Dale Ronald Joecks

DALE RONALD JOECKS, age 88, passed away on May 12, 2026 at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Richland, where he received wonderful care.

Dale was born in Waseca on February 28, 1938, the youngest son of Erich and Elizabeth (Schoenrock) Joecks of New Richland. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Waldorf, where he was baptized and confirmed. He grew up on the family farm near Waldorf where he helped his parents farm. When he was old enough, he took a job hauling grain. In 1956, he graduated from Waldorf High School.

On September 7, 1958, he married Judith Kay Lorig, daughter of Elwin (Bud) and Darlene (McKeighan) Lorig at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waseca. They made their first home in Waseca, where Dale was employed by Patton Chevrolet. A true car enthusiast, Dale thoroughly enjoyed his time selling cars at Patton. Dale also worked at Corchran, Inc. in Waseca, which he loved reminiscing about. We think he had a lot of fun at Corchran’s.

In the fall of 1960, Dale and Judy moved to the home farm, planted their first crop that spring, and continued farming until retiring in 2018. After retirement, he still enjoyed helping with tillage until age 80. Their son Todd and his family moved to the home farm in 2004 where they lovingly operate this now third generation farm.

Dale liked to travel but liked getting home even better. Dale and Judy enjoyed a number of great company trips around the world with customers, fellow dealers and friends during his time selling seed for Super Crost. The time he spent with his family, whether it was a road trip to CA, or a trip to the Dairy Queen, was what he enjoyed the most.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Joecks of New Richland; children, Becky Joecks of Sioux Falls, SD, Todd (Denise) Joecks of New Richland, Gail Joecks of St. Louis Park; one grandchild, Lucas Joecks; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erich and Elizabeth Joecks; sister, Leona Collins; brothers, Luverne Joecks, Kenneth Joecks; granddaughter, Elizabeth Moen; mother and father-in-law, Elwin and Darlene Lorig; sisters-in-law, Loretta Joecks, Leola Joecks, Nancy Lorig; brothers-in-law, Orville Collins, Douglas Lorig, and Philip Lorig; and nephew, Curtis Collins.

Visitation for Dale will be from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf. Burial will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in Waldorf. 

Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church of Waldorf, MN in Dale’s honor