Joe Kukal Obituary

Joe L. Kukal: A Man of Big Trucks, Sharp Wit, and a Whole Lot of Shenanigans.

Joe L. Kukal, born June 13, 1966, took his final unexpected exit on August 25, 2026. While he was born in Kadoka, SD, his story truly took off in Wanblee, where he spent his youth balancing family farm chores with sports, 4H, and a healthy dose of mischief. From the time he was "Joey," Joe had a mechanical heart. He lived by the philosophy that anything could be taken apart—though, as his family notes, he only "sometimes" managed to put it back together again. His love for the road started early, hauling grain to school and back, a precursor to a lifelong passion for driving truck. After honing his skills at the Wyoming Technical Institute, he became the proud owner-operator of Kukal Express. Joe was famous for driving with his seat so low that onlookers only saw a pair of sunglasses and a cowboy hat floating behind the wheel.

Joe’s greatest "long-haul" success was winning over his wife, Kassie. They met at the Chuckwagon in Fort Pierre where she was bartending. Joe would linger long after closing time just to ask her to breakfast. After being shot down "time and time again," Kassie finally caved. Joe then utilized a brilliant strategic maneuver: stopping by to use her shower and leaving behind "forgotten" personal items until Kassie realized he’d officially moved in. They married in November 1996.

Joe was a father who showed up. He was the roadside delivery man for his daughter Jossie, welcoming her into the world just past the Cheyenne River on Highway 44. He was the night-shift princess-player for Jossie and the unwavering champion for his son, Teggan, who remains Joe’s biggest fan. With Brennan, he was a fixture at every wrestling match, always hands on, the answer for any problem, and the man he wanted to become. With Emery, he was a fishing partner, rock collector, and he taught her how to properly wash, wax and clean a truck. He was the master of completing last-minute projects with her.

Whether he was braving the "fricken cold" of the Bakken oil fields or pulling practical jokes during breaks at the SDDOT, Joe made friends everywhere he went. His true happiness, however, was found in his 379 Peterbilt. In 2024, he finally returned to his passion for cattle hauling where speed limits to him were just suggestions. Kukal XXX was in full swing thus, turning his garage, backyard, and patio into a glorified obstacle course of semi parts for the dogs to navigate. The man had more spare parts then a parts store itself.

Joe leaves behind a hoard of "odds and ends" that would make a professional organizer weep, leaving his son Brennan the daunting task of deciphering his unique filing and organizing system.

He is survived by his wife, Kassie; his children, Brennan (Venessa Buxcel), Jossie, Teggan, and Emery; his grandchildren, Brooklyn and Ace; his mother, Arlee; and his siblings, Marty (Molly), Tonya Crisman, and Tana O’Connor (Terry Sell).

He joins his father, Tom, who cleared the path for him in 2017.

Joe lived life with his foot on the gas and a joke ready to go. He will be deeply missed by everyone who ever shared a card game, a story, or a stretch of highway with him.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Jesse Taylor officiating.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 198 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Guest Book

Deepest condolences to the entire family. Joe was a good man. Taken too soon.
~ Ellie Bettelyoun MARTIN (9/3/2026)

Deepest sympathies to you all from across the state. We are thinking of you all in this difficult time.
~ Jory & Melissa Rodgers White,SD (8/29/2026)

Kassie and family, we are so very sad and heartbroken for the loss of Joe. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, who loved his family deeply. We will miss that silly grin he’d get on his face when he was amused. We hope you can find some sense of peace in your memories with him. We love you and remember we are here if you need anything.
~ Kelly and Doug Black Hawk (8/31/2026)

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope your are able to find moments of peace and clarity as you move through this time and that you can lean on the support of those around you. May the memories you shared bring you comfort during this difficult time.
~ Kristy Kansas (8/31/2026)

Kassie, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope as you navigate this journey you find comfort in the memories shared.
~ Debra Blair Custer (9/2/2026)

You will be missed Joe! Thinking of you all
~ Aubrey patterson Kadoka (8/29/2026)

You always made my visits to S Dakota extremely pleasurable. I would kid around and call you my S Dakota husband. You are the only man that ever did my laundry and folded my undies. You will definitely be missed. Watch over that amazing family of yours, until we all meet again.
~ Diana Leach Texas (8/29/2026)

Joe was a well\-loved and cherished brother\-in\-law whose kindness, warmth, and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him\. We’ll always remember that great grin he had when he was amused—especially when he had just beaten you at Cribbage\. Those little moments are the ones that stay with us and make someone’s memory feel so close\.
We hope the memories of Joe, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave to those around him will bring some comfort and peace during this difficult time\. He will truly be missed, and we feel grateful to have the memories we have of him\.
~ Kelly & Doug Black Hawk (9/1/2026)

Joe Kukal

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
in Midland at the age of 60

Service Details

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Joe Kukal

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Midland at the age of 60

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
in Midland at the age of 60