Joseph James Leiphon, 85, Minot and formerly of Devils Lake died on Monday, November 26, 2012 in a Minot hospital.

Joseph was born on November 12, 1927 in Devils Lake to Joseph and Frances (Kosson) Leiphon. He was raised and educated in Devils Lake and graduated from St. Mary's High School. As a young adult he was employed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad prior to serving the U.S. Army. His military service included the occupation of Japan and time spent on the U.s. Army baseball team as a pitcher. Following his honorable discharge he returned to St. Paul and then Devils Lake where he continued his employment with the BNSF Railroad.

Joe married Mary Lou Mahanna on July 16, 1953 in Devils Lake. They made their home in Minot where he continued his employment with the railroad. During one winter he attended Brown institute in St. Paul, MN where he received specialized training in transportation management. He returned to Minot and his job on the railroad retiring in 1992 as a conductor following forty-three years of employment.

Joe was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, American Legion Post #26, VFW, Knights of Columbus and Chamber Chorale all in Minot. He especially enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, bowling, music and family time.

Joe's loving family includes his wife of 59 years Mary Lou; daughter: Joan Leiphon of Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and longtime family friends Greg and Nancy Fjeld and their family, Debbie Bossert and canine companion Bailey.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son: Paul; infant granddaughter: Lindsay; sisters: Dorothy Togstad, Pauline Bergley, Lavina DeVier, Annie Leiphon and Delores Leiphon and brothers: John and Ahart Leiphon.

Celebration of the Life of Joseph Leiphon : Friday, November 30, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation : Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials : In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to the Wee Links Golf Course or the Chamber Chorale.