Richard "Dick" W. Joersz

Richard “Dick” W. Joersz, passed away July 13, 2017, after a hard fought battle with cancer, surrounded by loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, July 20, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck Orr officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. Dick was born December 4, 1950, in Bismarck, ND, to William and Helen (Tracy) Joersz, the first of their four children. A true “hometown” boy, Dick grew up in Bismarck, where he graduated from Bismarck High School. He continued his education at the University of North Dakota. After an initial interest in law, Dick decided to pursue other interests and earned degrees in geology and history. A dedicated, competent and reliable employee, Dick worked for the Bismarck Public Schools for 39 years. He enjoyed his time with the school system and established lasting relationships with many he worked alongside. Though he never married, Dick truly was a family man. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family-his parents, brothers and sister; in-laws, nephew and nieces, cousins, and aunts and uncles. He looked forward to every family get-together, and as the years progressed he became famous for the twice baked potatoes he would bring to every holiday gathering. Richard was an imposing figure, physically big and strong, but in reality a gentle and quiet man with a heart to match his physical stature. He was blessed with a gracious and kind spirit, generous with his time, always willing to help when needed. His generosity extended to the warm and loving home he provided to his beloved pet rescues: Toby, Crispin, and Murphy. He adored his nephew and nieces, and truly was the best big brother to his younger siblings. Dick was quick witted and extremely intelligent, with a memory to be envied. He was a voracious reader, shelves lined with innumerable books, and tables covered with magazines and newspapers. He always seemed to have the answer to just about any question brought up in conversation, delivered with a confident and wry smile. Dick is survived by his sister, Anne Larson and her husband, Les; his brother, Doug Joersz and his wife, Jill; his brother, Robert Joersz; his nephew and nieces, Matthew Joersz, Sara Erickson and her husband, John, Rachel Larson, and Caitlin Larson; his aunt Joan Tracy; and his beloved extended family. We will all miss this kind, gentle man. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Joersz. Memorials can be sent to the Central Dakota Humane Society.