Joe’s Story

Site created on August 14, 2018


As many of you know, Joe has been experiencing a variety of neurological symptoms ever since mid-May.  It all started with extreme headaches, then to balance issues, and then to vision issues.  Meanwhile, while visiting with many doctors and professionals, we were struggling to find answers.  Joe spent 10 days in the ICU in St. Cloud in the middle of July to get a temporary shunt (or as Joe called it, his "brain drain") placed in his brain to drain his cerebrospinal fluid for him, as pressure was increasing and his ventricles were swelling.  After that stay, they sent us home still not knowing what was causing all of this, with hopes that he would slowly start to improve.  However, a week later, we found ourselves back in the hospital after his pressure and hydrocephalus had increased again.  This time they put another temporary shunt in, with plans to place a permanent shunt in his brain a few days following.  The doctors had also noticed a lesion that was growing on the left side of his cerebellum that they wanted to monitor.   On Monday, August 6, Joe had that permanent shunt placed in the right side of his brain that travels all the way down to his abdomen.  On Tuesday, August 7, Joe had a biopsy done of that spot on his cerebellum.  

Monday, August 13 brought us to our much-anticipated visit at Mayo for some second opinions.  We received some very tough news that day that Joe has been diagnosed with brain cancer.   We are all joining forces to get through this very difficult time, and praying for strength, support, and most of all -- time.    We appreciate all of the prayers you've got.  Much love to you all. 

Newest Update

Funeral Dates & Times

Journal entry by Brooke Radermacher —

Joe's visitation will be held at O'Halloran and Murphy in Woodbury, on Tuesday, October 9 from 4-8pm. 
Address: 
8700 Valley Creek Road 
Woodbury, MN 55125 

The funeral will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, on Wednesday, October 10 at 10:00am, with a short visitation time before at 9:00am.
Address:
4030 Pilot Knob Rd.
Eagan, MN 55122

Here is a link to Joe's obituary, and it will be published in the Pioneer Press tomorrow.
Read More of the journal titled "Funeral Dates & Times"
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