Joseph Raymond Wurst, 80, of rural Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at his home.

He was born Dec. 21, 1936, in Steele County, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Anna (Jirele) Wurst. He attended Blooming Prairie High School, and on Oct. 23, 1955, he married Shirley Cox in Hollandale, Minnesota. The couple raised four children. Joseph served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1956. He made his living as a jobber for the Standard Oil Company, later Amoco. Joseph belonged to First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie and was active in many community organizations including the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the American Legion. Farming was his hobby, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Joseph enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and was an avid fan of the Blooming Prairie football team. He was a stock car driver for many years and enjoyed watching NASCAR races. His many travels took him to Germany, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Mexico, England, the Bahamas, and several trips to Branson.  Joe and Shirley spent winters in Gold Canyon, Arizona for ten years. Joseph was proud to have lived within two miles of Blooming Prairie his entire life.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Wurst of rural Blooming Prairie; his children, Randy Wurst of Blooming Prairie, Dani (Barb) Wurst of Faribault, Minnesota, Sheryl (Ken) Gorman of Austin, Minnesota, and Tim (Tammy) Wurst of Blooming Prairie; nine grandchildren, Jenny Nelson, Nikki Nelson, Stephanie Gorman, Tiffany Wurst, Joe Wurst, Kayla Gorman, Isaac Gorman, Samantha Wurst and Taylor Wurst; six great-grandchildren; sisters Adeline Frey of Owatonna, Minnesota, Berniece (Jerry) Loew of Blooming Prairie; and sister-in-law, Loretta Wurst of Blooming Prairie. Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred, Edmond, and Wilfred Wurst; his sisters, Evelyn Balzer, Albina Stebbins, and Helen Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Jeff Sandgren officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. There will be a Masonic prayer service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, following the visitation at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the First Lutheran Church Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 52 and V.F.W. Post 878.

Memorials to First Lutheran Church or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.