Joseph (Joe) Dutton Fairbanks, age 81, of Red Wing, MN, formerly Minneapolis, MN, passed away at home, on Saturday, September 9, 2017, after a well fought battle with cancer.

Joseph Dutton Fairbanks was born on June 27, 1936, the second youngest of 10 siblings, to Herman and Annie Fairbanks in Mahnomen, MN. Joe met and married Delores Mae Ashing in the 1950's and the couple had seven sons. They settled in the Minneapolis area after traveling the Midwest for some time, in search of better career opportunities. Once in Minneapolis, Joe worked as a machinist for several years while battling alcoholism. In the early 1980's, Joe overcame his alcoholism and took a job in concessions at the Metrodome, which helped him to discover his passion for working with people. He received his bachelor of science degree in business from the University of Minnesota in 1986, and soon after became part owner of Fairbanks Trucking. Though Joe and Delores divorced in the late 1980's, they remained loving friends until her passing in 1991. In 1994, Joe began working for Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Red Wing, which is where he spent most of his remaining years. Joe was a kind and joyful soul that enjoyed playing cards, watching Minnesota sports, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe is survived by six sons: Ronald, Todd, Joe Jr., Michael, Leslie and Martin Fairbanks; seven grandchildren: David Rodriquez, Todd Fairbanks Jr., Miranda Nickaboine, Kyle Purdy, Luke Fairbanks, Adam Bingham and Brian Bingham; 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Annie; his son David; two great-grandchildren: Tristan and Alex; five brothers: Hershel, Joel, Everette, Herman Jr. and Lyle; four sisters: Lois, Ione, Jackie and Shirley.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush, MN. Visitation will be on Friday, September 15, 2017, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, also at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. Burial will be in Pine Bend Cemetery.