"Caroline and Family, I read about your father's passing recently and would like to express my condolences. I remember your father quite well from the few occurrences we had when meeting for parent conferences, your graduation party and your wedding. He was always gracious, friendly and sincere. He was obviously a genuinely kind human being as he passed on his positive traits to his wonderful daughter. He made the world a better place to inhabit and I wish you well as you move forward. My regards to your family. Peace."
In loving memory of
Joel Worra
June 24, 1945 - December 11, 2021
Joel Bruce Worra, 76, of Rochester, Minn. died on December 11, 2021 at Benedictine Madonna Towers in Rochester. Joel was born on June 24, 1945 to parents Luther Krueger and Doris (Stafford) Worra in South Haven, Michigan.
He grew up in Bangor, Michigan, spent his summers in Rushford, Minnesota, and graduated from college at Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math. He married Margaret Glenna on August 12, 1967 in Peterson, Minnesota. They lived in Trempealeau, Wisconsin where their daughter Caroline was born. Joel taught math/science and coached football/basketball at Trempealeau and Galesville schools. Joel, Margaret, and Caroline moved to Onalaska, WI in 1978 and he worked at The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as an Academic Computing Consultant. In 1985, Joel began working at The Mayo Clinic as a computer programmer in the medical research department. He commuted daily from Onalaska, WI to Rochester, MN for three years while Caroline finished high school, and then Joel and Margaret moved to Rochester in 1988. He continued working at Mayo, ultimately being promoted to Senior Computer Programming Analyst in Medical Research, and retired in 2011.
Joel was always involved with church, singing in church choirs, directing choirs and youth groups, and acting in plays, as a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Trempealeau, First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, and Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. He grew up active in sports and music. He played trumpet in his school bands, played and taught guitar lessons, and studied piano for 12 years. He continued to sing and play guitar/piano throughout his entire life, often singing duets and trios with Margaret and Caroline in church. In his free time, Joe loved cars, and enjoyed building a kit car replica of a 1939 Jaguar with his brothers, which he drove for many years. Joel and Margaret enjoyed traveling together, and often traveled to watch Caroline sing in choirs and operas all over the world.
He will be forever remembered as the kindest and most caring person, always putting others needs before his own. He was the perfect role model for his daughter and protector and best friend for his wife. A truly good man that was greatly admired by all that knew him.
Joel is survived by his wife, Margaret Worra and daughter, Caroline Worra (son-in-law Kreg Gotschall) who live in Stamford, CT. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Richard, William, and John.
A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, Minnesota. Pastor Jason Burggraff will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the 11:00 service followed by lunch in Fellowship Hall. Due to COVID-19, masks will be required and social distancing observed. Memorials suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church music & drama departments.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Worra family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Sending sympathy to the Worra family from the Onalaska Angler family. "
"Margaret and Caroline, I just read of Joel's death. The 3 of you added so much joy through your involvement at First Lutheran. I treasure those memories and am thankful for the 3 of you. You are thought of often when I drive by your former house on Main Street. I am sorry I didn't know of the funeral in time to attend. My sympathy to you both. You will be in my prayers. May God's peace sustain you as your journey forth. Carol Peterson"
"Margaret and Caroline, I was a student of Joel's at Trempealeau Junior high (1969 - 1971) and then at Galesville high school. He was also my football coach. He was a very caring man. I always had the highest respect for him as he always hoped for the best from his students and athletes. He was a very good person. Please except my sincere and heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. Donald Wagner "
"Margaret and Caroline , ,We send our sincere and heartfeldt sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. I was sad to hear of Joel's passing. I worked with Joel for 20 years on the Clinical Research Unit. I have never known a more heartwarming, easy going, kind, caring, and compassionate man. I admired his kind and gentle spirate. I learned so much from his patient teaching skills. I am sorry I am not able to attend the funeral, as i am out of town at another funeral at this time. We hold ypu and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and comfort holdng onto the wonderful memories he has left for you. Peace be to Joel's memory. Kathy Nardinger"
"So sorry to hear of your husband and father's passing. It was so nice visiting with the family when Caroline recently sang at Viterbo. Please accept my sincere condolences. "
"I still remember the first time I met and spoke to Joel. I remember thinking he has the kindest and warmest smiles and despite feeling unwell, he tried to stand up and was most sincere. I felt privileged to be able to meet him and Margaret during my short trip. My deepest condolences. Sophie Huang"
"Uncle Joe was a kind, warm and sometimes mischievous presence whenever I got to see him and Aunt Margaret. As a teen, I remember playing the card game Hearts with him when we were all together to see Caroline sing. He taught me a trick that I still use to intimidate and annoy other players :) Uncle Joe reminded me of my grandpa (his brother Bill) so much. I will really miss him."
"Margaret and Caroline,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Joel at the Clinical Research Center and will never forget him. He was the most patient, kind and understanding person I have ever met. When you look up the definition of a teacher, it should say, "see Joel". I am a better person for having known him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May you memories of him bring you comfort and peace. -Peggy Helwig"
"Dear Margaret and Carolyn, I remember you and Joel well, Margaret, as my husband, Dave, taught with Joel at Trempealeau and Galesville. I remember teacher social gatherings and also being newlyweds as were you and Joel. My deepest condolences on Joel's death. May beautiful memories and God's Grace help you through this time! Blessings, Sue Lund"
"Margaret, Caroline and Kreg. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Joel was such an amazing colleague and friend. I worked alongside Joel for several years, learning so many things from him, not only professionally, but also personally, and by the way he lived his life, with true compassion and consideration for others. I don't think I've ever met such a patient and kind individual. He loved you both with his whole heart, and was quick to share how proud he was to be your husband and father. I'm so sorry I won't be able to attend in person, but will remember him and you in my thoughts and prayers this season. - Tammy Eickhoff "
"I worked with Joel for many years in the Clinical Research Center. He was an amazing colleague - always willing to patiently listen, answer a question (for the umpteenth time) or troubleshoot a problem. His warm smile and quick wit brightened many days. I?m disappointed I?m unable to attend the service and send my sincere sympathy to his beloved wife Margaret and daughter Caroline. Joel beamed when he spoke about both of you and It was obvious to everyone that you were the loves of his life. Sharing in your sorrow ? Marylee Campion"