Joseph W. Cleary

Joseph W. Cleary, 88, Bismarck, died January 18, 2013, at St. Vincent Care Center, Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, January 21, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck, with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Richter officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday, January 20, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, with a 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Rosary followed by a vigil. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Joseph Wolter Cleary was born April 11, 1924, at Escanaba, MI, to Gerald Joseph and Regina Wolter Cleary. He was raised and received his early education in Escanaba, graduating from high school in 1942. He enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941. He was drafted into the United States Army in January 1943. Joe served in World War II from 1943 until September 1945, and in the Korean War from June 1951 until June 1953. Joe graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1949, with an MD degree. He was a member of the academic medical society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Joe began his OB/GYN residency in Shreveport, LA, and finished at Milwaukee, WI. Joe married Audrey Boucher on June 19, 1954, at Menominee, MI. They moved to Bismarck in 1955, where he was employed with the Missouri Valley Clinic from 1955 to 1971, and with the Quain and Ramstad Clinic from 1971 to 1989. In May 1991, he became Medical Consultant for the ND Medicaid Program. He served as the OB/GYN vice-chairman of the UND School of Medicine. Joe retired on June 30, 1999. Joe was a member of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, AMA, N.D. OB/GYN Society, N.D. State Medical Association, American College of OB/GYN, American Association Pro-Life OB/GYN, and was a CCC Alumni. Joe also served on the YMCA Board of Trustees, the North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners and St. Mary Central High School Board. He enjoyed running, swimming, biking, and reading. He was recognized as the first long distance runner in Bismarck. In his lifetime, he completed 49 marathons. Joe was an ethical man who maintained high standards of morality. His strong religious belief was demonstrated by the priority he placed on his duties to church, and he was deeply devoted to Audrey, his children, and his grandchildren. Joe is survived by his wife, Audrey, Bismarck; his eight sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick and Carolyn Cleary, Tucson, AZ, Paul Cleary and Julie Michels, Fridley, MN, Bill and Jane Cleary, Bismarck, Philip and Debra Cleary, Eagan, MN, Richard and Kristin Cleary, Bismarck, ND, David Cleary and Patricia Tuggle, Glen Mills, PA, Peter and Kimberly Cleary, Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Stephen Cleary and Liz Howell, Anchorage, AK; his three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Paul Knoll, Fargo, Barbara and Chuck Nickolay, New Prague, MN, and Mary and Dan Quinlin, Algona, IA; his 32 grandchildren, and two brothers and three sisters-in-law. Joe was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Warren Cleary; and infant grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's Central High School, YMCA, the North Dakota Lung Association, or Cathedral Grade School. In honor of Joe's passion for running, there will be a memorial run at 9:00 am Monday, January 21, meet at the YMCA west parking lot.

Joseph W. Cleary

April 11, 1924 - January 18, 2013