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Joseph R. Pinney, 78

Oct 20, 2023

Blue Earth – Joseph Ralph Pinney, age 78, of Blue Earth, passed away Tuesday, Oct 3, 2023 at Mayo Hospital, Mankato. He was born Ralph Rue Whalin in McAlester, Oklahoma on Oct. 1, 1945 to Ralph and Dale Whalin. At the age of nine he and his father were in a collision with a gravel truck resulting in the death of his father. Joe suffered head injuries and spent three weeks in a coma. In 1956 Joe’s mom married Glen Pinney and they moved to Winnebago. Shortly after, Glen adopted Joe and his two sisters. His name was then changed to Joseph Ralph Pinney.

Joe continued his school years in Winnebago, graduating in 1963. He attended Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis for Drafting and Baking.

In 1972 he married June Pitcher and later divorced.

Over the years he lived in several southern states. Despite living in Minnesota the majority of his life, the south always held a special place in his heart. He always considered himself an “Okie.”

Joe was active in the Masons, Oddfellows, Sportsman Club, Kiwanis, and the First Presbyterian Church.

He enjoyed bowling, golf, collecting antiques, of which he had many unique items. He loved reading and had an extensive book collection. He spent many hours sketching meticulous geometric designs and animated characters. He also loved playing cards, cribbage, and dominoes with family and friends.

He is survived by three sisters, Barb (Harvey) Dontje, of Winnebago, Deb (Daryl) Long, of Farmington, Lynda Kaduce, of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sandy Nolting; and brother, Bruce Pinney.

An open house in memory of Joe will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, from 2-4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, Winnebago.

Burial will be held at Rosehill Cemetery at a later date.