Joseph Edward Brown, 86, Berthold, joined his loving wife Carolyn on Thursday, August 01, 2019 with family by his side.

Joe Brown was born February 17, 1933 on the family farm near Berthold, ND. Joe was a twin brother to Jim, and one of eleven children born to Harry and Mabel (Pederson) Brown. He attended Berthold School and finished his education after eighth grade to join the work force.

Joe was well known for his work ethic; at the age of fourteen he got his first job with Peter Kiewit Construction Company.  He worked there for two years before enlisting in the US Army at 16 years old where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. After two years of service, he was honorably discharged, and returned to work for Peter Kiewit Construction.

Joe was united in marriage to Carolyn Rogneby on February 17, 1953 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold. They always called Berthold home, but followed construction work to Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Joe held many leadership positions from foreman to superintendent throughout his 60-year career. He worked for Peter Kiewit, Bechtold Excavating, DH Blattner & Sons, and Gratech. In addition to his construction career, Joe was implement dealer for J.I. Case in Berthold, owned a custom combining business, and helped his brother Jim start his construction company, Jim Brown Construction.  Joe donated his time to construct the Berthold Golf Course and helped build the Pietsch family airstrip.

Joe was a lifelong devout catholic and member of the St. Ann's Church, where he and Carolyn made gravy for the annual turkey dinner for many years.  Joe belonged to the Berthold Senior Citizens, Minot KC Club, Berthold American Legion Post 171, and Nodak Speedway. Joe and Carolyn enjoyed time at the casino, fishing, camping and for many years had a standing number at many local auction sales. He enjoyed flying and never missed an opportunity to 'buzz' someone he knew.  Joe had a lead foot which lead to him purchasing and driving his own sprint car for several years.  Joe and Carolyn enjoyed spending many winter nights in their ice house with their dog Tuffy.

Family was the most important thing to Joe and Carolyn. They never missed an opportunity to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa's house was the source of many memories for the grandkids.  He never passed an opportunity to have ice cream, and he loved playing pinochle or hand and foot. He was known to be a very sneaky card player. We will forever miss him.

Joe's surviving family includes his children, Joe Jr. (Nancy) Brown, Berthold; Jeff (Jill) Brown, Berthold; Jackie (Randy) Clark, Maxbass; Jerry (Kim) Brown, Lansford; Jay Brown, Berthold (Julie Schaefer, Minot) ; John (Candace) Brown, Minot; Jim (Terri) Brown, Berthold; Jennifer (Tom) Hanson, Berthold; and Jordan (Mindi) Brown, Berthold;  grandchildren,  Jerrica (Richard), Amber (Robert), Warren (Sonja), Gene (Jessica), Marie, Sara (CJ), Ryan (Chris), Wade, Kory (Shelby), Jorden (Nathan), Zakary , Mikayla,  Lucas , Chase,  Austin, Ally, Tyrell (Molly), Shaley, Cotey (Jordan), McKenzi, Dalton, and Dawson; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Mikayla, Jolee, Peyton, Leo, Jace, Joey, Javi, Ella, Charlie, Lucy, Morgan, Hailey, Macie, Kylie, Benson, Harper, Reagan and  baby girl Beckman ; special family: Rodney, Karleen, Brooke, and Hannah Houle; sisters-in-law, Marlys Kline, Melbourne, FL and Sharon (Kenny) Tabor, Mt. Iron, MN; brother-in-law, Allan (Jan) Rogneby, Bismarck, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife Carolyn, sisters, Mae Brown, Ruth Berg and Jeanette Schultz, and brothers, Harold, Jack, Jim, Harry, Darrel, Maynard, and Ralph 'Chub' Brown.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold, ND
Vigil Prayer Service & Rosary:  7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold, ND
Interment: Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold, ND
Visitation: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold.
Memorials are preferred to St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold.

Joe Brown Flowers