Deacon Joseph G. Lupo, 75, Watford City, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital, Watford City.
A vigil service lead by Deacon Chuck Kramer is Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church, Watford City. A funeral Mass is Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. John Pfeifer and Deacon Chuck Kramer at Epiphany Catholic Church. Interment will take place Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at 1 p.m. with honor guard at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Joseph George Lupo was born Dec. 5, 1930, to Louis and Louise (Sargano) Lupo, in Dickinson. He attended St. Joseph's Grade School, Central High School (Dickinson) and Dickinson Teacher's College.
In 1951, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict with the 44th Infantry Division. He was raised to the rank of sergeant first class, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Defense Service Medal and a Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 17, 1954, at Ft. Lewis, Wash., and returned to Dickinson.
It was on one of his leaves during his army stint that he met the love of his life, Virginia Rosellini in Butte, Mont. Joe's cousin Olive arranged for her cousin Virginia to show him around Butte for the eight hours he was there. They met, fell in love and were married April 25, 1954, in Butte.
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They lived in Dickinson, where Joe went to work for N.P. Railroad and later Mann's Automotive, where he spent close to 30 years as sales manager. He and Virginia raised three children, JoLynn, Lori and Daniel, who feel so very blessed to have been born to such loving, caring people.
Joe and Virginia then moved to Mandan in 1988, where they operated the Donut Hole until 1994. They retired to Watford City to be closer to family, and Joe worked for a time as club house manager for the Watford City Golf Course.
Joe's family meant everything to him and they enjoyed following their grandchildren in their many different activities.
Joe and Virginia were married a short 49 years when she preceded him in death on April 4, 2003. In September 2005, Joe moved into the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, where he made many wonderful friends and was even crowned the 2006 Valentine's Day Prince.
Joe and Virginia were very active in the Epiphany Catholic Church, and one of the family's proudest moments was seeing Joe ordained a deacon on Aug. 8, 1999, in Bismarck by Bishop Paul A. Zipfel. Joe's faith sustained him throughout his life and also during the illness and loss of Virginia.
He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, a longtime member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.
He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, JoLynn and Kent Pelton, and Lori and Dr. Douglas Nordby Jr., all of Watford City; a son, Daniel, Jamestown; five grandchildren and one great-grandson whom he was to meet in October, Aaron, Angela and Aidan Pelton, Phoenix, Ariz.; Marc Pelton, Fargo; Jessica Nordby and Mikka Nordby, Madison, Wis, and Douglas Nordby III, Watford City. Joe is also survived by his brother, Geno (Karen) Lupo; his sisters, Mary (Eddie) Kostelecky and Lucille (Arlen) Zalesky, and a cousin, Mary Agostini, all of Dickinson; several nieces and nephews and many, many special friends.
Preceding Joe in death were his parents; his wife, Virginia; one infant brother, Joseph and a sister, Kathryn.
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Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home today from 1-5 p.m, the vigil service at 7 p.m. at the church and one hour before services at the church on Monday.
(Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City)
