Joseph John Nistler, Sr.

Joseph “Joe” John Nistler, Sr., 90, of Watkins, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at his residence.

A time for visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins, with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Church of St. Anthony with a visitation one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery with military honors provided by the Watkins VFW and American Legion, and the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the Watkins Sportsman’s Club or to the Watkins Firemen.

Joe was born on July 16, 1932, in Watkins, MN, to Norbert J. and Clara C. (Pauls) Nistler. He attended school until the 8^th grade. On Jan 3, 1951, he was enlisted with the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He entered the US Army Reserves in 1953 and was discharged on July 16, 1992.

On December 27, 1954, Joseph was united in marriage to Rose Mae Stein at The Church of St. Nicholas. The couple were then blessed with twelve children: Joseph Jr., John, Laura, James, Nancy, Stephen, Linda, Lisa, Mark, Peter, Rose, and Roger.

Aside from his service with the US Army, Joe owned Nistler Building Supply and served as a fireman for Watkins. He belonged to the Watkins VFW Post 5460, Catholic Order of Forresters, Watkins Sportsman, and Watkins Legion Post 453. He was a lifetime member of the Church of St. Anthony. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, woodworking, and farming.

Left to cherish Joe’s memory is his wife, Rosie; his children: Joseph (Pat), John (Pam), Laura (Mike) Lincoln, James (Kay), Nancy, Stephen (Lori), Mark, Linda (Alan) Siebens, Lisa Babcock, Peter (Shelly), Rose (Dennis) Alexander, and Roger; 30 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Erwin (Katy) and Dave (Linda) Nistler.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents; his son, Mark; his sister, Mary Ann Nistler; his son-in-law, Allen Babcock; and his parents-in-law, John, and Gertrude Stein.