Joseph F. “Joe” Tuchscherer was born on March 3, 1929 to Peter and Theckla (Engelhart) Tuchscherer in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 89 years on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Salmonson Estates Senior Living in Rugby.

As a young boy, he lived in Tunbridge and Barton before moving to the York farm in 1943.  Joe was united in marriage to Elda Mae Sveum on December 26, 1949 at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.  The couple made their home 5 miles north of York on the Tuchscherer family farm.  To this union 6 children were born.  On the farm, Joe raised a variety of crops plus cattle, pigs, chickens, etc.  He farmed from 1949 to 1991.  After that time, he continued to help his sons on the farm.  Joe truly loved farming.  He often told his children; “Take care of the land and it will take care of you”.  Joe and Elda Mae moved to Rugby in 1991.  Once retired, Joe was able to spend more time fishing, visiting, playing cards, making an occasional trip to the casino and gardening.  He gave many fish and most of his fresh garden produce to family, friends and neighbors.  He continued to be involved in farming to some degree, even up to his death. Throughout his life, he was involved in numerous community activities, various boards and agricultural groups.  He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Knox and later, they joined Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby when they retired into Rugby. Elda Mae died March 25, 2014.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Janice) of Mapleton, Kansas, Marsha (Bill) Davis of Springfield, MO,  Mary (Kraig) Haugen and Jim (Jody), all of Rugby and Tim (Sherri) of York; a son-law, Arnold Sommerfeld of West Fargo; seven grandsons; three granddaughters; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings, Marion (Clem) Schmaltz, Larry (Irene) Tuchscherer of The Villages, FL and RoseAnn (Don) /Rodeman of Estero, FL; nieces, nephews, toer relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Elda Mae; a daughter, Beverly Sommerfeld (April 8, 2001); a brother, Freddie Tuchscherer; a sister, Eva Buckmeier; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial  will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 4^th at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. T. T. Paulraj, Celebrant and Fr. Tom Graner, Concelebrant. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday with a rosary and vigil service starting at 7 p.m. and will continue Friday from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., all in the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.