Joseph Dobrovolny passed away at his home at The Rosen Place in Stanley, ND on April 10, 2021.

Joseph was born on September 25, 1922 and raised on the family farm in Debing Township in the Ross, ND area, with his 5 brothers and 3 sisters to Joseph Dobrovolny Sr. and Karoline Stolfa Dobrovolny. Joe graduated from Ross High School. He enjoyed dancing, sports, bowling and fishing. He was a volunteer fireman and a member of the Lutheran Church. As a person, he was one of the “Good Ones.” He moved to “The Rosen Place” in Stanley, ND in December 2020.

He was a proud WWII veteran. Joe served with the army from 1942 until 1946, training for anti-aircraft artillery 124 Battalion. His battery was one of four credited with shooting down rockets, saving 100,000 lives in London. He was part of the Battle of the Bulge. His service was in the European Theater Operations. He was part of the war that changed the world, often considered the greatest generation.

Joe married Ruth Dalhaug on June 20, 1948. They had 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He owned a grocery business in Ross, ND for 18 years and was a rural mail carrier for 22 years. He was known for his kindness and always lending a helping hand – not a day went by that he wasn’t helping someone out “fixing something” regardless of the time of day. He was the community fix-it man. He also did plumbing and electrical work on the side.

He took responsibility early in life. At age 13, he would go to the neighbors and care for their horses or mend their fences. He was very innovative. He was always trying to improve living conditions on the farm. In 1946, he put a telephone line along their fence and about 6 families had telephone service. He rigged up a shower on their water tank in the farm yard so they could take showers outside and lights in the outhouse by connecting bulbs to batteries. As a mail carrier, he often dropped into homes to check on the occupants.

He loved flowers, especially wild Tiger Lilies. He often brought them to his wife, mother, or the ladies on his mail route. The children got Easter baskets.

Ruth preceded him in death on March 22, 1993. Their five children are David (Connie), Deborah, Rebecca Chambers (George), Mark (Christy) and James (Judy).
He married Charlotte Halvorson on April 22, 1994. They lived in Ross, ND until 2012. They moved to Elmcroft Assisted Living in Minot, ND. Charlotte preceded him in death on March 27, 2020.

In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren Sheila Waddell (Brian); Paige Dobrovolny (John); Monica Summers (Steve); Amber Palazzolo (Joe); Ross Dobrovolny; Todd Chambers (Christy); Michael Dobrovolny (Kirsten); Nathan Dobrovolny (Sarah); Karmyn Tesoro (Nathan); Carrie Gamache (Patrick); Mathew Dobrovolny; Kimberly Dobrovolny; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Georgia Rice; sister-in-law, Mabel Dobrovolny; cousin, Ted Dobrovolny (Jane); brother-in-law, Stanley Wright and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Ruth and Charlotte; his parents; brothers, George, Harry, Fred, Robert and Richard; sisters, Olga and Valesta; great-granddaughters Maren Dobrovolny and Harper Jo Gamache.