Joseph Francis Fath

Joseph Francis Fath, 90, Benson, MN, and formerly of DeGraff, MN, died Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the GlenOaks Senior Living Center in New London, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2022, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff, MN. Interment will be in the St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in DeGraff, MN. Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.

Joseph Francis Fath was born on May 29, 1932, on the Fath family farm home east of DeGraff, MN, the son of Peter and Margaret (McQuaid) Fath. He was baptized on May 30, 1932, at the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff by Father P.J. Lucey and confirmed there on July 11, 1945, by the Archbishop John G. Murray. He grew up on the Fath family farm and attended the DeGraff grade school through the 8 ^th grade when he began helping his Dad with the family farm.

Joseph was united in marriage to Donna Marie Klassen on November 26, 1955, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, MN by Rev. Russell E. Doerrer. This union was blessed with more than 66 years of marriage and five children.  He made his living working on the family farm from birth until 2008 then moved to Benson. He spent the winters working at Midwest Cylinder in Swift Falls and for Klassen Repair in DeGraff. Joe moved to the Glen Oaks Care Center in New London, MN in July of 2017.

Joe was a member of St Bridget’s Catholic Church where he spent many years serving as an usher. He served on the Kildare Township Board from 1976 to 2008. His hobbies and interests included playing cards, especially Up And Down the River, doing Search A Word games, and watching old tv shows on channel 81. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was called from this life on Thursday evening, November 17, 2022 at the Glen Oaks Care Center Memory Care Unit in New London, MN. He attained the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 12 days.

Joseph survived by his children: Linda (George) Wall of Glenwood, MN, Jim (Deb) Fath of Glenwood, MN, Mike (Sheila) Fath of St. Cloud, FL, and Teresa (Scott) Lamecker of Kerkhoven, MN; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; nieces, a nephew, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna on March 27, 2022, his parents, Peter and Margaret Fath, son Bill Fath, grandson Derek Fath, sister Sister Mary Ann Fath, sister Lois Hughes and brother-in-law Frank Hughes, great grandson Arthur Lamecker, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives. Blessed be his memory! He's now picking corn in Heaven!