Joseph Glenn Urness

Joseph Glenn Urness, 87, passed away on October 25, 2024. 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, 408 9th St NW, Mandan.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Burial will be held at 1:00 pm at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

 Joseph was born on December 5, 1936, to Charles and Esther (Weigel) Urness in Rugby, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in Leeds, North Dakota. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1955. Joseph enlisted in the Army in October 1959. He completed his service and received an honorable discharge in January 1963. Joseph’s career began with the State Water Commission while living in Bismarck. On May 3, 1963, he married Jean Arlie Bahm in Morton County. They moved to Minot, North Dakota where Joseph took on the role of underground foreman for the City of Minot. He retired in the late 1990’s and then found a retirement job working for Peterson Excavating, which later became Klimpel Excavating. Joseph and Jean raised their family in Minot. They made their home in Minot until moving to Mandan in 2008. 

 Joseph was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America for 16 years, serving on the district committee and supporting both of his sons as they earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. Throughout his life, Joseph found joy in the great outdoors, spending his days fishing and camping with his family. When he wasn't working or fishing, he could often be found cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota Twins.

Joseph’s warm spirit and unwavering dedication extended beyond his family and work life. He never missed a chance to gather with loved ones, attending family reunions, birthday parties, graduations, and more. He had a fond place in his heart for animals, especially his grand-dog, Koda, whom he loved to spoil. Joseph had a sweet tooth, and you could always find acandy drawer filled with treats! 

 Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean, Mandan; daughter, Betty, Minot; sons, Terry (Tammy), Mandan and Larry (Kristie), Minot; grandchildren, Joseph Nelson and Kaycee Urness; siblings, James (Elayne) Urness, Spanaway, Washington, Gloria Bracken, Kalispell, Montana, and Ramona Horner, Grand Forks, North Dakota; several nieces and nephews and goddaughter, Kim Bahm. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lorelie Nelson; parents, Charles and Esther; siblings, Clifford Urness, Benjamin Urness, Lewis Urness, Thelma Pownell, Sonja Johnson, and infant sister, Hazel.

A special thank you to Joseph’s niece, Glenda Gross, and nephew, Lee Bahm, for the attentive care you gave Joseph over the years and for always helping to meet his needs. The appreciation for staff at Edgewood Mandan cannot be put into words and we are thankful for all you have done to help Joseph.