Joseph Mehr, age 80, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, December 30, 2011 at Twin Valley Living Center under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley.

Joseph John Mehr was born January 3, 1931 in Avon, MN, the son of Jacob and Margaret (Neubeck) Mehr. He grew up in Melrose, MN, where he graduated from high school. Joe served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a radar technician. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Melrose and was united in marriage to Inez Lemke in July 1953. The couple made their home in St. Cloud, MN, while Joe attended college and received his teaching degree. His first teaching job took them to Pequot Lakes, MN, for a year before settling in Mahnomen, MN, in 1959. Joe taught Industrial Arts at Mahnomen High School until his retirement in 1989. In addition to his teaching throughout the school year, Joe kept busy year round. During the summers of the 1960's, he worked road construction for Bert Ness and in the 1970's he earned his pilot's license. Joe had a love for woodworking and remodeling projects. For several years, he and Don Thompson owned and operated a construction business where they would do projects and remodels for area people. Over the years, Joe enjoyed being a Boy Scout Master, tinkering on odd jobs, and working on many woodworking projects. He was a lifetime member and past commander of the American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 in Mahnomen and also past commander of the American Legion 9th District of Minnesota. Inez died in February of 2008 and Joe remained at home until very recently when his declining health forced him to enter the Twin Valley Living Center. On December 30, 2011, under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley, Joseph lost his battle with cancer at the age of 80.

Joe is survived by his children: Mike (Bonnie) Mehr, Mahnomen, Lisa (Gary) Trainer, Cheyenne, WY, Sheila Mehr, Virginia Beach, VA, and Pete (Marcy) Mehr, Mahnomen; eight grandchildren: Adam, Emily, Maggie, Samantha, Donnie, Sarah, Mason and Curtis; three great-grandchildren: Molly, Diego and Alyssa; one brother, Thomas (Judy) Mehr, Garland, TX; and loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Inez; and two sisters, Rosie and Delores.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 3 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1- 3 pm at the funeral home.