Joseph Motschke

Joseph F. Motschke, age 86 of Pierz, MN passed away Friday, August 29, 2008 at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, MN with the Rev Gerald Dalseth, officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Tuesday, September 2, 2008, and Wednesday from 9-10A.M. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz. Parish Prayers will be said at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday evening at the funeral chapel. Joseph Frank Motschke was born July 22, 1922 in Pierz Township, Morrison County, MN to the late Albert & Mary (Pauser) Motschke. He grew up in Pierz Township and attended country school through the eighth grade. Joseph worked for his father on the farm, as well as, helping other farmers in the area. He moved to Minneapolis and worked at the Armour Meat Packing Plant. In 1946, Joseph returned to Pierz and purchased his mother's family farm, known as the Pauser Farm. Joseph was united in marriage to Leona C. Kasper on October 4, 1947. Following their marriage, Joseph and Leona continued to farm in Pierz Township, retiring in 1984. Leona died September 13, 1988. After Leona's death, Joseph continued to live on the farm. In 1995, he met a special friend, Joyce Almlie. Joyce died in 2004. In 2005, Joseph moved to the Pierz Villa where he resided until his death. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, listening to Old Tyme Music, playing cards and games, visiting with family and friends, telling stories and jokes, woodworking and watching birds. He was a member of the Knight of Columbus. Joseph is survived by his son & daughters, Claude Motschke & wife, Lisa, of Pierz, MN, Yvonne Larson & husband, Stephen, of Little Falls, MN, Cheryl Motschke of St. Cloud, MN, Sandra Osterholt & husband, Walter, of St. Cloud, MN; sisters & brothers; Regina Britz of Pierz, MN, Dorothy Thielen of Little Falls, MN, Sylvester Motschke of Little Falls, MN, Delores Virnig & husband, Wilfred "Sonny" of Hillman, MN, Marcella Leeb of Little Falls, MN, Matthew Motschke of Pequot Lakes, MN, Leander Motschke of Little Falls, MN; brother-in-law, Willis Schlegel of Harding, MN; sister-in-law, Betty Brenny of St. Cloud, MN; 14 grandchildren & six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leona; infant daughter, Lois; son, Eugene; parents; sisters, Lauretta Meyer, Luella Schlegel; infant sister, Regina; brother, Reine Motschke; brothers-in-law, Ralph Britz, Leo Thielen, & Herb Leeb and a sister-in-law, Leola Motschke.