Joseph William Biskup passed away September 12, 2024, after a brief illness at Brandley Hospice, in The Villages, FL. He was 86 years old. Joe was born October 26, 1937, to Joseph and Anna (Pesek) Biskup in a 2-room homestead near Strathcona, MN. He attended Grass Lake school until the family moved into Middle River, MN. He participated in the Boys Scouts, football, basketball, and baseball, graduating in 1955. Joe’s first job was delivering the Minneapolis Tribune for 4 years and then spent his teen years working in the print shop at the Middle River Record.
In July of 1955, Joe joined the US Navy. Aboard the USS Macon, his duties involved electrical work, operating generating equipment, and maintenance of all electrical equipment on the heavy cruiser. He crossed the Atlantic 3 times, pulled into 22 seaports, and crossed the Arctic Circle and the equator, before being discharged in October 1958.
Upon his return from the service, he began working at the bank in Middle River. In May of 1960, he married Kathryn Lundstrom, and together they had 5 wonderful children. In January of 1961, he moved to Security State Bank in Warroad. With a servant’s heart, he was one to volunteer in many areas of the community. He was President of the school board, a lifelong Lions Club member receiving the prestigious Melvin Jone’s Award, a volunteer fireman with Warroad Fire Dept., coached many of his two son’s hockey teams, and held many roles at the Union Congregational Church. Joe also worked many auctions as a clerk; his children remember being brought along many times. Joe believed in staying busy and he raised his children to follow in his legacy, ending every phone call with “work hard and stay out of trouble” and signing every card “Dear Old Dad”.
Joe maintained a large skating rink with actual boards in the front yard for many years. His children and neighbor kids enjoyed many hours on the ice building relationships and making memories. These years living on the south side of the Warroad River, he coined the nickname ‘River Rats’ for the tight-knit group of neighbors that called South Warroad home. Joe was one to give nicknames, especially to his children and grandchildren, with many of the names sticking for a lifetime.
In 1984, he married Judy Kirby, in Warroad, where they had their home. Joe retired from Security State Bank in January of 2003, after 42 years as a loan officer and Vice President. This allowed them to spend more time in Florida, moving to The Villages, Florida in 2013. Their 40 years together included many travels on land and sea. They enjoyed fishing on Lake of the Woods and golfing together. Joe and Judy started golfing after they retired and had time to play once or twice a week. Amazingly, Joe achieved two ‘hole-in-ones’ during his short golf career.
Joe loved working in his workshop and gifted his children each Christmas with handmade Santa Claus’, sleighs, and angels. Many were also blessed with wood cars, trucks, or refurbished antique furniture pieces. He loved a challenge and was always available to help with projects or special furniture pieces when asked. His workshop brought him happiness and he would often let his children come work alongside him. In a memoir written for his kids, he answered the question “Do you remember being curious about anything?” and his answer was “EVERYTHING ALWAYS”. If he came to visit your house, he couldn’t sit still, so if you needed something fixed he would be happy to figure out a solution.
Joe is survived by his wife Judy, The Villages, FL. His children: Joni (Steve) Massaro-Roseau, Greg (Candace)-Hayward, WI, Joy (Spencer)-Montrose/Roseau, Steve “Duke”-Hibbing, and Beth “Boo”, Montrose. Stepsons: Tom (Rose) Kirby-Warroad and Tim Kirby-Bemidji.
Grandchildren: Amanda (Nick), Eric (Camille), Carter (Tara), Paul (Michelle), Tarina (Trent), Todd, Hayden, Aaron (Arica), and Amber. Also 13 Great Grandchildren.
Sister Carol Halme and Brother Leslie (Sue) Biskup. Sister-in-laws Kristine Fox Kellogg and Elaine Fox.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother Fred. Brother-in-laws Ray and Barry Fox, Dennis Kellogg, and Bill Halme. Sister-in-law Judy Fox.
A special thank you to Judy for taking great care of our dad during the difficult journey of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association is suggested.
Inurnment will be at Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Biskup will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Warroad, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Last modified: 11/26/2024
