Service Schedule

Visitation
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston on Thursday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and at the church on Saturday one hour prior to services.

Service
His funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday,
September 23, 2017 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williston. Fr. Charles Heidt will celebrate the Mass. Cremation will follow the service. A vigil service will be held Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 PM in the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston.

Graveside Service
Private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Corinth Cemetery.

Joel Orris Lerbakken
December 31, 1946 - September 13, 2017

Place of Birth: Corinth, ND
Residence: Chandler, AZ, formerly of Williston, ND
Age: 70

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Joel Lerbakken, 70, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Williston, ND passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday morning, September 13, 2017 at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Joel was born in Crosby, ND on December 31st, 1946, son of Joseph and Opal (Sundsrud) Lerbakken. He was raised and educated in Wildrose, ND later graduated from NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND.

On August 13th, 1966, Joel was united in marriage to Paulette Woytassek in Wahpeton, ND. They moved to Portland, OR shortly after where Joel worked as a mechanic before returning to Williston, ND in 1976, where he worked as a mechanic and helped out on the family farm by Alamo, ND. After the love of his life, Paulette, passed away in 2005, Joel moved to Chandler, AZ.

Joel was one of the founding families for the Williston Basin Wrestling Club. He was actively involved while his kids participated. Joel enjoyed golfing, dancing, socializing, talking about farming and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was well known for his smile as well as his great hugs.

Joel is survived by his four sons, Loren (Sandy) of Casper, WY, Colin (Liz) of Fargo, ND, Brandon (Julie) of Williston, ND, Derek of Aspen, CO; one daughter, Stacy (Jeremy) Jones of Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren, Caden, Alexander, Brooklyn, Elena, Camberly, Logan, and Jack Jones; three sisters, Eunice (John) Olson of St. Paul, MN, Gloria (Darrell) Twete of Williston, ND, and Diane (Harvey) Olson of Williston, ND; two brothers, Dale (Jan) Lerbakken of Maricopa, AZ and Monty Lerbakken of Minneapolis, MN

Joel is preceded in death by his wife, Paulette (Woytassek) Lerbakken, mother and father, Joseph and Opal Lerbakken, and brother, Marty Lerbakken.

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Karen Ring Sillerud (Dickinson)
Sep 14, 2017

To all of Joel's family, my sincere sympathy to all of you on Joel's passing. I was surprised to learn of this yesterday. Rest in Peace Joel. Prayers for peace, strength, comfort, and understanding of God's grace at this difficult time.

Duane and Kathy Binde (Williston, ND)
Sep 14, 2017

Peace and prayers to Joel's much loved family. How we loved Joel-our many visits and memories shared are blessings Now he is safely back with Paulette-his happy place. We loved our wonderful neighbors, God bless the family. Duane and Kathy

Joanne Dannenberg
Sep 14, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Joel's passing. He was a very kind, loving soul. Memories of watching football with Joel.

Cheryl And Bill Simpson (Ray, ND)
Sep 14, 2017

Brandon, Julie and families, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs, love, and prayers for all.

JMAC Resources (Williston, ND)
Sep 15, 2017

Brandon and family:
Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this diffucult time. JMAC Resources mgt and staff

DAN AND CJ SHUPE
Sep 15, 2017

JOEL WAS A GOOD MAN AND A FAMILY FRIEND. WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES.

JC
Sep 15, 2017

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one, Joel. May you find comfort in the words written at Acts 24:15, where God promises to bring back to life those we have lost in death by means of a resurrection. In the future He will also eliminate our enemy, death. (Revelation 21:4) This gives us the wonderful hope of being reunited with our loved ones, forever. Until then, I hope the memories of Joel and these promises from God comfort you in the days to come.

Heidi Anderson (Norfolk, Virginia)
Sep 15, 2017

Such a good man who always greated me with a smile. Joel was one of a kind. I have no doubt that he was welcomed home with open arms . He raised the best kids and family and each of you should be very proud that he was yours and you were his. Love to you all and praying for peace in your hearts.

Russell and Paula Schilke
Sep 17, 2017

Our thoughts are with your family at this most difficult time. Take care.

Larry Lee and Mary Beth Woytassek
Sep 17, 2017

You were loved and appreciated. Many have shown an abundance of love and consoling toward your family. Your departure was unexpected; but you left us with many memories to share and carry in our hearts. My deepest sympathies to your children and family. You will be greatly missed.

Jeanne Smith Knudsvig
Sep 19, 2017

Joel's Family
My prayers & thoughts are with all of you during this time. May you keep his memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead..
Sincere Sympathy,
Jeanne

Rick Nichols
Sep 19, 2017

Joel's family, I was very sorry to hear of Joels passing. He and Paulette were two of the first people I met when I moved to Williston. They welcomed my family and made us feel right at home, especially with their wrestling community. May he rest in peace.

Jerry and Lori Hahn (Williston, ND)
Sep 19, 2017

Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. Our prayer go out to your family.

Sheila Walker (Williston, ND)
Sep 20, 2017

Colin, Liz, Alex, Elena, and Logan,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family and friends...been thinking about you.
Sheila

Al "Hec" Bartlett (Chepachet, RI)
Sep 21, 2017

Colin, sorry to hear about your father's unexpected passing. My condolences to you and your family. These are sad times.

Jennifer freeland (Chandler, Arizona )
Sep 21, 2017

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your father and friend and so much more. I love you guys and we are all here for you at this difficult time. I know how the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one can feel. Know you now have an angel watching over all of you. Hugs.

Casey and Brook Newman (Chandler, AZ)
Sep 21, 2017

We extend our deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

They are no words that I can say that express the
Sep 28, 2017

They are no words that I can say that express the knowledge of me knowing how you would feel in this difficult time. But the Bible gives us hope of the resurrection of the dead. In Revelation 21: 4 shows us that hope, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”