Joing, Peter (Pete) Pete answered the call of Our Lord the morning of Wednesday, August 10th, 2016 after 75 years on this earth. He gave all of his heart to this life until his heart could beat no more. He loved God, his family, and serving children through coaching. He was a cribbage master, a phenomenal athlete, a fiercely independent entrepreneur, a determined golfer, and the kind of father we all wish we could be. He never wavered from his steadfast principles - fairness and equality for all of God's children, nourishing the dreams of every child, and holding the true church of Jesus Christ in your heart. He relished sharing and re-sharing stories and memories to anyone who would listen, often with a dose of well-meaning wisdom. He was born in Minneapolis and lived nearly his entire life in Burnsville and Edina. He attended Lutheran Bible Institute, Waldorf College, and Augsburg College before starting his varied career as a salesman, truck driver, and air freight business owner. He died peacefully in his home in Edina. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Florence, his brother Roger, and his sister Linda. He is survived by his sons Mark (Elaine) and Matt (Sue), his grandchildren Emma, Caledonia, Kendall, Calef, and Miles, and his sisters Barbara and Karen. A memorial to Pete on Saturday, August 13th, 2016 began with visitation at 10:30 AM followed by services at 11:30 AM at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, 5000 W. 50th Street, Edina, MN 55436. A light lunch was served after the memorial service. As Pete lived his life serving others, in his memory we request that in lieu of flowers, any gifts be sent to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org).
Pete was married to Bonnie, a gal from North Dakota. They raised two twin sons, Mark and Matt. Later, he and Bonnie were divorced. Some of Pete's friends and relatives have provided the following testimony regarding their personal relationship with Pete:
I am Matt's sister-in-law. I didn't know Pete well but when both of your sons are great fathers, husbands, sons, are ambitious successful employees and are ethical, honest community oriented people, Pete may have had his priorities in order. What a measure of success. Well done!
Brooks Templeton: You were an amazing friend and role model. Thank you for all the life lessons and for always being there for me and my dad. Rest in peace good sir. You will always be in my heart.
Kris King: Your home now. You will always be my best friend, father figure, golf buddy and spiritual advisor. I will always remember the great conversations we had and the life lessons you taught me. I promise to keep the lord in my heart and thank Him for having you in my life.
Sue Sowa: My father-in-law, Pete, was truly the kindest person I've ever met. But it was more than just kindness... Pete had a peacefulness and serenity in him that I've never encountered before. What a remarkable man... and I'll be forever thankful to him for raising my husband to be the truly good and thoughtful person he is. I'm so happy for you, Pete... you're with God, as you've always wanted to be.
Our Class of '58 lost track of Pete Joing for many years, although he lived in Edina. We knew his address; but he did not respond to our request for information for our "Luckiest Generation" booklet during our 50th Reunion planning. He was in our midst, but not in our sight. Although he sang in the Glee Club during our senior year, Pete did little else to distinguish himself in high school. Apparently he was saving his contributions to the world for his time on earth after graduation. Our Echowan quote for Pete was, "Very few can be trusted with an education." I guess we didn't realize how much good an education in St. Louis Park was for Peter Joing. He obviously became a great contributor to the lives of his sons, his grandchildren and his friends. Good Job, Pete!!