Joseph Havelka

Joseph L. Havelka, 82, a long time resident of Dickinson, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2003, at St. Benedict?s Health Center in Dickinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p. m. Friday, at St. Patrick?s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Austin Vetter celebrating. Military Rites will be provided by the Dickinson Veteran?s Drill Team. Interment will be in St. Patrick?s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be Thursday from 9 a. m. to 2:30 p. m. at Price-Murphy Funeral Home, from 3 p. m. to 4 p. m. at St. Benedict?s Health Center, and continued at 4:30 p. m. to 9:00 p. m. at Price-Murphy Funeral Home, with a rosary and video tribute at 7 p. m. Visitation will continue Friday from 8 a. m. to noon at Price-Murphy Funeral Home. Joseph Louis Havelka was born September 13, 1921, in Stark County, the eldest son of John and Mary (Ridl) Havelka. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Dickinson. He attended a rural school a half-mile away from his home. While a youth, Joe worked for many of the neighbors during the summer helping with their farming. He enlisted in the United States Navy September 14, 1942, and was honorably discharged October 3, 1945. Joe married O?Tillia Buresh on November 14, 1949, at New Hradec. They farmed in Billings County for five years before moving to Dickinson. He worked at B & B Grocery and Husky Briquetting Plant. Joe worked for Schultz and Lindsey Road Construction Company building Interstates 94 and 29, in North and South Dakota and Minnesota until 1979, when he started working at Dickinson State College in the maintenance department. Joe also worked part-time throughout the years at several service stations in Dickinson. He worked at the college until his retirement. After his retirement Joe spent many years volunteering his time at St. Joseph?s Hospital and Sunset Senior Center in Dickinson. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. When there was a gathering of people Joe always had a deck of cards ready for a game of pinochle or whist. He also enjoyed gardening, listening to old time music and going to dances. He was a member of St. Patrick?s Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and greeter for many years. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans, St. Anthony?s and the Eagles clubs and Singles Club, where he served as secretary and president. Surviving Joe are his children and their families: three daughters, Jolyn and Jon (Jon, Thomas, MaKayla), Luann and Ralph and Susie and Herb (Chris and Lori); eight sons, John (Corrina), Joe J. and Char (Jasmin and Austin), Curt, Donald and Bernice (Jacinta, Rachel and Royce), Ben and Kathy (Jeff, Stephen and Sarah), Conald and Donna (Josh, Jessica and Katie), Ron and Dez (Ryan and wife Patty, Brent and fianc?e Amy, and Kale), Arnold and Mamie (Jay and Latoya); one great-granddaughter, Maddie; brothers, Otto and David and sisters, Tillie, Margaret and Mary Ann. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Tillie; infant daughter, Mary; two daughters-in-law, Donna and Esther; his parents; brothers, George, Laudie and Robert and one sister, Lillian.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: November 14, 2003
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Friday, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church