Joel Taylor

Joel Taylor
Joel Taylor, was 73 years of age when he passed away very unexpectedly on Saturday, April 2, 2016 in Tucson, AZ.  A Celebration of Life service was held at Tucson Estates on April 10th. 
Joel Taylor was born on April 25, 1942 to Joel Richard and Delores (Weiss) Taylor in Clearwater, Florida.  He moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota with his mother at the age of 3.  He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School continuing on to Bemidji State where he received his teaching degree.   While student teaching in International Falls, he met Sharlyn Sampson.  They were united in marriage on August 1, 1964 and enjoyed 51 years together.  Joel was offered the teaching position in Benson, Minnesota where he taught art for 36 years until he retired in 2000.
Joel was the oldest of four siblings.  During his years growing up, Joel pursued numerous areas of interest from fishing to ham radio operator to parakeet breeder.  He also worked a wide variety of jobs from Theatre projection operator to night watchman.  His willingness to embrace new challenges continued all through his life. Joel will be remembered as an unselfish and generous man, always willing to help anyone in need.  He enjoyed working outside and spending time with family and friends.
In his retirement, Joel and Sharlyn spent a majority of the year in Tucson, AZ.   They would return after the last snowfall and leave prior to the first snowfall in the fall. During the summertime, he spent as much time as possible with his four grandchildren helping to develop their interests and teaching them new life skills. 
Joel is survived by this wife, Sharlyn and their children and grandchildren: Kimberly (Chad) Saterbak and their children Johnathan (Katie) Saterbak and Thomas Saterbak of Benson, MN and Kevin (Stacy) Taylor and their children, Mitchell and Anna Taylor of Waconia, MN.  Joel’s three siblings:  Douglas (Mary) Gandrud of Duluth, MN, Ellen (Walt) Pachucki of Bishop, CA, and Lynnette (Skip) Rapp of Leesburg, FL; and several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his great nephew, Benjamin, and several aunts and uncles.
The family wants to extend our appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers we have received during this time period.  We, as a family, will be setting up the Joel Taylor Art Scholarship Fund to continue his passion of art to another generation.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the scholarship fund.  Joel’s daughter Kimberly Saterbak can be contacted with any questions.