Joel F. Porter, 66

Joel F. Porter, age 66, the always generous and ever loving family man and devoted countryman, drove one last route to be reunited eternally with his daughter and parents on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017.
He was born and began his life of quiet determination on December 16, 1950 to William & Marian (Shannon) Porter in Waterloo, IA. He was the eldest of their three children and the older brother to Kim & Bruce. The three of them created the perfect circle of intellectual wisdom, artistic talent and physical strength combined with the love that can only be passed down by good parental guidance, work ethic & faith. He attended Hudson High School and had a strong willingness to read & learn as much as he could. He truly enjoyed his time in Future Farmers of America and graduating in 1969. After learning how to love & care for family, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he learned courage & honor for his country through military service just as the previous generations before him. The Navy was an life changing experience for him as the typical Midwestern boy found himself on the other side of the world and while stationed in Manila, Philippines which is where he met his sweetheart, Rosario, known to many as, “Sally”. They were married December 2nd, 1972. While stationed in Manila, they gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Rosana Elizabeth, on March 2, 1974. She made the Porter family bond stronger as family in Iowa had to wait to see her. In 1977, after being stationed in Singapore, they gave birth to their first son, Shannon William, on October 26.
After being honorably discharged after 12 years in the Navy, he moved his family and left North Chicago, IL to Weaver, MN. Here is where Joel began his journey to care for his family. Eventually, they gave birth to their second son, Gregory Alan, on September 23, 1989. Weaver was also where he began a logging business, then drove for Zabel Trucking in Plainview, MN along with runs for Philipps Bus Service in Winona, MN and eventually becoming an independent owner-operator OTR driver. One of his favorite routes was taking the Steam Calliope to the annual Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, LA. as that’s where the saints go marching in.
Joel lived his life with a “family first” attitude and was never hesitant to help others, from friends to strangers, in any way he could. He touched & changed many lives with many most likely never knowing he did. He was an intelligent man with an even larger giving heart. Still giving after passing, he was able to provide 4 donor gifts to the University of Minnesota to help those in need and to further medical research.
Joel was survived by his always loving wife, Rosario, two sons Shannon (Shannon) Porter of Winona, MN & two grandchildren that he adored and would do anything for - Micah & Chloe Rose and Gregory (fiancé Kiersten) of Winona, MN, siblings Kim Porter of Waterloo, IA and Bruce Porter of Mason City, IA and niece Kristin (Neil) Petersen of Waterloo, IA and Daniel (Mary) Porter and their child, Olivia Rose of Mason City, IA. Many extended family members still reside in Iowa & Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rosana, his parents William & Marian Porter and in-laws, Gabino & Ana Maranguez. 
The family will hold a memorial service at a future date. He will be eternally placed next to Rose & his loving parents at Hudson Cemetery in Hudson, IA at a later date. Cards & condolences may be sent to: Joel Porter family, 1217 W 4th St, Winona MN 55987. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com