Joseph Rene Gagnier

Joseph Rene Gagnier, 90, of Fergus Falls died January 8, 2019, at Park Gardens in Fergus Falls.

Joseph Rene Gagnier was born August 9, 1928, to Arthur and Blanche (Roberge) Gagnier in Bottineau, ND. He attended Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, ND from 1943 to 1944.

After his education Joseph farmed until 1950 when he joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Returning to North Dakota, he worked the oil fields. Joseph was a certified welder and helped construct the Garrison Dam, Priest Rapids Dam and the Wanapum Dam. Joseph then went to work for Boeing Aircraft in Washington. In 1967 Joseph and Margie moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where he was employed as a salesman with Sears and later owned and operated Gagnier Auto Sales and Repair for ten years.

On October 11, 1954, Joseph was united in marriage to Margareta “Margie” Richter in Selz, ND.

Joseph was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree in Detroit Lakes and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Growing up surrounded by music and family Joseph developed a love and talent for music. He enjoyed sharing it with others throughout his life; whether it be playing the guitar, harmonica or singing. Joseph had many other interests; which included hunting, car restoration, flowers, traveling, carpentry work and playing at area casinos.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph, Cliff, Ray and Maurice.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Margie of Fergus; children, Renée (David) Lunde of Fergus Falls, Tom of Detroit Lakes, Tamie (Cary) Guffey of San Antonio, Texas, Lisa (Jack) Stavros of Edmonds, WA; grandchildren, Christopher Gagnier of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Dane Guffey of San Antonio, TX, Megan Guffey of San Antonio, TX, Carter Guffey of San Antonio, TX, Travis Guffey of San Antonio, TX, Gwen Stavros of Edmonds, WA and Rose Stavros of Edmonds, WA; great-grandchildren, Cambria Guffey of Sweetwater, TX and Jackson Ramirez of San Antonio, TX; sibling, Betty (Jim) Diesem of Detroit Lakes and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls with public prayer service and Rosary at 6:30 PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski, Father Bill Gamber and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment: 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN

Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, is in charge of arrangements
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com