Joseph B. Jonsgaard

WINONA, MINN. - Joseph B. Jonsgaard, 87, of Winona and formerly of Rushford, Minn. died on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at the Sauer Memorial Home in Winona. He was born on August 28, 1916, in Freemont Township of Winona County to Andrew and Margaret (Stinson) Jonsgaard. Joseph was raised in the Freemont area and attended the Freemont School. On June 17, 1941, he married Lela Edwards in Hart, Minn. Joseph farmed in the Bratsberg area until 1958, when he moved to Rushford. He worked at the Rushford School as a janitor and a bus driver until 1983. In November of 2002, Joseph moved to the Sauer Memorial Home. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting and his grandchildren. Joseph is survived by four sons: Gary, (Carol) of Winona, Bob (Rosie) of Winona, Dale (Diane) of Rushford and Gerald (Lynn) of Aurora, Colorado; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Roy (Eleanor) Jonsgaard of Utica, Minn. and one sister, Seldie Bartelson of Winona. He was preceded in death by his wife, infant daughter, six sisters and three brothers. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.