Joel Sires

Joel R. Sires, 75, of New Albin, died Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his home in New Albin. Funeral services were held Monday, September 25 at the New Albin Community Center with Pastor Sedar Wembonyama officiating. Burial with military honors was at the New Albin City Cemetery.

Joel Raymond Sires was born August 27, 1942 in New Albin, the son of Raymond and Gladys (Zarwell) Sires. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Methodist Church in New Albin and graduated from New Albin High School in 1960. Joel served in the United States Army from 1968 until 1970 during Vietnam. July 27, 1968, he married Sharon Huntington at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in La Crosse, WI. Joel owned and operated Sires Oil Company in New Albin.

Joel was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Men's Prayer Breakfast, VFW, American Legion, American Motorcycle Association, and the NRA. He loved music; Joel enjoyed playing his trumpet and for many years sang for funerals and weddings. Joel also enjoyed motorcycles, whether it was riding and working on them or reading about them. He liked racing cars, going to car shows, collecting firearms, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of New Albin; a son, Joel Raymond (Nicole) Sires, Jr. of New Albin; a granddaughter, Brenna Jo Torgeson; a grandson, Dawson James Sires; two brothers, Lynn (Janice Timm) Sires of Houston, MN and Jan (Mary) Sires of Boulder, CO; and a sister, Jane Young of Dresbach, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Honorary casketbearer was Trish Young. Casketbearers were Joel Jr., Dawson, Jan, Lynn and Steve Sires, and John Huntington.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.