Joe was born in Breckenridge Mn, on June 24,1946 to Tom and Katie (Schmit) Bertelsen.  He grew up in Fairmount, North Dakota the 3rd of 9 children.  After High School, he enlisted in the army and served in Germany and Vietnam.  In 1970, he met Barbara Fridgen, they married 3 years later.  As a couple, they planted their roots in St. Paul, Mn.  Where they raised their 5 children.  Joe kept busy working, watching his kids play sports and spending time with his family. 

Joe is survived by his wife (Barb) of 52 years. His children Jill, Matt (Heather), Holly (Sean), Jim (Christina) and Mark (Janelle).  His 11 grandchildren: Carter, Easton, Nolan, Ava, Joy, Max, Rose, Charlie, Zoe, Maleah and Mekhi.  His siblings: Jim (Kay), Curt, Teri (Kendall), Rose Mary (Oren), Rick (Carleen) Rich, Martha, in laws and many nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Katie, brothers Gary and Duane (Nip), sister Kathy, and sister-in-law Diane and Lil. 

A Mass of Chritian Burial will take place at The Church of St. Patrick, 1095 Desoto St., St. Paul, MN 55130 on Saturday, November 8th, 2025. Visitation from 10am - 11am and Mass immedietly following at 11am. Interment will be held in the Spring of 2026 in Fairmount, North Dakota.