He was a life member of the VFW. He loved being a farmer all his life, and also did some custom work. He enjoyed playing cards, telling jokes and fishing. But most of all he enjoyed and loved his whole family.

Joseph is survived by his two daughters, Mary (Wayne) Sommers, Ellendale, Florence “Flory” (Gary) Anderson, Owatonna; nine sons, Ed (Sharon), Tom (Lisa), all of Blooming Prairie, Dick (Connie) of Eden Prairie, Dave (Vickie), John (Toni), Steve, Fran (LaKlenza), Ron (Dawn), Joe (Michele) all of Owatonna; 33 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren (with six more on the way); and a step-sister Agnes Titera. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; infant daughter, Agnes; two sisters, Sr. Francella and Sr. Immolata; brother, Frank; two half-brothers; and two step-brothers.  We would like to express a special thank you to our brother Steve for all his care he has given our dad over the years.

Visitation will be on July 5, 2013, from 4-8 p.m. at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home, (1603 Austin Road) and one hour prior to the Mass at the church beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. July 6, 2013, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Litomysl. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Military honors provided by the Steele County funeral unit.

Condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com. Memorials preferred to St. Isidore’s Catholic school or Holy Trinity Catholic church.