Joseph Garrett

Joseph Richard Garrett was born January 25, 1925 in Mishawaka, IN, the son of Noble and Hope (Roose) Garrett. He was raised in Mishawaka where he attended school. After graduating high school Joe joined the United States Army. Joe served in the European Theater and the Pacific Theatre of operations. While serving Joe worked as a supply truck driver and helped lay communications cables. Joe also brought relief supplies to Buchenwald Camp before being transferred to the Philippines. After returning from the service Joe was united in marriage to Doris Youngquist in South Bend, IN. After spending time working as a welder in Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska Joe moved his family to Minnesota. They spent four years in the Twin Cities where Joe did welding and taught welding at the Hennepin Technical School. In 1973 Joe chose to raise his family in Alexandria, MN. After moving to Alexandria Joe purchased Alexandria Glass & Iron from which he built a healthy business now called Alexandria Welding and Manufacturing Co. Joe retired from welding in 1988. He began working for District 206 as a bus driver. He also worked for Sprint repairing payphones. After more than fifteen years of bus driving Joe finally retired. Joe was very active as a Mason. He served the local lodge in all of the offices. He was a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish rite and was a member of the Osman Shrine. He also served the Order of the Eastern Star as Worthy Patron. Joe enjoyed music; he especially enjoyed playing the organ. Joe liked fishing in the summer. He also liked deer and pheasant hunting in the fall. Until about two years ago Joe still enjoyed riding his motorcycle. On June 15, 2009 Joe died at the age of eighty-four years. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris; and three brothers, Albert, William and Philip Garrett. Joe is survived by his five children, Diana Vidmar of Deephaven, MN, Keith Garrett of Alexandria, John Garrett of Alexandria, David Garrett of Bakersfield, CA and Angela Townsend and husband, Steve, of Richfield, MN; eight grandchildren, Amber, Adam, Allison, Jen, Joseph, Stephanie, Melanie and Erik; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Forsythe and Mary Crone of Indiana; and two brothers, Everette Garrett and Don Garrett of Indiana. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday, June 19, 2009 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Reverend James Resa will officiate. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers include John Garrett, Keith Garrett, Adam Garrett, Kent Pekarek, Gene Hesse and Jon Ostercamp. Honorary Casket bearers include David Garrett, Don Lambert and Steve Townsend. Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. In memory of Joe memorials will be accepted by the Shriner?s Children?s Hospitals. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.