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.