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Joseph "Joe" Spaeth, age 91, of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN died on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes.

Joseph Nicholas Spaeth was born March 19, 1931, in Fargo, ND, the son of John and Lillie (Blaeser) Spaeth.  He grew up on the family farm and attended St. Michael's Catholic School through the 8 ^th grade.  Following his schooling, Joe entered the workforce a young man.  On June 28, 1952, Joseph was united in marriage to Deloria "Dee" Pozorski in Sauk Rapids, MN.  The newlyweds made their home in Blaine, MN, where Joe worked as a mechanic at the University of Minnesota.  In 1964, they moved to Mahnomen where they put down roots.  Joe began farming and they raised a family of three daughters.  In the late 1990's, he retired from farming but continued to keep busy.  Dee passed away in 2004 and Joe remained on the farm.  A few years later, he rekindled a grade school friendship with Viola Mary Whitten.  The two enjoyed each other's company and became quite close, even being wed in the eyes of the church.  In the fall of 2017, due to his declining health, Joe moved to Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes where he would continue to make his home until his death.

Joe was very outgoing and always enjoyed a visit with anyone who would chat.  Whether it was at the casino, church, out and about, or down at the dining hall, he loved to socialize.  Joe was known as the resident activity coordinator at Oak Crossing, always getting people together for games, conversation or food and fellowship.  When he was able, Joseph loved fishing, especially ice fishing.  He also enjoyed playing cards, dancing and going to the casino.  Joe was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and was on the Wild Rice Watershed Board for 30+ years.  One of his favorite sayings, "You play the cards your dealt" was heard often and instilled by many who will continue to love and miss his earthly presence.

Joseph is survived by three daughters: Cindy (Allen) Zimmel of Mahnomen; Mary (Dave) Wiemer of Sartell, MN, and JoAnn (David) Doty of Waubun and; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, John "Jack" (Cheryl) Spaeth of Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Marlys (Curtis) Conlon of Kimball, MI; three sisters-in-law: Bobbie Spaeth of St. Michael, MN, Sherrill Spaeth of Fridley, MN, and Sharon Spaeth of Mahnomen; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dee; four sisters: Gladys (Jim) Bratner, Ginny (Toby) Rumreich, Theresa (Bob) Pearson, and Doris (Bob) Danielson; eight brothers: Warren, Kenneth, Harold (Dot), Marlo, Pat, Sonny (Altha), Jerome (Betty), and George.

Blessed be the memory of Joseph Spaeth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Michael's Catholic Church, St. Michael's School, or a charity of your choice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. www.andersonfamilyfh.com