Joseph Kala Waiwaiole, Jr, “Pineapple” and “Butchie Boy”, 82, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away on April 13, 2023. Joe was born March 28, 1941, to Joseph Kala Waiwaiole and Mary Hiiaka Ka’ua in Honolulu, Hawaii. He spent his youth as a beach boy, surf instructor, and outrigger canoe racer in Waikiki. In 1962 he met Sharon Mae (Erickson) Waiwaiole and had three children. He left the islands and moved to Minneapolis Minnesota where he was a journeyman mailer at the StarTribune and retired from there in 2001 after 30 years of service. He then relocated to Round Rock Texas to be near his youngest son and family. While visiting his niece Kehaulani Harris and her husband Kirk Akina in Las Vegas, Nevada to celebrate his 82nd birthday, he suffered a stroke, cardiac arrest, and died. Our appreciation to Summerlin Hospital ICU medical staff for their superb care during his last two weeks of life!
Throughout his life Joe was in numerous sports clubs, leagues, and on teams including boating, bowling, racquetball, sailing, skateboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Joe coached multiple youth and adult teams for Bloomington Fire Dept, Hamline University, Lakeville and Stillwater High Schools, and other recreation leagues. He played bass guitar, sang, and danced for the Kanikapila Hawaiian dance and music club and was also a volunteer firefighter in Bloomington, as well as a volunteer Water Patrol Deputy Sheriff for Hennepin County.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jean (Waiwaiole) Brown and Abbie (Waiwaiole) Havre. He is survived by children Brent (Linda), Wendy, and Joel Waiwaiole; grandchildren Jordan (Lani), Bethany, and Noah Waiwaiole, Guthrie Pritchard, and Mary Elizabeth, Caroline, Edythe, and Ruth Waiwaiole; great grandchildren Ezekiel, Joanna, and Eden Waiwaiole. He is also survived by adored nieces, nephews, cousins, his beach boys and sports families, and several cherished friends.
Services will be determined after cremation and announced at a future date.
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Dearest YY’s-
I remember first meeting Joe “Pineapple” at the Star/Trib in 1990. I appreciated Grandpa Joe’s playful interaction with the grandkids.
I am sorry for the families loss and always continue prayerfully in heart and love for you all.
David Pritchard
My heart is so very sad hearing of the passing of Unko Joe.
I am so thankful for the good (some bitter-sweet) times I was blessed to spend with him & my Mom, Jean.
Hearing him ‘talk story’ with ‘the sistas’ – singing, playing, laughing- will always be treasured memories.
Oh how I will miss hearing him say, “This Uncle, just calling to say Love you guys” & hearing that wonderful infectious laugh of his. I had hoped to see him one more time….
I will continue to pray for GOD’S comfort and peace for Brent, Joel, Wendy and the family.
Aloha Oe & ho’omaluhia my dear sweet Uncle-Your beautiful Aloha spirit lives on!
Mahalo & aloha nui loa,
Maile