Ronald "Joe" Czapiewski

Ronald L. “Joe” Czapiewski, 75, Golden Lake, ND, died Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Ronald Larry Czapiewski was born August 3rd, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Edward J. and Donna (Ferguson) Czapiewski. He was raised and educated in Manvel, ND.  “Joe” enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 23, 1961 and was stationed aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts based off the East coast. He was honorably discharged in after four years enlisted and two in the Naval Reserves.  He returned to Grand Forks where he began his career with the Federal Government.  He began as a radio operator for the U.S. Border Patrol before becoming an Inspector with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. He continued his career with INS throughout ND and MN before retiring with 37 years of service on October 1st, 1999 at his beloved lake home at Golden Lake, ND.  He married Arlys Elaine Draeger on December 16th, 1967 and together they had four children; Darin, Kelli, Janet and Traci.  They were married for 45 years before Arlys passed away on June 14th, 2013.

Ron took special pride in his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  He also had a love for all the pets he had throughout his life.  He loved to tease and joke with everyone and he never passed up a Pepsi or a treat to satisfy his sweet tooth.  He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, boating, woodworking, and watching baseball games when the Twins or Dodgers were playing. 

Ron married Janet Burger on June 28th, 2014 in Manvel, ND. She survives along with his daughters, Kelli (Rodney Jorde) Cooper, Michigan, ND, Janet (Chad) Hoverson, Grand Forks, ND, and Traci (Travis) Frahm, Grand Forks, ND; 12 grandchildren, Breeon (Sean Schimetz) Rosendahl-Hoffman, Chase Frahm, Brett Zacher, Austin Hoffman, Trever Czapiewski, Abbie Hoffman, Hunter Hoverson, Emily Frahm, Luke Hoffman, Ben Hoverson, Rylan Hoffman and Rachel Frahm; and brother, Roger (Bonnie) Czapiewski. 

Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlys; son, Darin; brothers, David and Michael, and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Monday, July 1st, 2019 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Vigil at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery of Grand Forks. Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks.