1921
Joseph
2015
Joseph Motl
September 17, 1921 — October 22, 2015
Joseph Lloyd Motl, 94, Mandan, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Sanford Health Continuing Care Center off Collins in Mandan. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 26, 2015, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Chapel at 10:30 am with Rev. Christina Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Bismarck. Visitation will one hour prior to the service.
Joseph was born September 17, 1921, to Joseph and Mercy (Hand) Motl in Steele, ND. He was the first of four children in the family that moved from Steele to Valley City in 1924. At the age of 15, Joseph left home to be a farm laborer. In 1945 he was drafted to the US Army. On October 19, 1945, Joe married the love of his life, Doris Hanson in Valley City. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Joe began working on the railroad as a section laborer. He was promoted to track inspector in 1952 and was transferred to Mandan. He retired from the railroad in 1982. In 2009 Joe was inducted into the Railroad Hall of Fame.
Joe loved fishing and spending time at Lake Tschida. He also enjoyed playing pool and cards, especially Cribbage. Joe was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mandan and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Union.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Arlen) Rothert, Binford, ND; son, Dave (Ellie) Motl, Mandan; a sister, Margaret Petersen, Jamestown, CA; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eight step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; parents; brother, John; sister, Ruth; and brothers-in-law, Pete Petersen and Frank Runck.
Joseph was born September 17, 1921, to Joseph and Mercy (Hand) Motl in Steele, ND. He was the first of four children in the family that moved from Steele to Valley City in 1924. At the age of 15, Joseph left home to be a farm laborer. In 1945 he was drafted to the US Army. On October 19, 1945, Joe married the love of his life, Doris Hanson in Valley City. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Joe began working on the railroad as a section laborer. He was promoted to track inspector in 1952 and was transferred to Mandan. He retired from the railroad in 1982. In 2009 Joe was inducted into the Railroad Hall of Fame.
Joe loved fishing and spending time at Lake Tschida. He also enjoyed playing pool and cards, especially Cribbage. Joe was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mandan and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Union.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Arlen) Rothert, Binford, ND; son, Dave (Ellie) Motl, Mandan; a sister, Margaret Petersen, Jamestown, CA; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eight step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; parents; brother, John; sister, Ruth; and brothers-in-law, Pete Petersen and Frank Runck.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Motl, please visit our flower store.