Joseph A. Krall
Joseph Aaron Krall, 62, of Ely, died on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth after an unexpected health crisis. Memorials may be directed to American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd, Denver, CO 80221. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
Joseph was born on July 12, 1964, in Hastings, to James and Mary Louise Krall. He was a graduate of Hastings High School, attended Carleton College, and graduated from the Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His professional career centered on computer programming, especially developing the software for robots used in manufacturing.
Joe loved nature in all its forms. He cherished every bird call, wildlife sighting, drop of rain, the sound of waves, the shapes and configuration of leaves, and the beauty of every rock he viewed. His passion was tree planting where he took care and watched over all his seedlings as if they were his own offspring. He always breathed a sigh of relief when his plantings established themselves as healthy trees. Presently, his tree plantings range in size from one foot to twenty-five feet of thriving white and red pine trees, Norway and Colorado spruce, and “Ely” maples which were planted at his beloved White Iron cabin and property. Joe was a true northwoodsman who canoed throughout the BWCA and the Quetico, hiked countless wilderness trails, and was an avid gardener and fisherman.
Joe is survived by his mother, Mary Louise Krall Icenhour of Ely; brothers, David of Durham, N.C., and Daniel of Minneapolis and Ely; stepbrothers, Jim Icenhour (Linda) of Williamsburg, Va., and Ken Icenhour of Belmont, N.C.; stepsister, Janet Sandarg of Augusta, Ga.; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and cherished and dear friends, Holly Bertagnoli and Jerry Firth of Bloomington.
He was predeceased by his father, James Krall; stepfather, James Icenhour; paternal grandparents, Rudolph and Pauline Krall; maternal grandparents, Joe and Rose Mavetz; and maternal aunt, Rose Ann Mavetz Fritz.
