Joseph Leier, 89, Minot, formerly of Karlsruhe, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012, in a Minot nursing home. Joseph C. Leier was born Feb. 9, 1923, the son of Michael and Barbara (Meyer) Leier, in Orrin. He was raised and attended rural school in Blumenfeld, near Orrin. He moved to Karlsruhe with his family to attend high school. Joe married Marie Ganje Jan. 7, 1943, in Karlsruhe. They made their home in Karlsruhe and in April of that year he left and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, and was honorably discharged Nov. 24, 1945. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and in January of 1946, he and Marie began operating the Red Owl Store in Karlsruhe, which included a meat market that produced many tons of old-fashioned German sausage. They continued to own and operate the store until 1970. During this time, Joe also served as the rural mail carrier in the Karlsruhe area, delivering mail as well as candy for 27 years. He also farmed and grain fed beef cattle during this time. All these ventures kept the entire family busy. When Joe wasn't working, he enjoyed a good pinochle game with family and friends or a polka around the floor. When Joe finally retired, he and Marie became winter residents of Yuma, Ariz., for 18 years, enjoying date shakes and side trips to Mexico. Joe and Marie moved to Somerset Court in Minot in October of 2006. Joe was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Karlsruhe, where he served as a trustee for many years as well as over 50 years in the choir. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Rural Mail Carriers Association, 40 and 8 Club, and served with the Rural Fire Department. His loving family includes: wife of 69 years, Marie, Minot; sons, Ronald J. (Betty) Leier, Karlsruhe, Charles B. (Berdie) Leier, Velva, Darrell E. (Susan) Leier, Karlsruhe, and Nick D. (Fern) Leier, Williston; daughters, Suzann M. (Curt) Sinness, West Fargo, Barbara J. (Bruno) Rimatzki, Minot, and Michelle J. (Darby) Bauer, Urbandale, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Clem (Shirley) Leier, Velva; sister, Catherine (Raymond) Walter, Velva; sister-in-law, Regina Binfet, Rugby; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Nick Leier and Mike Binfet; sisters, Blanche Binfet, Sister Borromeo Binfet, Anne Merck, Mary Hoffart, Christine Volk, Francis Boechler and Magdelena Volk. Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 21, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe. Visitation: Today (Sunday) from noon to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Vigil prayer service: Today (Sunday) at 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Interment: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Karlsruhe.