Joseph Leo Gleason

Joseph Leo Gleason, age 69 of Waseca, MN passed away on July 4, 2026, at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center in Waseca, MN.

Joseph was born on August 3, 1956, to Raymond and Marjorie (Lux) Gleason at the Waseca Memorial Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, MN. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Waseca High School in 1974.

He attended vocational school and worked at Brown Printing for a short time before beginning a career with the railroad from 1979 through 2008, until health reasons caused him to retire.

Joe was an outdoorsman, loving fishing the most; especially time spent at their cabin on Pine Mountain Lake in Backus. He knew every hot spot on the lakes locally and could point it out on a map in a split second. He also enjoyed walking the trails at Maplewood Park with his dog, Rufus.

He is survived by his siblings, Susie (Neil) Hovelsrud, Donald (Peggy) Gleason, and Jerry (Joette) Gleason; love of his life, Shirley Tangen and her 2 children and 10 grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, close friends, and his beloved dog, Rufus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jeanne (Don) Manke; and nephew Jacob Gleason.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1 - 4 PM at Starfire, 204 2nd Street SW, Waseca, MN. Please use the west entrance.