Joel Christianson

Joel A. Christianson, age 68, of Lake Mills, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his wife and daughters, following a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Visitation for Joel will be held 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Schott Funeral Home, Lake Mills. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating with a visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the church. A fellowship lunch will follow the funeral service.

The son of Clarence “Kelly” and Dorothy (Knudtson) Christianson, Joel was born on January 21, 1958 in Forest City, Iowa. He grew up near Thompson, Iowa before transplanting to Lake Mills where he graduated high school in 1976 and lived the remainder of his life.

On August 22, 1987, Joel and Marlys Lau were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church in Northwood, Iowa. Marlys joined Joel and his two daughters Brook and Toni, and later together had daughters, Jill and Amber.

Joel worked at Fleetguard Filtration/Cummins in Lake Mills for 33 years working his way up to Tool & Die Maker. He later worked at Midway Tooling Technologies in Lake Mills until his retirement.

He adored his children and grandchildren and loved attending their sporting and show choir events. In addition to bowling, golfing, and attending local car races, Joel enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, spending time with loved ones and supporting the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), where he cherished the friendships and connections he made over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Marlys; daughters Brook (Mathew) Christianson of Lake Mills, Toni (Jared) Nicol of Johnston, IA, Jill Christianson of Rochester, MN, Amber (Anthony) Christianson of Mankato, MN; grandchildren Kit, Dottie, and Betsy Byars; Jate, Sadie, and Audrey Nicol; Wade, Link, Aven, and Jace Poepping; brothers, Greg (Joyce) Christianson of Baxter, IA, Leon Christianson of Mason City, IA, Eric (Kathy) Christianson of Lake Mills, and Jay (Kara) Christianson, Wells, MN; brother-in-law Tim (Sandra) Penny of Owatonna, MN; sister-in-law, Jody Christianson of Lake Mills; Jane Christianson of Lake Mills; brothers-in-law, Rollin (Barb) Lau of Lakeville, MN, Luane (Susan) Lau of Glenville, MN, and Orlan (Mary) Lau of Lake Mills; sisters-in-law, Sharry (Dave) Watkins of Austin, MN, and Jeanne (Joe) Cafourek of Rochester, MN; and dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents, sister Barb Penny, and brother Tom Christianson.

Schott Funeral Homes-Mittelstadt Chapel has been entrusted to care for Joel and his family.