82-Year-Old Bismarck Resident Joseph Reisenauer Passes Away

Joseph “Fire Joe” Nick Reisenauer, a lifelong North Dakota resident whose life spanned eight decades of carpentry, firefighting, and a deeply rooted passion for antique tractors, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at a local hospital at the age of 82, dawiseperry.com reported.

Born in Dickinson, North Dakota, on September 19, 1944, to parents Nick and Caroline Reisenauer, Joe grew up in his hometown before making the move to Bismarck in 1967. That relocation marked the beginning of a nearly six-decade chapter in Bismarck, where he laid down deep roots through his trade as a carpenter and his community involvement.

Building a Life and a Legacy in Bismarck

A milestone came on April 26, 1966, when he married Bernie Wanner. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year on April 26, 2026, raising three children—Mark Reisenauer, Laura Ennen, and Kent Reisenauer—and eventually welcoming numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

82-Year-Old Bismarck Resident Joseph Reisenauer Passes Away — Photo: echovita.com

Professionally, Joe worked with his hands as a carpenter. His commitment to his neighbors extended beyond his craft when he joined the Bismarck Rural Fire Department, earning the enduring nickname “Fire Joe.”

Passions From Woodworking to Old Green Tractors

Away from work, Joe cultivated a variety of hands-on hobbies. He spent hours woodcarving, woodturning, and tending to his yard and flowers. Yet, few things matched his unmistakable enthusiasm for Oliver tractors. Whether tinkering with his machines at home or making the annual pilgrimage to Rollag, Minnesota, for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, his dedication to vintage agricultural machinery remained a defining hobby.

Memorial Services Scheduled in Mandan

Family and friends will gather to honor Joe Reisenauer on Monday, November 2, 2026. A gathering is scheduled for the hour before the service at DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, located at 4211 Old Red Trail in Mandan, with the memorial service beginning promptly at 11:00 AM.

Joe is survived by his wife, Bernie; his three children; five grandchildren, Krystal Peterson, Nick Reisenauer, Amber Anderson, Samuel Ennen, and Lexis Reisenauer; and three great-grandchildren, Klayten Peterson, Khloe Peterson, and Ella Anderson. He is also survived by his siblings, Florence Kuntz, Margie Broschee, Martin Reisenauer, Richard Reisenauer, Vera Gieser, and Faith Heinle. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janice McDavitte.

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