Jose Maria Coelho Mascarenhas

Jose Maria Coelho Mascarenhas, age 81, of Kenyon, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at his home following a brief illness.

Jose Maria, the son of John and Regina (Coelho) Mascarenhas, was born on May 22, 1943, in Isla de Brava, Cape Verde, Portugal. He graduated from New Bedford High School, Massachusetts in 1962 then was drafted into the U.S. Army serving in the Korean DMZ. After his military service, Joe went to Radio, Electronic, and Television School in Boston. His work as an electrician brought Joe to Colorado where he met his wife, Gladys Frodin. They were married on August 13, 1974, in Golden, Colorado. Joe worked for 30 years as an electrician for Union Pacific Railroad in Denver, CO. He and Gladys also owned and operated a bar/restaurant “The Neighbors” in Colorado for four years. They lived in Colorado for 38 years before moving to Minnesota in 2012. Joe was talented with woodworking, would complete crossword puzzles and read scripture daily, and enjoyed playing his accordion, spending time with his family, and going to the casino. Most of all, Joe was known as a kind, caring person.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Sena (Michael) of Faribault, MN; step-children, Tim Evans (Diane) of Faribault, Peggy Gann (Hunter Smith) of Stockton, MO, Joe Evans (Carla) of Windsor, CO, Amy Nevis (David) of South Greenfield, MO, and Katy Mossberg of LaSalle, CO; 18 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 11 great great grandchildren; brothers, John Mascarenhas of St. Cloud, FL, and Peter Mascarenhas of New Bedford, MA; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Mascarenhas; parents, John and Regina Mascarenhas; step-son, Michael Evans; step-daughter, Patsy Marx; and three sisters and two brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.