Sgt. Joseph Clemens Feser

Sgt. Joseph Clemens Feser passed away on August 17th, 2024, the day before his 22nd birthday. He had just returned from deployment in Syria for Operation Inherent Resolve on August 16th. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM, Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A vigil will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Joseph was born on August 18th, 2002, to his parents Gregory and Melissa Feser, arriving as an early anniversary gift for them. He was a very happy and adventurous baby. He learned how to escape from his highchair before he could walk. His parents nicknamed him Mr. Goo because he always had sticky hands and would literally climb the walls in the house. From a young age, Joseph dreamed of becoming a soldier. He loved playing 'army' and often dressed up as a soldier for Halloween and just for fun. At the age of 3, Joseph began training in ATA Taekwondo and earned his black belt by the time he was 6. He shared a close bond with his sister, Danielle, who would promise to pay him if he would play Barbies with her (though she never actually did!). Joseph attended every one of Danielle’s dance recitals. He said it was so Danielle wouldn’t sit on him, but we knew it was because he really cared for his older sister. Joseph and Danielle shared a favorite song, 'Soak Up the Sun' by Sheryl Crow. When Danielle married her husband Anthony last fall, Joseph was already deployed. He got special permission to call his sister the morning of the wedding. Joseph also wrote a heartfelt message to his sister: “I hope you two soak up the sun”.

Joseph was also very close with his parents. His dad fondly remembers the countless hours they spent together at the family farm, working on welding projects, and all kinds of different things. No matter the challenge, Joseph had a remarkable ability to figure things out and accomplish whatever he set his mind to. Joseph loved to help his mom bake and cook, making special meals for his family. He always wanted to add his own twist to his mom’s recipes. “Mom, we need to add this ingredient. It will elevate it!”

His family also included two border collies, Lola and Luna, whom Joseph fell in love with immediately. Despite Lola accidentally breaking his arm and Luna having a “bathroom disaster” in his bedroom, Joseph loved his girls unconditionally."

Joseph graduated from Century High School in 2020, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. While in High School, Joseph was also active in the community, spending time as a volunteer for organizations such as Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue. In November 2019, he enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard and completed both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His military occupation was as a 14G Air Defense Battle Management System Operator. Aside from his military occupation, Joseph worked at Costco as a supervisor/lead in the Tire Center. He loved his Costco family and was excited to return to work following his deployment. 

Joseph always had a great group of friends that were incredibly impactful to him. As kids, they spent long weekends playing video games or Star Wars Legos together. Melissa always kept them well stocked on Mountain Dew and Oreos. As they got older, Joseph and his friends got a little more “adventurous”, often sneaking out at night to walk around town. His friends remember him as the life of the party and the guy with questionable jokes that you couldn’t repeat publicly. He always tried to make everyone’s day better, even if he was struggling himself. One of Joseph’s best friends, Nick, passed away while they were in high school. This loss was incredibly difficult for him, but the loss ultimately brought him closer to his circle of friends. Together they enjoyed many expeditions, such as going to music festivals and concerts for bands like Suicide Boys and Astroworld. They laughed recalling Joseph getting punched by a girl in the mosh pit. They loved traveling together, wrestling in hotel rooms and going to upscale restaurants that they had no business being in. His friends also referred to him as a “professional” Yu-Gi-Oh card collector and player. He had a collection of cards worth thousands of dollars. Joseph also loved lifting weights, longboarding, and dabbled in day-trading. One of his hidden talents that he didn’t share with many was his ability to draw. Whether it was camping at the farm or spending time at a friend’s lake cabin, he loved spending time with his friends and considered them an extension of his family.

Joseph loved riding his motorcycles. He enjoyed the feeling of freedom when riding his motorcycle and having it as an activity that he could do with his friends. He was most proud of his Triumph motorcycle. As much as he enjoyed riding his motorcycles, Joseph displayed extreme caution when riding and was very aware of the potential dangers. When Joseph would talk to others about riding, he would say “I always want to feel uncomfortable when I’m riding, if I ever feel comfortable something needs to change.” 

Greg, Melissa, and Danielle have learned a lot about Joseph from the many stories shared by his military buddies. He was very particular about his hair, taking great pride in its appearance. During his deployment in Syria, he became the go-to hair cutter for his friends. His popularity for giving haircuts grew so much that he once joked he either needed to retire from the role or start charging for his services, as he had already given five haircuts that week. He was also particularly proud of his mustache. No matter how many times Joseph was told to shave it off, he insisted on keeping it and that’s what made him want to keep it more. He got his first tattoo when he was 17 and several more while deployed. As he developed a passion for tattoos, Joseph had a way of convincing his military buddies of doing “questionable things” such as getting unimaginable tattoos. Joseph’s next planned tattoo was the prayer ‘Now I lay me down to sleep’, a bedtime prayer that Greg, Melissa, and Danielle prayed together with Joseph each night as a family.

When Joseph returned home from Syria, he had a well-thought-out plan for his future. He struggled with PTSD during his deployment and that made mental health a priority for him. He had planned to attend the University of Mary to pursue a degree in psychology, with the goal of becoming a Mental Health Specialist. He wanted to find a way to help others overcome challenges and to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. He had a dream of one day building a home for himself on the family farm in Glen Ullin.

Joseph touched countless lives with his genuine kindness, infectious laughter, and unconditional love. His loss has left an indescribable void in our hearts. It was a blessing to be a part of his life. As we grieve, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led and the lasting impact he made in our lives. We will remember him as a fun-loving young man with a beaming smile and a big heart.

Joseph is survived by his loving parents, Melissa and Gregory Feser of Bismarck; his favorite sister, Danielle (Anthony) Holly; grandfather, Randy Martwick; grandmother, Alberta Feser; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of friends who were like family.

Joseph was preceded in death by his grandfather, Clemens Feser; his great-grandparents, Daniel and Barbara Martwick, Larry and Edie Raatz, Maximillian and Anna Feser, Joseph and Tina Simon; his cousin, Lee Martwick; and his close friend, Nick Johnson.

Military Service Awards:

Army Service Ribbon

National Defense Service Medal

North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon

Combat Action Badge: January 8, 2024, Authority: AR 600-8-22, paragraph 8-8 Reason: Personally present while under hostile fire by enemy

The Army Commendation Medal with “C” device

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with bronze campaign star

Overseas Service Ribbon IAW AR 600-8-22

Overseas Service Bar IAW AR 670-1

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device IAW AR 600-8-22

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal IAW AR 600-8-22

Charities: North Dakota National Guard Emergency Relief Fund or Wounded Warrior Project.