Joseph Ballard McDilda, 89, of Owatonna, died Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Homestead Hospice House. He was born December 10, 1927 in Lakeland, Florida the son of Edgar and Margaret (Meadows) McDilda. Joe attended school in Lakeland, FL and Martinsville, VA. He later earned his GED at the age of 37. Joe met his wife to be in Florida while she as vacationing. He often said she was sent by fate to be his wife. On September 6, 1953 he married Marion Johnnie Olson at Owatonna United Methodist Church. After moving from Waterloo, IA, Joe became plant manager and part owner of the Butter Capital Dairy for 7 years. After the dairy was sold Joe started his career at the Owatonna Tool Company where he advanced to supervisor of shipping/receiving and material handling/warehouse. He retired in 1990 after 27 years of service. In his youth Joe enjoyed drag racing and hill climbing with his Harley motorcycle. Joe loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed trips to Northern Minnesota and Canada with his fishing buddies. He was a marksman and sharpshooter. Joe was one of the 20 founders of a charter with the NRA the 20 Rifle & Pistol Club. Joe served as president and treasurer for many years and was a lifelong honorary member of the club. Joe enjoyed helping the community. He was a Master Mason and he belonged to the Eastern Star. He was a member of Owatonna United Methodist Church where he had served as head usher, youth leader and was involved in regrouping the Men's Club and served as their secretary and treasurer. He was also a driver for Meals on Wheels. Joe's family was the most important part of his life. He was involved with helping his sons in Boy Scouts. They both became Eagle Scouts. Joe enjoyed many trips with his family in their tent camper all over the United States. One of his favorite trips was a 7-week trip to Alaska. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marion McDilda of Owatonna; sons, Joseph C. (and Nadine) McDilda of Ramsey, Jeffrey (and Stephanie) McDilda of Beloit, WI; granddaughters, Katherine, Jennifer, Meghan, Gabrielle; extended grandchildren, Sean Cameron, Alexis Bejarano; sisters in law, Angie Parsons, Myrtle Bentley and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael Allen McDilda; brother, Charles McDilda; sister, Alice Hogg. Funeral services will be held October 4, 2017 at 11am at United Methodist Church with The Reverend Loren Olson officiating with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church, Homestead Hospice House, Homestead Hospice Patient Care Fund or to the donor's choice. Visitation: 10/04/2017 10:00 10/04/2017 11:00 Service: 10/04/2017 11:00