Joel Nath

JOEL ALAN NATH was born to Orlen and Corrine (Ruddy) Nath on August 31, 1954 at the hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on the farm northeast of Luverne. He attended country school across the road from his farm until the sixth grade when the school closed. He then attended the Luverne School District where he graduated with the class of 1972. Following high school, Joel furthered his education at Minnesota West Community College. Along with farming, Joel also worked at Dehy from 1974-1977. On April 24, 1976 he was united in marriage to Lori Weasmer in Maquoketa, Iowa. Following their marriage the couple made their home in Luverne. Joel farmed full-time from 1977 until 1982. He then went to work at IBP until 1999. Joel and Lori separated in 1999 and later divorced. Joel then became employed by Hutchinson Technology where he worked in Quality Control and later as a Team Lead. In 2005, he began his employment with Glen’s Food Center/Food and Gas in Luverne where he continued to work until his illness forced him to retire in 2010. On May 31, 2011, Joel died at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 56 years and 9 months with his children by his side. Throughout his life Joel held a positive attitude and always treated others with a kind heart.

Joel was a lifelong member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. He was a member of the FFA throughout his school years, the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles Club. His favorite hobbies were fishing, bowling, playing cards, softball, biking and riding his motorcycle, along with being a “gaming” enthusiast. Joel had a good sense of humor and just simply enjoyed life to its fullest. He was a big family man and especially looked forward to family time on Sundays. He loved being a grandpa and attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.

Joel is survived by his three children, Joel (friend, Heather) of Luverne, Josh (Michelle) of Luverne, Jody (Brian) Moss of Valley Springs, SD; six grandchildren, Caitlynn, Jacalynn, Logan, and Alexander Nath, and Jonathan and Mya Moss; parents, Orlen (Mary Jo) Nath of Luverne, and Corrine Nath of Luverne; six siblings, Michael (Janet) Nath of Luverne, Steven (Wendy) Nath of Luverne, Gregg Nath of Sioux Falls, SD, Pamela (Michael) Welch of Yankton, SD, Joni (Kraig) Keck of Sioux Falls, and Thomas (Lisa) Nath of Luverne; two step siblings, Kevin (Karen) Brandenburg of Burnsville, MN and Susan (Randy) Schneekloth of Luverne; and other family and friends.