Passed away on January 26, 2025, just after his 99th birthday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Thursday, January 30 at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave., St. Paul, MN 55118, with visitation one hour prior at the church.
He was born on January 3, 1926, in Mankato, Minnesota, to George A. and Mercedes (Ulman) Pleiss. His early years were spent in Mankato, where he was known as Wally (short for his middle name) to friends and family.
He graduated from Loyola High School in 1944 and joined the Navy soon afterward. It was there, by Navy policy, that he was called by his given name, Joseph. And he continued to be known as Joe from then on.
Joe used the Navy benefits to obtain a BA degree, graduating in 1948 from the College of St. Thomas. He was the first in his family to do so. Soon after graduation he began a 43 year career with Brown and Bigelow Inc. as a department manager, retiring in 1991.
He was united in marriage to Arleen Harff on May 20, 1950 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Minneapolis. They had 74 good years together.
Three things that were most important to Joe and he dedicated his life to: his wife, his Catholic faith, and music.
Arleen and Joe enjoyed picnics and hikes in state parks. They especially loved leaf peeping trips in the fall along the north shore drive and in Michigan. Joe loved playing his accordion and often entertained at nursing homes, parties, and many family occasions. He was a faithful steward of time and resources to help others, including many friends and family members, his church, the School Sisters of Notre Dame of Mankato, and the Crosiers Fathers and Brothers of Onamia and his music. He will be greatly missed by all.
Joe is survived by his wife of 74 years, Arleen; sister, Mary Ann Tichenor; sister-in-law, Delores Zbikowski; many nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernie Pleiss; father and mother-in-law, Elder and Ruby Harff; brothers-in-law, Harvey Harff, Don Zbikowski and Jim Tichenor; sister-in-law, Charlotte Pleiss; niece, Joan Marzinske and Sarah Pleiss.