Edina, MN - With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Joel Stegner, 76, of Edina, Minnesota, on June 11, 2026, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Joel was born in Appleton, Minnesota. He attended Appleton Public Schools and graduated from Appleton High School in 1967. He went on to attend Macalester College in St. Paul and later earned his master's degree from Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania.

Following additional graduate study, Joel returned to Minnesota and began a career in health care analytics and research. Over the years, he served as a Health Care Data Analyst and held positions with several respected health care organizations in the Twin Cities area. His work reflected both his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to improving the well-being of others.

Joel was a devoted and involved father. He treasured time with his children above all else. Whether coaching their teams, attending events, or offering encouragement, he gave his full heart to supporting them and took immense pride in their accomplishments. His children remember him as a loving, dedicated, and steadfast father.

Sports and music were lifelong passions. Joel fondly recalled countless hours of backyard basketball with his father, siblings, and neighborhood friends while growing up in Appleton. He played high school and college ball, continuing to play basketball, volleyball, and softball well into adulthood.

Music also brought him great joy. A man of faith, Joel was an active member of Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Edina, where he sang in the church choir. He also performed with the Dale Warland Festival Chorale, the Minnesota Chorale, and the Edina Chorale sharing his love of music with audiences throughout the community.

Joel was also a person who loved and supported others, and truly felt joy in witnessing other people's accomplishments. He was a devoted partner, loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose kindness and encouragement touched many lives. Having lost both of his parents at a young age, he placed special importance on family traditions and maintaining close connections among siblings, cousins, and extended family members.

In his later years, Joel found great satisfaction in gardening, cultivating a variety of heirloom tomatoes and peppers. He remained connected to his roots through his involvement in Macalester College and Appleton High School reunion planning efforts. He also served his community as a chair and member of the Edina Heritage Preservation Commission.

Joel especially cherished time spent with his loving partner, Mary. Together, they enjoyed day trips—often seeking out specialty Wisconsin cheese shops—and shared a mutual appreciation for good food, British television, reading, and conversation.

He was known for his love of fine cheeses, homemade pies, and the sweet treats thoughtfully prepared by family and friends.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jeanette Stegner, and by his aunt and uncle, Bobbie and Bob Bronson.

He is survived by his partner of more than fifteen years, Mary Jubenville; his children, Emily (Chad) Terefenko and Grant (Elizabeth Carmichael) Stegner; the mother of his children, LaGretta Lunde; his cherished grandchildren, Ryleigh, Thea, Locklyn, Ivy, and Tobyn; his siblings, Mike (Elaine Johnson) Stegner and Diane (Todd) Gerhardt; as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

A private family inurnment honoring Joel's life will take place at a later date in the Peace Garden at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Edina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation or Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Joel's memory.