Joseph Reisenauer

Joseph “Fire Joe” Nick Reisenauer, 82, Bismarck, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at a local hospital. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 2, 2026, with gathering of family and friends the hour before at DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, 4211 Old Red Trail, Mandan.

Joe was born on September 19, 1944, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Nick and Caroline Reisenauer. He was born and raised in Dickinson before moving to Bismarck in 1967, where he would build a life filled with family, friendships, and countless memories.
Joe married Bernie (Wanner) Reisenauer on April 26, 1966. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and dedication to one another, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on April 26, 2026. Throughout their six decades together, they raised three children and watched their family grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A hardworking and caring man, Joe was a carpenter by trade and had a natural talent for working with his hands. He also served with the Bismarck Rural Fire Department, earning him the nickname “Fire Joe,” a name that would stay with him throughout the years.
Joe was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed woodworking, especially wood carving and woodturning, and took great pride in his garden and flowers. He spent countless hours tending to his plants, creating things with his hands, and working on projects around home.

Anyone who knew Joe knew about his love for Oliver tractors. Whether he was tinkering with his tractors at home, keeping them running, or making the trip to Rollag, Minnesota, for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, his passion for those old green tractors was unmistakable. Rollag held a special place in his heart, and it was something he truly looked forward to.

Joe also enjoyed fishing, but above all, he treasured time spent with his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found joy in being surrounded by those he loved. His hardworking nature, caring heart, and dedication to his family were a big part of the man he was.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bernie; their three children, Mark Reisenauer, Laura (Bryan) Ennen, and Kent Reisenauer; 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 (Willie) Kuntz, Margie (Roger) Broschee, Martin Reisenauer, Richard (Ida) Reisenauer, Vera (Lauren) Gieser, and Faith (Todd) Heinle. Along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Caroline Reisenauer, and his sister, Janice (Mac) McDavitte.

Joe leaves behind a lifetime of memories, the things he built with his own two hands, and a family who will forever cherish the time they shared with him. His love for his family, his craftsmanship, his beautiful gardens, and, of course, his beloved Oliver tractors will always be remembered.