Joseph Fritel
Aug. 27, 1939-Nov. 28, 2025
Rugby
Joseph Fritel, 86, was called to his heavenly home on November 28, 2025, at the Heart of America Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Joseph was born on August 27, 1939, in Orrin, North Dakota, the first of eleven children born to Rudolph and Catherine (Brossart) Fritel. He was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in Orrin and confirmed at Little Flower Church in Rugby. Joseph was raised on the family farm north of Rugby. He began his schooling in a country school and completed his education at Little Flower School in Rugby.
On April 23, 1962, Joseph married Eva Hoffart at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Fulda, ND. Together they made their home on the Fritel family farm north of Rugby on Highway 3, where they farmed, ranched, and raised their four children, Chuck, Joey, Ron, and Susie. Joseph was a member of Little Flower Church, serving on both the church council and the Little Flower School Board. He was also a 3rd Degree Knight and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.
On September 14, 1990, Joseph married Naomi (Sollin) Maskey at Little Flower Church in Rugby. They purchased a home in Rugby in 1995 where they made their home and created their life together.
Joseph was a man of faith, kind and gentle, and devoted to his loving family and the land he loved. He was a hardworking, lifelong farmer and rancher, always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors. He cherished time spent hunting, fishing, sharing stories, enjoying coffee with loved ones and friends, and visiting with nearly anyone who crossed his path. Joseph’s heart and soul were anchored in his family and on the farm, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved.
He was proud of his Germans-from-Russia heritage and enjoyed learning about his ancestry. In 1986, Joseph and Eva, along with Jim and Mary Schmaltz and Karl and Elizabeth Wiederoder, traveled to Germany–a meaningful and educational journey. He also enjoyed many memorable hunting adventures, including elk, bear, moose, and mule deer trips, as well as salmon fishing excursions. One highlight was a special Farmers Union bus tour to Branson, Missouri, in December 2019, made even more memorable by sharing the experience with fourteen Fritel family members.
In earlier years, Joseph worked in various agricultural roles hauling hay, helping with combining, and hauling sugar beets in the Red River Valley through long, demanding days while focusing on farming and ranching throughout his life. His dedication to agriculture earned him numerous accomplishments, awards, and opportunities through the years selling seed and serving on numerous boards and councils.
Joseph lived a full and active life, rooted in simplicity and the joy of hard work. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm smile, steadfast faith, and the deep love he held for his family.
Joseph is survived by his wife Naomi of 35 years. Sons: Chuck (Jayme) Fritel, Hazen; Joey (Lanae) Fritel, Willow City; Ron (Melissa) Fritel, Des Lacs; Daughter: Susie Fritel-Sanders, Bismarck.
Grandchildren: Caleb Fritel, Ethan Fritel, Molly (Mikel) Cederstrom, Natasha (Josh) Sattler, Dustin (Lacie) Fritel, Emily (Nick) Biberdorf, Laura (Leroy Arnold) Fritel, Jonathan (Kayla Mehrer) Fritel, Kari (Casey Mattson) Fritel, Alexys Fritel, Samantha Monteau and William J Sanders.
Great Grandchildren: Everett, Sonnet and Alden Cederstrom, Isaac and Bella Sattler, Kai and Brighten Fritel, Oliver and Elliott Biberdorf, Liam Arnold, Ashton Visger, Willow and Ivy Mattson.
Stepchildren: Marilyn (Dave Morley) Maskey, Fargo, Darren Maskey, Rugby
Grandchildren: Kole (Caela Donovan) Maskey, Samantha (Travis Ramsey) Maskey and Tanecia Maskey, Minot.
Great Grandchildren: Korbyn, Paisley and Giovanni.
Jill (David Maskey) Harvey and children: Brandon and Blake, Brook (Matt) Hogencamp, grandchildren: Skylee, Oliver and Greyson
Brothers: Frank Fritel, Devils Lake; Ray (Judy) Fritel, Waco, Tx; Sisters: Beatrice Bachmeier, Austin, MN; Elsie (Harvey) Leonard, Rolette; Marge Heilman, Rugby; Kathy (Doug) Hagel, Billings, MT; Sisters-in-law: Lorraine (Will) Fritel, Rugby; Pat (Ed) Fritel, West Fargo; Debbie (Ernie) Fritel, Cooperstown; Jackie (Fred) Fritel, West Fargo.
Preceded in death by: Parents: Rudolph and Catherine Fritel. Brothers: Edward, Ernest, William and Fred Fritel. Brothers-in-law: Richard Heilman and Vincent Bachmeier. Sister-in-law: Janice Fritel. Nephew: Tim Fritel. Stepsons: Bryan and David Maskey. Grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery. Father Franklin Miller, Celebrant.
Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with rosary, vigil prayer service and sharing beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Organist: Angie Deplazes Vocal Leader/Cantor: Luke Schlag
Scripture Readers: Emily Biberdorf & Dustin Fritel
Casket Bearers: Caleb Fritel, Ethan Fritel, Natasha Sattler, Josh Sattler, Dustin Fritel, Jonathon Fritel & William Sanders
Honorary Bearers: Molly Cederstrom, Emily Biberdorf, Laura Fritel, Kari Fritel, Alexys Fritel, Samantha Monteau, Kole Maskey, Samantha Maskey & Tanecia Maskey
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, December 6, 2025.