Joe Sitzmann

Joseph Sitzmann, 89, of Jamestown, ND, passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side Wednesday morning, October 11, 2023, at SMP-Health Ave Maria, Jamestown.

Joe was born October 7, 1934, in St. Paul, MN, the 3rd of 4 children of Louis and Inez (O’Conner) Sitzmann.  The family spent their summer in Glacier Park, Montana.  After graduation from high school, he attended St. Thomas College.  Joe married Teresa “Terri” Gran in St. Paul and made their home in Wilmar, MN where Joe worked for Transit Livestock Feeding Co.  Their six children were born there and in 1971 the family moved to Jamestown.  Joe was a salesman for E & J Butler Co.  In 1974, he became a partner in Parkway Café, and in 1977 he and his wife, Terri bought Mac’s Café & Pub.  They remodeled it and renamed it Wagon Master Restaurant & Lounge.  They did numerous catering occasions, including weddings, company picnics, all school reunions, etc.  Joe mostly enjoyed doing open-pit BBQs and pitch fork fondues.  In 2002, they moved to Tappen, ND where he worked for Dawson Land & Cattle.  In 2020, they moved back to Jamestown where they lived at Edgewood Assisted Living.

Joe was an active member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and the Elk’s when he resided in Wilmer, MN.  He was also a member of the Buffalo City Lions and Elk’s in Jamestown.  Joe also served on the North Dakota Hospitalities Association.

Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Terri; six children, Carole (Jeff) Schutt, East Glacier, MT, Bob (Connie) Sitzmann, East Glacier, MT, Mike (Rhaegn) Sitzmann, Dawson, ND, Mary (Ken) Mohr, Solway, MN, Sheila Finneman (Dooney), Beach, ND, and Joan (Steve) Kropp, Jamestown; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren; sister, Jane Sherwood and brother, Tony Sitzmann, of East Glacier, MT.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis & Inez Sitzmann; brother, David Sitzmann; in-laws, John & Teresa Gran; brother-in-law, RD Sherwood; niece, Christi Spencer; and nephew, David Sherwood.

Mass of Christian Burial – 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.

Burial – East Glacier, MT.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SMP-Health Ave Maria, 501 19th Street, NE, Jamestown, ND  58401