Joseph “Joe” Engel Brigston, 59, of Albert Lea passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at his home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Final disposition will take place at a later date.

Joe was born Jan. 27, 1960, in Sacramento, California, to Harry and Helen (Kraushaar) Brigston. Growing up a military brat, the United States Air Force moved the Brigston family all over the country for much of Joe’s adolescence. The Brigstons moved to Albert Lea and Joe graduated from high school in 1978.

Joe worked various factory jobs, but most notably, he worked for Streater in Albert Lea for over 20 years. At 57 years old, Joe decided to pursue his lifelong desire to become a truck driver. He took his truck driving courses at Riverland Community College in Austin and had since worked for Norsemen Trucking Inc. Joe’s kindness was exemplified by his willingness to help others get ahead in life. After finishing truck driving school, Joe started the foundation Truckers Supporting Future Truckers with the goal to provide financial assistance to other students in the program.

Joe enjoyed fishing and hunting, watching sports and the History Channel, playing in softball and pool leagues, and — most of all — spending time with his grandkids. He was also an active member of the Eagles. Joe will be remembered for his jokes and humor, as well as his stubborn personality.

Joe is survived by his daughters and their families: Malissa (Nicholas) Nesse and children Alexis and Evan, and Heather Brigston (James Harris) and children Havana, Miya, Arianna and Brooklyn; his stepson, Derek Sorenson, and Derek’s son, Colin. Joe is also survived by his mother, Helen Brigston, and the mother of his children, Sheryl Sorenson.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Harry Brigston; his paternal grandparents Engel and Olga (Sletten) Brigston; and his maternal grandparents Joseph and Stella (Jensen) Kraushaar.