Visitation will begin 10 a.m. Sunday, with a 7 p.m. wake service at Lien Funeral Home.
Joseph Bernard Dewald, son of Barbara (Bachman) and John Dewald, was born Jan. 9, 1924, at his family farm 5½ miles east of Bowdle. He was educated at Cottonwood Lake Township Rural School and Bowdle High School, graduating with the class of 1941. He then farmed with his dad and brothers. Joe married Patricia Senn at St. Augustine's Catholic Church on April 14, 1947. They remained on the farm until 1997, when they retired and moved into Bowdle. In addition to farming, Joe also was a Land Bank director and a crop adjustor. Over the years, he adjusted for the government, Crop Land Management and Rural Community Insurance Service. He retired from adjusting in 2000 and continued living in Bowdle. Since May 26, 2010, he lived at the Bowdle Nursing Home. Joe belonged to St. Augustine's Church, was a Knights of Columbus member and a member of the Parish Council. He also served as the Cottonwood Lake TownshipClerk for many years. Farming, hunting and playing cards were some of the things that Joe loved the most. He continued to play solitaire at the nursing home until the time of his death. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of joy to Joe.
Joe is survived by Patty, his wife of 65 years; two sons: David (Sarah) Dewald of Mitchell and Steven Dewald of Omaha, Neb.; four daughters: Karen Karst of Bowdle, Rosemary (Paul) Mertz of Goodwin, Marcia (Gary) Hawley of Prescott, Ariz., and Jane (Doug) Ramsell of Huron; two sisters: Frances Senn of Portland, Ore., and Kathleen Eisenbeisz of Bowdle; two sisters-in-law: Novell Dewald of Roscoe and Janice Dewald of Portland, Ore.; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father on Sept. 24, 1964; his mother on April 15, 1985; one son, Richard, on July 20, 1964; four brothers: Gerald, George and two infants, Raymond and Harold; and one sister, Irene Schreter.
Honorary bearers will be the Bowdle Nursing Home Staff.
Casketbearers will be Tim Karst of Buffalo, Minn., Adam Mertz and Chris Mertz of Watertown, Scott Mertz of Dickinson, N.D., Daniel Dewald of Mitchell and Brian Schreter of Aberdeen.
Please visit MillerLienFH.com to leave an online condolence or view the video tribute.
Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle, is in charge of arrangements.