Joseph Rousslang

Joseph A. Rousslang was born to the late Anthony “Tony” and Francella “Fran” (Vornbrock) Rousslang on June 21, 1947 in Melrose, Minnesota.  During high school, Joe worked part time at the Banquet Bakery.  He graduated from the Wadena High School with the class of 1966.  Joe served in the United States Army and National Guard and retired from service in 2007.

On June 3, 1972 Joe was united in marriage with Dianne Kopischke at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena.   They made their home in Verndale as they raised their two children, Liza and John.  Joe was employed with his father’s company, Tony’s Transfer since graduating from high school.  In 1991 Joe and his brother, David purchased the company. 

Joe enjoyed deer hunting, farming the hunting land, drag racing his own car at Brainerd International Speedway, fishing on their yearly trip to Alaska, yearly trips to the Indie 500 and Deadwood for the Kool Deadwood Nights with Dianne and was passionate about cooking. He loved to cook for family gatherings, weddings, the Verndale Fire Department and the V.F.W.

Joe was an active member of the Elmer Goche Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #3922 of Wadena where he was a past All-State Commander.  He was also a member of the Wadena Elks Lodge #2386, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Knob Hill Sportsman’s Club, and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. 

On June 11, 2018 Joe passed away unexpectedly at Tony’s Transfer in Wadena, Minnesota at 70 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding Joe in death were his parents, Tony and Fran; grandson, Dalton; step-mother, Beatrice Mietzel; sister, Shirley (brother-in-law, Daryl “Tiny”) Worden; brother, Gary (sister-in-law, Konnie) Rousslang; brother-in-law, Don Pulju; and niece, Sarah Toews.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Dianne Rousslang of Verndale; daughter, Liza (Brian) Shively of Verndale; son, John (Lindi) Rousslang of Verndale; 4 granddaughters: Abby, Amber, Sammi, and Alison; grandson, Preston; sisters: Gloria (Bob) Toews of Staples; Kathy (Steve) Richter of Verndale; brothers: David (Barb) Rousslang of Wadena and Tony Jr. (Mary) Rousslang of Fargo; step-brother, Jim (Ann) Mietzel of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Denise Rousslang (husband, Larry Kneisl) of Parkers Prairie;  many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a multitude of friends.

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