Chouinard, Joseph Michael

August 24, 1960 – August 3, 2018
Age 57 of Maplewood. Joseph died peacefully August 3rd surrounded by family at his Maple-wood home after surviving pancreatic cancer for 19 months. Survived by his wife of 26 years Connie, parents John and Joan Chouinard, siblings Dan Chouinard (John Sularz), Bill (Kristin) Chouinard, Renée (Thomas) Braun, Cathie (Vince) Hendren and Paul (Amy) Chouinard, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Musician first and foremost: pianist and piano teacher, trumpeter, composer, arranger and ensemble singer. Electrical design engineer by day. Runner and bicyclist. Gardener. Natural foodie. Pizzaiolo. Camping, canoeing and traveling companion to Connie, family and friends. Weather enthusiast. Electric car owner. Fun-loving husband, son, brother, uncle. Born August 24, 1960, the eldest of six musically-inclined children, his music studies began at age six with the arrival of a piano at the Richfield home. The family move to Lindstrom brought new music opportunities and Joe graduated valedictorian in 1979 from Chisago Lakes H.S, and later from St. John’s University with a B.S. in music with honors. Joe performed in bands, choirs and quartets his whole life, and released several albums of original songs and arrangements. A regular musician and parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis he contributed new music for worship. As a piano teacher he shared his love of music with a new generation. Celebration of Life Tuesday August 21st at 11:00AM at St. Joan of Arc Church 4537 3rd Ave. S. Mpls. Visitation one hour prior to service. Luncheon to follow. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for quality comfort care in Joe’s final weeks. Memorials preferred to the family, to be forwarded to Joe’s favorite social justice and environmental organizations. (Published in the Star Tribune on August 12, 2018).