grace, faith and family commitment.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol and sons, Mark and Jack.

He will be missed by his daughters, Anne (Larry) Owsowitz and Gail (Craig) Muntifering; grandchildren, Connor, Gabe, Lauren, Ellen, Mady, Ben and Lindsey; great grandson, Hunter; sister, Marie Parenteau; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Services are pending at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dove Healthcare (previously Maple Ridge Care Center), for all of their loving care for Joe & Carol.

Joe's family would like to thank everyone for your kind words, thoughts and prayers for all of us over the years.

Last Update: Jun 24, 2024 7:00 pm CDT