Joseph K Espelien

Joseph K. Espelien, age 98 of Park River, ND passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.

Joseph K. Espelien was born August 26, 1918 in Vista Township, North Dakota, the son of the late Carl J. and Mary (Morstad) Espelien. He attended School District 69 in Norton Township. Joseph was united in marriage to Irene McLaughlin on December 25, 1942 in Alexandria, Louisiana. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 as a Combat Engineer and was honorably discharged in 1946. He served at the Battle of the Bulge, landed on Normandy at Omaha Beach, and toured in Germany, France and Austria. After his discharge he returned to the Lankin area where he attended Ag classes at the Walsh County Agricultural School. He farmed in the Lankin area until he retired. In 1988, the couple moved to Park River where they continued to make their home until the time of his death.

He was a member of the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post #157, and Paul Farup American Legion Post #147, Norton Township Board, Lankin Farmers Union Elevator, Good Samaritan Board, Deacon at Golden Valley and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Churches. He was a member of the Riverside Swingers Square Dance Club and the Northeast North Dakota Pioneer Association. He enjoyed auction sales, square dancing, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 73 years, Irene Espelien, Park River, ND; son, Arden (Donna) Espelien, Scappoose, OR; daughters: Carmen (Steve) Severson, Minto, ND; ReNae (Wayne) Gerszewski, Park River, ND; Jo Ellen Espelien, Park River, ND; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 6:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River. Military Rites will be provided by the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.