Joseph "Joe" Kane Corcoran

About Joe

Joseph “Joe” Kane Corcoran, 83, of Waskish, MN, formerly of St. Paul, MN, died on July 9, 2023 at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, MN.

Joe was born on July 27, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Mary (Kane) Corcoran. He grew up in the Macalester-Groveland, MN area. He attended St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, MN graduating in 1958.

He entered the US Navy on November 27, 1959. He was assigned to the USS Lake Champlain, working as an Aviations Mate launching and recovering naval aircraft quickly and safely from the aircraft carrier. Joe was serving on board during recovery of Alan Shepard's Mercury capsule, Freedom 7, which had just parachuted into the Atlantic. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 3, 1961 with the rank of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class. He served in the US Navy reserves until 1963.

Joe joined the St. Paul Police Department in 1964 until his retirement in 1998. He started as a patrol officer, was promoted to Sergeant in 1970, later becoming a Lieutenant and then as Commander of the Homicide Unit from 1990 – 1998. He was instrumental in implementing a digital fingerprint system in St. Paul and throughout the United States.

He was one of the founders of the St. Paul Survivor Resources which provides immediate and long term grief support for family and friends affected by suicide, homicide, overdose or accidental death.

He owned and operated, with a partner, Art Trails art gallery in Stillwater, MN for many years.

In 1992 he was united in marriage to Karen Louise Johnson. They moved to Waskish, MN on Upper Red Lake in 1998 after his retirement. He kept busy during retirement serving on various committees and was president of the Red Lake Association. He advised and promoted development of the newly formed Big Bog State Park in Waskish, the Kelliher Medical Clinic and revitalization of the walleye population on Red Lake with the MN DNR. He volunteered as a First Responder and was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, both in Waskish.

He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He was a talented artist doing wood carving and burl bowls.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Karen Corcoran; 6 children, Lisa Corcoran, Kelly Corcoran, Sheri (Bob Beach) Bushinski, Tony Bushinski, Steven (Shannon) Bushinski, and James Bushinski; and numerous grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son, Joey Corcoran; 3 sisters, Rita, Mary and Lenore; and his parents.

memorial service

Celebration of Joe's Life

August 6, 2023

Mancini’s Char House 531 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home