Joseph Hampl III

Mr. Joseph John Hampl, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Crosslake, Minnesota. Born on December 7, 1943, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Joe lived a life marked by service, leadership, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Joe graduated from Owatonna High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where he participated in the Army ROTC program. His commitment to service led him to a distinguished military career. As a Vietnam veteran and U.S. Army Ranger, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Joe’s military service was defined by courage and integrity—qualities that would continue to shape every chapter of his life.

After 3 years of active duty, Joe returned to teaching and served as a middle school principal until retiring in 2002. He began as a fifth-grade teacher and later became a middle school principal. In both roles, he brought the same dedication and principled leadership that had guided him through his military years. He believed deeply in shaping young minds and leading by example—values that left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.Throughout a career defined by grace, patience, and integrity, he served the public school districts of Mazeppa, Kasson-Mantorville, Jackson, and Crosby, Minnesota.

Joe was an active member in his community after retirement. He contributed his leadership skills, handyman traits and joy of conversation with the Pelican Lakes Association, 30 Lakes Watershed District, Kinship Partners, Northern Tracker Railroad Club and the Pelican Lake Yacht club.

Joe was a man who never sat still for long. He was always immersed in projects—woodworking, cutting wood, welding, plumbing—or tinkering with boats, boat lifts, docks, and model railroads. His love for boats and sailing was matched only by his willingness to pull kids behind the skiboat. Whether snowmobiling or shoveling a skating rink on Markee or waterskiing and jet-skiing on Pelican, Joe embraced every season with enthusiasm. He had an undeniable passion for “wind in your face” adventures and shared those moments generously with his family.

He was known for having a one-liner for every occasion—a quick wit that brought laughter into daily life. Joe’s knowledge seemed boundless; if he didn’t know something, you’d still believe he did. His hands were always busy building or fixing something—not just things but relationships, too.

Joe led with quiet strength and intentionality. Every decision he made came from a place of thoughtfulness and care. As a husband of 60 years to Joan (Sackreiter) Hampl, he exemplified loyalty and love. As a father to Lisa, Marc and Marla he parented with gentle firmness—always guiding with purpose and heart.

He cherished his role as Papa to Emma, Hanna, Ella, Norah, Brody and Devin. His legacy lives on through them—in their laughter on the water or snow-covered woods, in their curiosity about how things work, and in their understanding of what it means to live with integrity.

Joe is survived by his wife, Joan (Sackreiter) Hampl and his children Lisa Hampl-Hughes (Dan Kime), Marc (Nancy) Hampl and Marla Hampl (Karry Knoll). He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and their significant others. Emma Hughes (Colton Sherman), Hanna Kruse, Ella Kruse (Damien Taylor), Brody Hampl, Norah Hughes, Devin Hampl and bonus grandchildren Madeline and Jack Knoll.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Hampl Sr. and Lucille (Hastings) Hampl as well as his mother-in-law Margaret Sackreiter.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Whitefish at the Lakes Legacy Court and St. Croix Hospice for the tender care Joe received while away from home. During his most difficult journey with Parkinson’s and dementia, they provided the dignity, compassion and love he so truly deserved. We remain forever grateful to the caregivers who supported both Joe and our family through his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when friends, family and neighbors who loved him are able to gather together at the lake. Joe’s life was one of purpose—rooted in service to others and grounded by strong values. He was the anchor of his family and the neighbor everyone wished they had: dependable, kind-hearted, always ready with tools, stories, time and wisdom.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of how one life, lived fully, can touch so many others so deeply. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family kindly requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org ) or the Pelican Lakes Association (www.pelicanlakesassociation.org ). Joe would also be honored by those who choose to carry on his legacy through daily acts of kindness and good deeds for friends and neighbors.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.