Joest Andresen

Joest Joe John Andresen, 86, died April 26, 2005, at his home in Bismarck, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington and Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND. Visitation will be held at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Interment will be at the Bethany Reformed Cemetery in Clara City, MN, following an 11:00 a.m. Prayer Service on Monday, May 2. Joe was born on March 25, 1919, on the family farm outside of Clara City, Minnesota, to John A. and Bertha Asche Andresen. He graduated from Clara City High School in 1936 and attended college at the University of Minnesota in Montevideo. Prior to entering the Army in 1942, Joe operated his own hardware store in Clara City. On October 26, 1942, he married Froydes Orla Kittlesland in Sacred Heart, Minnesota. While serving as a Captain in the Army's 96th Infantry Division, he fought in numerous battles including Leyte and Okinawa. Joe was a decorated war hero and was awarded many medals, including the Bronze Star for heroism, the Purple Heart for being wounded in battle, and the Soldier's Medal for extraordinary bravery. After World War II, Joe was employed by Gambles in Grafton and Grand Forks, North Dakota, before joining the Wylie Piano Company in Fargo in 1952. Joe and his family moved to Bismarck in 1954 where he managed Bismarck's Wylie Piano store, which he eventually purchased. Joe was a successful and well known businessman and went on to expand the business through locations in Minot, Billings, and additional stores in Bismarck. Joe retired in 1979 and spent many enjoyable years with Froydes, dividing their time between Bismarck and Green Valley, Arizona. Joe gave freely of his time throughout his life through involvement in church and community organizations. He was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck and later of Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley. He was a founding board member of the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, treasurer of the Western District ELCA, and he was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, and a member of Elks Lodge, Lions Club, American Legion, and a lifetime member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Joe had many interests, including flying small aircraft, golf, and travel. Joe will be remembered for his kindness, his wonderful sense of humor, his unwavering honesty, and his deep love for family and friends. Joe is survived by his four daughters Joy M. John Wetzel of Minneapolis, MN, Jan M. Mylo Candee of Bismarck, ND, Joline M. Steve Brown of Farmington, CT, and Julie M. Larry Koch of Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren, Ryan Candee Brooklyn, NY, Tyler Candee Madison, WI, Allyson Candee Minneapolis, MN, Caitlin Brown Houston, TX, Allison Brown Richmond, VA, and John Koch Minneapolis, MN; his sister, Ann Warrings Clara City, MN, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, his parents, and his sisters, Sarie Grussing and Jenny Ammerman. Joe's family will be eternally grateful to the staffs of Waterford on West Century, MedCenter One, and the MedCenter One Hospice. Memorial donations may be sent to MedCenter One Hospice or the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center.

Joest Andresen

March 25, 1919 - April 26, 2005