Julius "Joe" Wegleitner

Julius R. “Joe” Wegleitner, age 79 of Burtrum, passed away unexpectedly doing what he loved, tinkering at his shed, on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Burtrum, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose with Deacon Jim Schulzetenberg officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Joe (Julius) Wegleitner was the third son born to Tony (Anton) and Verena (Heinen) Wegleitner on July 5, 1943, in Freeport, MN. He would soon be joined by four additional brothers and, finally, two sisters. Joe worked on the family farm, looked over his little sisters, and was involved in a fair amount of mischief and mayhem. He attended country school through the 9th grade until deciding to farm full-time.

Joe enlisted in the Army in April of 1962 where he worked as a heavy machinery operator and mechanic. He served in France and Germany, and in the reserves, until he discharged in March of 1968. Joe leased a “3-2 joint” with a friend, slinging drinks and talking smart, until beginning his trucking career.

 In 1970, Joe was driving long haul when he was set-up on a date with the sister of a fellow truck driver/friend. Joe married that girl in March of 1972; recently celebrating their 51^st wedding anniversary at the casino where his grandchildren lovingly noted he was “spending their college money.” Joe loved life, his friends, and his family, especially those grandchildren. He knew how to love unconditionally and understood the importance of repairing relationships.

Joe and Carol owned and operated Wegleitner Trucking in a partnership with his brother/sister-in-law, and then independently, in Bertha, MN from 1980-2005. During that time, he made an impact on all those he met with his knowledge, integrity, kindness, and quick wit. Joe valued dependability, hard work, and sensible decision making…unless it involved fishing regulations, fireworks, and/or some sort of entertainment value.

Joe enjoyed staying busy, visiting with friends, picking on his wife, gambling, laughing at his own jokes, playing cards, fishing, and being with family. His smile was bright, his eyes were kind, and his laugh was infectious. He thought before he spoke, put the needs of others before his own, and dedicated his life to providing for his family. He was God’s servant, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation,” Psalm 68:5. Joe will be greatly missed by all.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lee Wegleitner, Ken Wegleitner, and Dave Wegleitner; brother-in-law, Jim Clow; and “all his buddies”.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; brothers, Tony (Kerry) Wegleitner, Dale (Joan) Wegleitner, and Darrell (Anette) Wegleitner; sisters, Debbie (Leroy) Sand and Denise Wegleitner; and sisters-in-law, Pat Wegleitner, Peggy Wegleitner, Linda Wegleitner, and Judy Kitidis; daughter, Julie Wegleitner (Tim); granddaughters, Hannah (Andy) Bounds and Delaney Kapphahn (Kyle); great grandson, Braylen Bounds; bonus granddaughters, Morgan (Cody) Aasness and Ashton (Isaac) Sawyer; and many nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.