Joel A. Schardt

Joel Arnold Schardt of Bloomington, MN, passed away suddenly of natural causes July 26, 2020. Joel was born March 6, 1945 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Rev. Adolph and Esther (Meier) Schardt, attending Cedar Falls High School and later Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he sang and internationally toured with the Wartburg Choir. After graduating he continued his studies at Princeton and the University of Cincinnati, eventually making his way to California where he served in various positions in the fields of psychological counseling, probation, and social research. He also spent some time working in the forestry industry in northern California.

Joel found his way back to the Midwest and settled in St. Cloud, MN in 1977, working as a planner for the Central Minnesota Health Systems Agency, where he continued to foster his lifelong passion and advocacy for quality, compassionate, and affordable health care. (Lately, Joel was grateful to reengage these interests through his help with Bethlehem Lutheran Church's mental health ministry.) In 1979 Joel moved to Minneapolis to continue serving as a planning consultant and broadening his interest into the field of dental practices, making lifelong friends along the way. This proved fortuitous as his experiences and personal and professional relationships led him to start his own business in 1984, Affiliated Computer Groups, Inc. which grew out of his fascination with the emerging personal computer phenomenon. Joel continued with ACG until retiring a few years ago.

Other than pursuing his entrepreneurial endeavors, Joel enjoyed spending time with friends and family, often in deep conversation. He especially enjoyed his trips back to California and spending time at the coast, either on the water sailing and touring, or simply taking a quiet walk on the beach. He also enjoyed overseeing the family farmland in Iowa, ensuring it was well taken care of and productive.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Lucia Fisher, and nephew Paul Fisher. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Rev. Andrew) Oppedahl of Dubuque, Iowa; nephews Mark (Kris Dzitkowski) Oppedahl, Nathan (Jeneann) Oppedahl, Rev. Paul Oppedahl, and niece Beth Chaplin; as well as great-nieces Laila and Madeline, and great-nephew Jonah.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2020 at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls.  Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Joel's name to the Arthritis National Research Foundation at www.curearthritis.org