Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP25449) and 5 other sources
Josef "Joe" Zurnieden, a 42-year-old man from Minneapolis, was last seen on July 1, 2014, when he left his home around 6 a.m. to go to work. Joe, a husband and father of two, did not arrive at his destination. His wife, Katy, last spoke with him later that morning, but that was the final contact anyone had with him. Two days later, on July 3, Joe's vehicle was found abandoned near 26th Avenue and Marshall Street in Northeast Minneapolis. His sudden disappearance has puzzled both family and investigators, and despite extensive searches, no solid leads have emerged.

Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play but continue to treat the case as a missing person investigation. Joe was described as 6 feet tall, weighing around 165 pounds, with dark, receding hair. The community, including St. Helena Church, where Joe was active, held benefits and search parties to support his family and aid the search efforts.

Joe’s family and friends remain hopeful for answers, and the Minneapolis Police Department continues to seek information regarding his whereabouts.

Last Seen: Jul 1, 2014

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

75%Possible
John Doe — St Paul, Minnesota
UP148173 • Found May 23, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 36%5'7" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%154 lb vs 165 lb

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.