Joseph August Lamote

Joseph Lamote, age 80, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at the Prairie Home Hospice – McLaughlin House in Marshall. Memorial Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. A walk-through visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2020, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation opens with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and the evening concludes with a Prayer Service, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Occupancy limits and social distancing must be observed throughout all services. Masks are required at all public indoor gatherings.

Joseph August Lamote was born to August and Elizabeth (Kerkaert) Lamote on March 21, 1940, in Minneota, Minnesota. He was baptized, received first communion, and was confirmed at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent. Joseph attended country school in Minneota and Russell public school through the 8th grade and obtained his GED in 3 days at Fort Carson, Colorado. He grew up on the family farm. Joseph served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam War Era from 1962 – 1965.

On October 27, 1962, Joseph was united in marriage to Bernadette “Bernie” Agnes Girard at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. The couple made their home in Colorado Springs, CO before his honorable discharge. He and Bernie then moved back to the Lamote family farm for a few years before moving to a farm near Arco from 1970 thru 1980. After a decade there, his young family moved South of Marshall by Balaton. As Joseph continued to farm, he also began driving truck for Swift’s which turned into a night manager position at the Willmar Poultry Turkey Hatchery in Marshall. Joseph retired in January of 2010. He was also a long-time member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and the Balaton American Legion.

With his charming wit and kind nature, Joe made everyone feel welcome and included. His sense of humor was perfect for every occasion; you could have sold tickets just to watch Joe and his brothers or his family laughing almost nonstop for hours at any gathering. Retelling of old stories were as funny the 10th time as they were the 1st, oftentimes even more so. Those who spent a lot of time with Joe have likely shed more tears of laughter than of sorrow. He commonly dropped his task to help a neighbor or friend in need and was described as “the guy who would give the shirt off his back” if someone needed it. He was rich in love and family.
In moments of crisis, Joe was a wise and thoughtful problem solver, nothing ever ended worse for following his guidance. Unless perhaps, you were on the receiving end of one of his pranks, which would have still left you smiling.

A proud Army Veteran and avid reader, Joe was an encyclopedia of knowledge to his kids and grandchildren, especially on the topics of World and American History. Joe’s many vast travels throughout the United States over his lifetime created memories for everyone who was able to be part of those expeditions. He would tell you his favorite part of the country is Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. The mountains are his most joyous part of the country and hold fond memories of his military years as well. Washington DC and the Eastern U.S., with its rich historical background fed his love and reinforced his knowledge of what he had studied for years. For those fortunate to visit historical sites with Joe, they didn’t just learn how the battle played out, but how many demerits the General had received at West Point… and why. And the lesson would be a memorable highlight. He held a deep respect for our nation, its warriors and flag.

Joe was diagnosed with colon cancer in the fall of 2017 and proceeded with surgery. Prognosis was good, but a year later the cancer had recurred so he decided to do chemotherapy for 8 months. The cancer was tougher than the chemo and in the end; cancer could not be overcome. Through this time period, Joe remained optimistic, retained his sense of humor and enjoyed his family immensely.

Those who knew Joe will know and remember him by his compassion for people and animals, his great smile and laughter that always put a twinkle in his eye, his enjoyment of football games (always rooting for the “underdog” and the Packers), his genuineness and sincerity, his expert marksmanship, Country and Western music and his excellent singing voice, pride in his 100% Belgian heritage, hunting and fishing, great sense of humor and his absolute love and delight with his family. Each and every one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren always sought out Grandpa Joe at each gathering for a hug and words of love. The children were always the light of his life.
The legacy of this awesome, humble man will live on in his children, family and beloved wife Bernie. Thank you husband, dad, Papa Joe, father, Grandpa Joe for all the lessons in life, love and caring. We will miss you.

Joseph Lamote died peacefully on August 25, 2020, in Marshall, Minnesota, at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 4 days. Blessed and eternal be his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bernie Lamote of Marshall; 8 children, Brenda (Doug) Thooft of Hastings, Jeanne LaLiberty of River Falls, WI, Michelle (Troy) Schmidt of Auburn, CA, Jeff (Amber) Lamote of Cullman, AL, Craig (Holly) Lamote of Marshall, Shawn (Chantel) Lamote of Cumming, GA, Stacy (Steve) Sussner of Ghent, Curt (April) Lamote of Marshall; 20 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; 8 siblings, Margaret (Richard) St. Aubin of Russell, Marie Vercruysse of Balaton, Dina (Don) Gruhot of Marshall, Leo “Sonny” (Delorse) Lamote of Balaton, Lillianna (Vincent) St. Aubin of Marshall, Aggie (Maurice) Dejeaghere of Sioux Falls, SD, Fran (Shelly) Lamote of Windom, Bob (Helen) Lamote of Springfield; brother-in-law, Lawrence (Judy) St. Aubin of Marshall; nieces, nephews, other relative, and many friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, August and Elizabeth Lamote; sister, Alice St. Aubin; infant brother, Leo Lamote; and son-in-law, Roger LaLiberty.