Joseph John Schaller

Joseph Schaller, 88, Jamestown, ND died on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at Jamestown Hospital after a brief illness.
Joseph John Schaller was born June 2, 1918, in Jamestown, ND, the son of John and Ann (Studinski) Schaller. He attended school in Jamestown, graduating from St. John's Academy in 1936. He held various jobs, including a stint with Northern Pacific Railroad, until enlisting in the Army in 1943. Joe married Phyllis Markuson on November 4, 1943. He served in the 743rd Railroad Battalion in Belgium, France and Germany. He was discharged in February of 1946 and returned home to see his 18 month old daughter for the first time. Following his tour of duty, he attended the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis from 1948-1949 and then returned Jamestown after taking a job with Power Appliance of Jamestown. A couple of years later, Joe returned to the Northern Pacific Railroad, a job he held until retiring in 1981 after 37 years.
While employed, Joe was secretary of the Local Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, having joined shortly after high school. He volunteered for functions at the KC Hall and also coached Little League Baseball. He was a member of The Basilica Of St. James. Joe was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to the big bands on late night radio, and he was always willing to engage in a political debate.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; 4 sons: John, Jamestown, ND; Jim (Illa), Jamestown, ND; Bill (Carol), Killdeer, ND; Gary, Jamestown, ND; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and a son-in-law, Duane Helgeson, Fargo, ND.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, a daughter, Donna Helgeson) and a grandson, Jeff Schaller.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at The Basilica of St. James, Jamestown, ND.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND and 1 hour prior to services in the church on Wednesday.
Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND at a later date.