Joe Ouradnik

Joseph “Joe” Ouradnik Sr., 70, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Wilmot Care Center in Wilmot after a long-term illness and a brief stint in Hospice care. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held later in August.

Joe was born on December 11, 1953, in Makoti, North Dakota, the son of Edward and Alice (Heffern) Ouradnik. He was raised on the family farm and attended Makoti schools graduating from Makoti High School in 1971. After High School, he attended college at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton where he obtained a degree in Warehouse Management. On October 25, 1974, he was united in marriage with Laura Lackman. From this marriage, his children: Katherine and Joseph Jr., were born. 

On June 1, 1984, Joe was united in marriage with the love of his life, Rita Wipf, and they had a child, Colter. Joe began working at Otter Tail Power Company in Wahpeton in 1973 and was quickly transferred to the Big Stone Power Plant as a Yard Operator. Halfway through his 40-year career at Otter Tail he became the Warehouse Manager and remained in that position until he retired in late 2013.

Over the years, Joe enjoyed photography, bowling and competing in various Dart Leagues. He also enjoyed tinkering in his shop with his woodworking tools. For many years, he could be found at the Big Stone Legion on Sunday afternoons working the meat raffle. 

Joe is survived by his wife Rita; one daughter, Kathy Peickert Knipp of Woodbury, MN; two sons: Joe Jr. (Angela) Ouradnik of Le Mars, IA and Colter Ouradnik of Watertown, SD; grandchildren: Brady, Connor, Ethan, Madison, Taylor, Emily, and Oliver; two brothers: John (Kathy) Ouradnik of Minot, ND and Lyle Ouradnik of Makoti, ND; and two sisters: Fran Zerr (Kerry) of Williston, ND; and Emily Wagner of Watford City, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Kathleen and Katherine; and three brothers: Timothy, James and Walter.