Henry Joseph "Joe" Laskowski Jr., 69, Minot and longtime Eureka Township farmer died on Thursday, October 30, 2008 in his home.

Joe was born on October 10, 1939 in Minot to Henry Joseph and Hilma (Olson) Laskowski. He was raised on the family farm north of Minot and attended Eureka Township Schools, graduated from Minot Model High School in 1957 and from Minot State University with a degree in education. Following completion of his education he enlisted in the Army Reserve. Joe married Christine "Chris" Salo on December 23, 1961 in Williston. They made their home on the Laskowski family farm where they raised their three children. They moved to Minot in 1987, and continued to operate the farm until 2002. At this time they rented out the land and continued to assist in the operation of the farm.

Joe served on the Board of Directors for Farmers Union elevator for nine years and was a member of First Lutheran Church- Minot, Minot State University Beaver Boosters, Bohemian Lodge. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #26. He especially enjoyed playing cards, watching and attending sporting events and fishing. He was a selfless individual and took pleasure in helping his family and friends.

Joe's loving family includes his wife of 47 years Christine; children: Carrie (Terry) Bush, Paul (Christel) Laskowski and Brock (Katie) Laskowski, all of Minot; grandchildren: Travis, Kyle, Jace and Parker Bush and Preston Laskowski; great grandchildren: McKayla Baker and Shaylynn Bush; sisters-in-law: Kathleen (John) Powell of Spokane, WA and Sherry (Jerry) Wunderlich of Goodyear, AZ, and his nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery - rural Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral home - Minot.