JOSEPH CONRAD SEIDL
December 8, 1938 – January 26, 2011

Joseph Conrad Seidl, age 72, of Osage, MN formerly of Bloomington, MN, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
Joe was born on December 8, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN to Joseph and Viola (Olson) Seidl. He attended the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Elementary School in Minneapolis, MN and then went on to attend the DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis where he graduated with the Class of 1957. Joe attended The University of Minnesota for one year before enlisting in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Company, Batt. Seven. Following his honorable discharge in late December of 1961, Joe returned to Minnesota where he gained employment with the Janesville Auto Transport Company based in Janesville, WI. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Locke in 1972 and this marriage was blessed with two step-sons: Chuck and Dan Nelson and a daughter, Mary Jo who was born in 1974. In a career that spanned over 26 years, Joe hauled automobiles throughout the five state area until a serious head injury forced him to take early retirement in 1988. Earlier that same year, Joe was united in marriage to Mary Kay Peters Fisher and adopted Mary’s daughter, Lena. Joe adored his two daughters and they along with his precious wife, Mary Kay, brought much joy into his life. Joe loved the out of doors. He had learned the secrets of being a successful hunter, trapper and fisherman from his father and brothers: Peter and Steven and enjoyed his time in the woods or on the lake since early boyhood. Joe and Mary Kay spent many weekends visiting the lake cabin in Amery, WI with family and friends and also at their farm near Osage, MN. In 1996, they left the city and moved to a home on Straight Lake in Osage, MN. Joe enjoyed country life and loved working in his garden and on his farm. He loved teaching his daughters, and eventually his eldest grandson, Lucas the secrets of hunting, fishing and trapping. He enjoyed spending his time in the “dog house” a room he built in his polebarn, preparing for his next fishing, hunting or trapping excursion. His favorite time of the year was deer hunting when he and his family spent quality time at the Straight River Hunting Shack where he invested much solitude in his legendary “Stairway to Heaven” deer stand. In 2001, Joe shot a state record white tail Buck and also had caught a world champion hybrid Northern Pike in 1983. He also loved his loyal dogs: Ruby, Daisy, Angel and Jasmine and watching the History channel. Above all, Joe devoted his life to his soulmate, Mary Kay; his two precious daughters and his grandsons who he loved with all his heart.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Kay of Osage; two daughters: Mary Jo (Eric) Howell of Moundsview, MN; Lena (David) Stone of Osage; three grandsons: Lucas, Devin and Tyler; two brothers: Peter (Juanita) Seidl of Amery, WI and Steve (Eiko) Seidl of Ham Lake, MN; three sisters: Linda (Dean) Ducnuigeen of Denver, CO; Susan Birdsong and Marsha Bohunko both of Mpls; as well as many wonderful nieces & nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Viola Seidl.
Funeral services will be held 12 Noon on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis with visitation beginning one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4 PM to 7 PM Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with a prayer service at 7 PM. Active casket bearers will be: Matthew Seidl, Aaron Bohunko, Anthony Seidl, Simon Bohunko, Christopher Birdsong, Joseph Menter and James Menter. Honorary casket bearers will be: Brad Anderson, Brandon Anderson, Marco Marqueti, Brian Taylor, Todd Luken, Jerry Forsberg, Kevin Lund and Lois Bertrand. Interment will be made in the Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.