Joel Dale Johnson, 45, of rural Blooming Prairie, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at the family farm. He was born May 11, 1962, to Dale and Karen (Olsen) Johnson in Austin. A lifelong resident of the Austin/Blooming Prairie area, Joel was active in the Newry 4-H Club and Blooming Prairie Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1981 and from Albert Lea Vo-Tech in 1984. He married Brenda Diggins on June 12, 1999, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin. He was employed by K & K Fabrication and a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Association. He especially enjoyed raising and showing Belgian horses. He took extra pride in his six-horse hitch. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family and hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda; his parents, Karen and Dale Johnson of Austin; a brother, Robert (Kathie) Johnson of Sioux City, Iowa; step daughter, Kendall (Taylor) Hansen of St. Ansgar, Iowa; step son, Kyle Diggins of Austin; two step grandchildren, Jolene and Blair; parents-in-law, Verdon and Mona Olson of Spring Grove; one aunt, Kathy Palmer of Rochester; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery, rural Austin. Memorials are preferred to donors&8217; choice.