Joseph Hernandez

Joseph David Hernandez, age 69, passed away peacefully at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN on Sunday, July 13, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on June 19, 1956 in Minneapolis, MN to his loving mother Fermina Hernandez. One of ten siblings, Joe often spoke about the memories, meals and laughter that filled their house growing up. He carried those traditions into his adult life, always prioritizing spending time with his entire family, including hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas every year.

He married his wife Sharon (Majerus) at St. Mary’s Church in Bellechester, MN on April 24, 1982 after meeting during softball where they made many lifelong friends. They lived a life full of love and laughter before welcoming their first child, Jennifer on October 15, 1985, followed by their second child Brandon on June 25, 1988. Together they built a life centered around family at their home in Maple Grove, MN. They enjoyed many weekend drives with no planned destination, often stopping at stores to find the best deal, and trips up north. Joe loved any opportunity to share a celebratory meal, or try out a new restaurant with his family. They also established many annual traditions that were highlights of his year, like family day at the Minnesota State Fair, and flower shopping in the spring. And most specially, Sunday family days at home - always ensuring they could be with one another as often as possible, even in the fall during his beloved Minnesota Vikings season.

Joe dedicated his life to his community, by serving as a Paramedic for nearly 45 years at North Memorial Health and Ridgeview Medical Center. Continuing his certification into retirement to share his wealth of knowledge as a teacher at St. Cloud and North Hennepin technical colleges and also doing CPR education sessions. He was always so proud of the work he did as a paramedic, helping people, saving lives and even welcoming babies into the world. He made many lifelong friends throughout his career and spoke so fondly of them always. He also went to college to be certified as a computer programmer and spent a few years doing just that at Lawson Software. Aside from his full-time professional career, he was quite the entrepreneur–owning many businesses throughout his life. From medical service companies to hair salons and a bagel shop, he did it all.

Joe knew everyone. It was a common joke that in any room he walked into, someone would know him–and it was true. He was also the biggest funny-man, it was nearly impossible to talk to him without being on the receiving end of his humor. And it didn’t matter who you were, he’d always find a way to lovingly pick on you and make you laugh. He also loved spending time with his friends. Every year he looked forward to the big Crappie Kill fishing weekend at The Villaruhe in Crosslake, MN. He loved hanging at the neighbor’s garage, and the guys’ weekly golf outings.

And one thing you can only hope to have experienced were Joe’s Tacos. They were legendary. Along with all his other made-from-scratch Mexican food. He would proudly host an annual Taco party that was the hottest ticket in town–and everyone was invited. 

Joe is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Jennifer and son Brandon (Jonny), his siblings Bob (Sandy) Hernandez, Barb Frane, Phil (Mary) Hernandez, Terry Roberts, Michael Hernandez (Desiree), sisters-in-law Rita Martinez, Laurel Hernandez and Debbie Voight, brother-in-law Glenn Stelling, and nieces and nephews, Nicki Martinez, Brian Jennings, Meghan Gatzmer, Lisa Dempster, Chris Wolyniec, LaTawnie Nigon, James Hernandez, Marissa Hernandez, Rachel Linde, David Voight, Justin Roberts, Jason Roberts, Josh Roberts, Amber Schmitz, and Shane Hernandez along with many other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Fermina Hernandez, brothers Tom Martinez, Rick Hernandez and Steve Voight, and sister Gloria Stelling.

There will be a Visitation held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4-8 PM at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37Th Ave N., Plymouth. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, 7180 Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove. Visitation also 1 hour prior to Mass at church.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Totino-Grace High School, where he graduated from. Joe cherished his time there and it would mean so much to him.

His love, compassion, generosity and humor will be missed by so many.