Joseph “Joe” Mathias Sand, Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family after a month-long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was a resident of New Prague, MN.
Raised in Shakopee, MN, Joe was the eldest son of Joseph and Grace (Schmidt) Sand.
A Master Plumber by trade, Joe founded Associated Mechanical Contractors at the age of 21 out of his parents' garage. He dedicated the next 32 years of his life to successfully growing his company and serving his community. He took great pride in serving as a mentor to many throughout his life.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his woodshop. But Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, and uncle.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Grace (Schmidt) Sand, Sr.
Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marla (Gould) Sand; his four children, Michael (Lacey) Sand of Jordan, Jessie Sand of Shakopee, Chelsey (Brock Benedict) Sand of New Prague, and Erin (Tony) Johnson of New Prague; and his 11 grandchildren: Luke, Ava, Jake, Melah, Quinn, Lainey, Knox, Jace, Brooks, Ethan, and Clara.
He is also survived by his 5 younger siblings: Mark (Lee) Sand of Hackensack, MN, Jeff (Jill) Sand of Shakopee, Nancy (Steve) Fay of Victoria, Cindy (Mick) Meyer of Shakopee and Sue (Bob) Meyer of Shakopee.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake, MN, on Thursday, September 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family has asked that Memorial Contributions be made to Pheasants Forever or any charity committed to wildlife preservation.