Joseph Leo Stavnes

August 15, 1947 – March 13, 2023

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FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Joseph Leo Stavnes, 75, passed away March 13, 2023, at his Fort Collins home with his beloved family by his side. Joe was born Aug. 15, 1947, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to Sigurd and Aileen (Brockamp) Stavnes. Joe graduated high school in Timber Lake, South Dakota in 1965 and was quickly drafted by the U.S. Army in 1966. He served honorably from October 1966 to October 1968 as an artilleryman. Joe was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. 

Upon returning from Vietnam, Joe married the love of his life, Judy Olson. The Stavnes lovebirds were fortunate to have over 53 years together, resulting in three grateful daughters. Joe devoted his heart and soul to his family. He was the kind of man who truly made his loved ones feel so special and that they were his “favorite.”

Joe will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his wife, Judy; his three daughters – Shawn (Andy) Willson, Jodi Fullmer and Michele (Scott) Bullock; six grandchildren – Caitlin (Ben) Nation, Brandon (Hailey) Willson, Ryan (Derica) Fullmer, Jordan Fullmer and Tagg and Jesse Bullock; three great-grandchildren – Rowen and Remington Nation and Henry Willson; three brothers – Guy (Diane), Mark (Nora) and George (Heidi) Stavnes.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews and a baby sister at infancy.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service and burial will follow this spring in South Dakota.