L. Joaquin "Jo" Cofell

Linden Joaquin Cofell, known as Jo by most of his family and friends, went to meet his Heavenly Father on July 16, 2016. He died of complications caused by Alzheimer’s while residing at the Bismarck Baptist Health Care Center for the past 14 months. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 6, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 E. Thayer Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. David Reiter officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Jo was born November 14, 1927, to Oliver and Mary (Warne) Cofell in Edgeley, ND. After graduating from Edgeley High School in 1945, he joined the Marines and following an honorable discharge attended Milwaukee School of Engineering, then returned to his hometown joining his father in the business, Cofell’s Plumbing, Heating, and Excavating. Jo married Diana Isaak in 1953, spending the next 63 years together in marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Neil & Jay. The family moved to Bismarck, ND in 1965 where they relocated their contracting business. Jo was so proud to have his two sons join him as business partners. It was his dream come true. He was an attending member of the Presbyterian Church his entire life. In 1957 Jo received his private pilot’s license and would fly his own plane to inspect various job sites in the state. He loved Bonanza airplanes and flew his family on several trips across the U.S. His friends enjoyed the annual fly-in fishing trips to Canada. Many summer weekends were enjoyed with his boys, boating and water skiing, and later with his grandsons at the family pool. Jo is survived by his wife, Diana; his son, Jay (Sandra); daughter-in-law, Elaine Cofell; his grandsons, Jayson, Ryan, Aaron, and Adrian; great-grandson, Ayden Cofell; sister, Jacqueline From; and brother-in-law, Wayne Lucht. He was preceded in death by his son, Neil Cofell. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck.