Joel Thomas Dye

Joel T. Dye, of Anoka was born in Soudan, Minnesota on July 30th 1935, and passed away at the age of 89 on March 25th, 2025.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Hildur Dye; siblings Maurice, David, Barbara and James, and his wife, Shirley Dye. Survived by sibling, Amy; sons, Doug and Mike (Jill) Dye; daughter, Susan Glinsek; Grandchildren, Brittni (Preston), McHale (Kayla) and Nan (Rishi); Great Grandchild, Elliana.

Joel was a true Minnesota Iron Ranger. His father, Ray, even worked in the Soudan mine. Joel had a love for sports. He played football, basketball, baseball and track, even throwing discus and shotput. Joel loved the outdoors, much like his father. He always said, “fishing is a lot of fun if you catch fish.” He grew up exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and spent a lot of time on Lake Vermillion. After High School Joel joined the Navy and went to sonar school. His home port was Pearl Harbor in 1955 and was a part of the anti-submarine destroyer’s division. He then attended college at UMD, then Hibbing Jr. College, then Bemidji State University where he played on the football team winning the NSIC Championships in 1957 and 1959. The team was inducted into the Bemidji State Hall of Fame.

It was at BSU where he met and married his wife, Shirley (Collins). They both became teachers afterwards. Joel taught mathematics and physical education. He finished his master’s degree in mathematics and became a math teacher at Fred Moore Junior High and Anoka High School where he also coached football & track. He also started and coached the cross-country skiing team for Anoka High School. One year, during his teaching career, Joel traded jobs with a gentleman in Connecticut and the whole family was able to experience living there for a year. An adventure they’ll always remember. After retirement, Joel & Shirley spent the winters in Surprise Arizona, in a lovely place called Happy Trails, where they spent their days enjoying time with friends in the sun and playing golf.

Joel thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and was able to see everyone, kids and grandkids very frequently. The family went on many trips all together and created the best experiences and memories. Joel lived a full, long and happy life surrounded by his loving family and many close friends. The impact he had on the community of Anoka will be remembered always.

Joel’s visitation is on Tuesday, April 1st 2025 at 10:00am at Zion Lutheran Church,1601 S 4th Ave, Anoka, followed by the funeral and lunch starting at 11:00am.