Joey Jon Townsend passed away from cancer on May 21, 2018.

Townsend, Joey Jon lived in Plymouth, MN. He was born in Minneapolis on Mar. 10, 1940 to Joseph & Mabel (Johnson) Townsend, and died May 21, 2018 surrounded by family. Joey grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota where he excelled at football and hockey, playing in the state high school hockey tournament his senior season (1958). After our graduation Joey played football at Hamline University before joining the Army and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

He then enrolled at St. Cloud State College where he earned his B.S. in 1968 and M.S. (Education) in 1971 and finished by earning his Education Specialist Degree. While at SCSC, he also met his first wife Macki and started a family. He was a member of the 1967 St. Cloud Rockets Men's National Amateur Championship hockey team. Joey taught in the Minnetonka school system, first at Excelsior Elementary where he met his second wife Kathy, and then at Minnetonka High School, where he also coached both hockey (boys and girls) and golf.

Joey had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and golf. He enjoyed the camaraderie at his retirement job at Deer Run Golf Course. He knew everyone. He was an active member of American Legion Post 580 (Chanhassen) where he proudly served in the Color Guard. In 2017, Joey was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award for contributions to Rotary International, even though he was not a member. This was an unexpected honor. Joey treasured his many connections and his life-long friends. He had a wry sense of humor and was always ready with a one-liner. He kept this sense of humor to the end. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles Townsend (Gretchen), sister Ruth Ann Thorpe (Jim), & second wife Kathy Townsend. Joey is survived by three sons: Andrew (Jane), Gregory (Tammie), and Christopher. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Lucas, Noe, Ava, Jaye, Jack, Ema, George, and bonus grandchild Audrey; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the mother of his boys, Macki Townsend. He will also be greatly missed by his four-legged companions, Jethro and Zeva.

Thanks are expressed to the staff at Frauenshuh Cancer Center, especially Dr. Menge, Joan, and Laurie, all of whom cared for Joey during his last days. To his hospice caregivers Heather, Beno, Jac and Lisa, Joey's family gives a big "thank you" so much for your compassionate care in helping Joey fulfill his wish of staying at home to the end. HIs entire family, and our graduating Class of 1958, is going to miss Joey Townsend. 

As per Joey's wishes, there will be no formal services.