Joel Alton Marien, 61

Joel A. Marien, 61, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at U of M Medical Center, Minneapolis, surrounded by his family.

Joel was born April 29, 1951, in Northwood, N.D., to Clarence and Beverly Marien.

Joel graduated from Falls High School.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses March 15, 1969, and served for a time as an elder in the Meadowlands congregation.

After graduation he moved to Northwood, N.D., where he enjoyed working with his uncle Emmett hauling grain.

On Nov. 29, 1975, Joel married Roberta E. (Schrautemyer) and they started their life together in Northwood and later settled in Kelsey where they raised four children — Matthias Scott, Joshua John, Jacenta Rae and Natasha Lynn.

After moving to Kelsey, Joel worked for Jon Aysta 22 years delivering milk products in International Falls, Virginia, Hibbing and Duluth.

Many will remember Joel’s quick wit and friendly personality.

The last 13 years Joel worked for U.S. Steel where he enjoyed driving what his grandchildren called the big Tonka trucks.

Joel was the most loving and honorable man, kind hearted, humble and powerful, but wouldn’t hurt a fly.

His beliefs made him the man that he was and are essential for all of us to know.

He lived life simple, was available for others, content, he did not need a lot to be happy.

He was always encouraging by saying “little by jerks.”

Joel enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons and spending time with his family and pets.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Roberta, who he called Bert; children, Matthias of Kelsey, Joshua (Jamie) of St. Cloud, Jacenta (Tony) Pearson of International Falls, and Natasha of Kelsey; grandchildren, Dallas and Jackson of International Falls, and Corbin and Chloe of St. Cloud; mother, Beverly of International Falls; mother-in-law, Lillian Schrautemyer of Roseau; aunt, Betty Fisher of Northwood; sisters-in-law, Barb Gabriel of Lincolnton, N.C., and Mary (Ron) Peterson of Roseau; brother-in law, Bob (Linda) Schrautermyer of Meadowlands; special friends, Larry and Toinette Maki, Allan and Linda Souder, Jason and Pattie Phillips, Jeff and Brenda Johnson, and Clarence and Jacky Callen; and a special pet, “Pennylee Ann.”

Joel was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; maternal grandparents, Roland and Louise Fisher; paternal grandparents, John and Amanda Marien; sibling, Jennifer Rae; and uncle, Emmett Fisher.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Bettendorf and Dr. E. Jensen, and the loving nurses who were dedicated to caring for Joel. A special thank you to his final nurse, Carrie, who showed such love and care at the end.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 102 S. 14th Ave., Virginia, followed by a memorial service at 2.

Luncheon will follow the service at City of Mt. Iron Community Center, 8586 Enterprise Drive S., Mt. Iron.