Joseph George Hariper Jr.

Joseph George Hariper Jr., 76, Coleharbor, passed away at Sanford Health in Bismarck, March 15, 2019, with family by his side.

Joe had decided late in his battle with Myelofibrosis, a rare disease, that he would donate his body to the Deeded Body Program at the UND School of Medicine. It took a lot longer than expected, but, Joe is finally going to college.

Joe was born October 4, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph George and Regina Ann (Skerl) Hariper. He was a proud 1960 graduate of Benedictine High School, Cleveland, OH.  He loved to tell stories about his high school years and the nuns. Because of the era, he made a six-year obligation with Army Reserves and went to Fort Knox for basic training.   

After various jobs in the Cleveland area, Joe moved to Minot with his wife, Judith Rae Johnson, and his young family. He signed on with the Great Northern Railroad in January 1969, which changed to BNSF the next year.  He was contracted for a time to work for Amtrak, as well, but opted to stay with BNSF. He eventually worked as an engineer until his retirement in 2005.

After many years together, Joe and Wendy Makoff were united in marriage in a lovely ceremony in Montana on April 14, 2001.  They eventually made their forever home on Lake Audubon after Joe retired. The lake became the gathering place for family. Joe was proud to own a place for his family to come together and enjoy themselves on the water, even if he would often just watch from the deck.  He loved to sit by the fire and join in on the conversation. He made many comments that would often get everyone rolling with laughter.

Joe and Wendy shared an obsession for antiques and enjoyed attending auctions. Joe had two other true passions: family history and pets, anyone’s pets! To say that Joe loved pets could be considered an understatement.  There are a few dogs that are currently unaware that there will be a lot fewer hot dogs distributed this summer at the lake. He was fascinated by learning about his family and telling about it. He was proud to discuss the Charipar name and all that it entailed.  

Joe is survived by his wife, Wendy Hariper, Bismarck; his brother, James Hariper, Cleveland, OH; six children, Timothy (Lisa) Hariper, Phoenix, AZ,  James (Robin) Hariper, Bismarck, Jacquelin (Lou) Garcia, Phoenix, AZ, Regina (Brad) Solemsaas, Bismarck, Jennifer (Wayde) Sick, Bismarck, Sara (Josh) Toavs, Billings, MT; sixteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Regina Hariper; his grandson Nashdan Podruchny.

There will be a private memorial service for family and friends Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Parkway Funeral Service. Memorials preferred to MPN Research Foundation.