Joel Richard Hawes passed away on May 23, 2025. His final resting place will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

A Memorial Gathering celebrating Joel’s life will be held from 10:00-12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN. Burial with full military honors will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

Joel was born on April 17, 1959, to Bruce Hawes and Gladys Bacon. He proudly served in the Navy from 1977-1981, working on the ships and making many memories and friends. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Hong Kong. Joel was a skilled carpenter and artist. He was named “man on the bluff” when he built an intricate cave along the Mississippi, near his campsite. Joel loved spending his time fishing, and attending  family gatherings. He will always be remembered for living life the way he wanted.

Joel is survived by his sons, Donovan Bacon of  Alaska, and Joshua Hawes of Andover, MN; sisters, Julie Bacon of Vermont, and Janet (Jim) Halvorson of Lakeville, MN; niece, Kiersten (Chris) Manthey; and nephew, Kurtis (Kristen) Elliott.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Bacon, and Bruce Hawes; stepfather, Hubert Bacon; and his daughter, Sonja Hawes.