Joseph John Ringwelski

Joseph John Ringwelski, age 89 of Bowlus, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls. Joe was born on March 4, 1928 in Sobieski to Isadore and Julia (Boras) Ringwelski. He managed the Elmdale Creamery, where he was the butter maker. He owned and operated Joe’s Bar in Elmdale. Joe married Helen Christle in 1953, she later passed away in a car accident. He married Annella (Kopka) Kroll in 1973, and they farmed on the Morrison/Stearns county line near Bowlus for 45 years.

Joe was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus, where he served as an usher and a council member, and Knights of Columbus, St. Gregory the Great Council 12604.

Joe loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and farming. He also worked as a meat cutter for many neighbors and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Annella; children: Pat (Ivan) Baggenstoss of Cedar, MN, Kathy Ohotto of Wyoming, MN, Tom (Mary) Ringwelski of Little Falls, Duane (Rose) Kroll of Bowlus and Joyce (Dave) Matsuoka of Torrance, CA; Grandchildren: Amy (John) Hueffmeier, Jane (Brian) Czech, Casey (Tim Taylor) Swantek, Joe Ohotto, Dana (Tanner) Ripka, Sara (Jon) Bauer, DesiRae (Nate) Cary, Matt Ohotto, TJ (Danielle) Ringwelski, Carlee Ringwelski, Christopher Matsuoka and Nicholas Matsuoka; 13 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson.

Preceding Joe in death are his parents; first wife, Helen; brothers: Father Ray Ringwelski, Jerry Ringwelski, Robert Ringwelski; sisters: Lucille Koroll and Maryann Koroll.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10AM at St Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 4-8PM at the church in Bowlus and one hour prior to the mass, Monday at the Church. Interment will be at St. Edward’s Cemetery, in Elmdale.