Joe Clarys

1956 - 2024

Joe Clarys
September 6, 2024
Joseph Wayne Clarys, 67, of Williston, ND unexpectedly left this earth on September 6, 2024. He took his final breath at a place so dear to his heart, his garden.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Eberle at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williston. Burial will take place in St. Boniface Cemetery near Wimbledon, ND on Tuesday, September 17.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 13, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home in Williston. A Vigil with a Rosary service will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6 p.m.
Joe was born September 24, 1956 to Joseph A. and Mildred C. (Samek) Clarys in Kensal, ND. He was raised on a farm with three sisters and five brothers in Courtenay, ND. He spent his childhood years learning the meaning of hard work which he carried with him his entire life.
In 9th grade as a young man, he met his one and only true love Genise Shockley at a basketball game. She only lived five miles away but attended a different school. Joe attended and graduated from Courtenay High School in 1974 where he shared many memories with his cousin Don Cherney and a good friend Gilly Sodawasser. Joe was an athlete with a special talent for the Javelin.
Joe enlisted in the United States Navy from 1974-1977 on the USS O Callahan FF-1051. He was a storekeeper 3rd class and a security guard in patrolled magazine areas, missile launches, and gun mounts. He was stationed for two years onboard in San Diego, CA and then one year onboard in Long Beach, CA. After his return home, Joe and Genise were married on July 29, 1978, just celebrating their 46th year anniversary. He attended college at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND receiving a major in Civil Engineering and a minor in soils testing and drafting.
After college, in 1979 Joe and Genise moved to Williston, ND. This is where their life as one began. Joe first worked for the City of Williston as a land surveyor. In 1981-1982 he worked for the North Dakota State Highway Department engineering office as a highway engineer technician II. From 1982-1996 he then worked as a water treatment plant operator. In 1996, Joe found a new career at the United States Postal Service. He was a well-known mail carrier who took pride in serving the community. Joe developed a lifelong friendship with Scott Detling and many residents along his routes. He retired from the Post Office after 19 years of service. Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the US Army National Guard.
In 1981, Joe and Genise welcomed their first born, Benjamin Jay Clarys. Ben was the first to call him dad and made him so proud. In 1983 they welcomed their second child, Vanessa (Clarys) Njos. She was truly daddy's little girl. Last but not least, in 1985, Curtis Clarys joined the tribe later earning the title from his siblings as "dad's favorite."
In this life, we are called to be servants and this is just what Joe did. Joe helped anyone and everyone who crossed his path. He was a man of God who gave all that he had to offer. He shared his role as a father to all that surrounded him, making those in his presence feel like they were his favorite child. He touched the lives of so many people and we are all so blessed to have known him. Joe was an honest man that you could always count on. He was a man of many roles and talents. He was a problem solver. He will be irreplaceable in our hearts.
Joe had the best sense of humor and a contagious memorable laugh that everyone knew. He was a great listener and had an extremely inventive mind. He was never scared to try something outrageous and make it work. He was so proud of all his children, especially his grandchildren. He loved them all very much and wholeheartedly. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and perform their musical talents.
Joe loved the family farm hunting gatherings with his brothers, sons, and nephews. He was an outdoors man who had a passion for fishing and camping with his family at his lots in Devils Lake, ND. Joe enjoyed panning for gold and a few trips here and there to the casino. Joe loved gardening especially his melons! They were his pride and joy and know that if you ever received one he loved you very much. He had a love for animals including his companion "Reba." At the time of Joe's passing, he was currently employed at Northwest Rural Water District. This was not just a job for him, this was his second home. He cherished all 11 years working alongside his son Ben, and numerous other family members and friends.
Joe was young but younger at heart. He had so many big dreams and a lot of love to give. He would want you all to love each other just as Jesus loved him.
Joe is survived by his wife, Genise Clarys, Williston, ND; two sons, Ben (Stacey) Clarys, Williston, ND, Curt (Kassie) Clarys, Williston, ND; daughter, Vanessa (Andy) Njos, Williston, ND; two sisters, Carol (Bob) Goffe, Courtenay, ND, Diane (Steve) Silkett, Tabor, IA; five brothers, Ron (Bonnie) Clarys, Fargo, ND, Mark (Jodie) Clarys, Williston, ND, Bernard (Della) Clarys, Fargo, ND, Jerald (Nancy) Clarys, Courtenay, ND, Ken Clarys, Courtenay, ND; his most precious grandchildren, Maggie, Ethan, and Evelyn Clarys; Danica and Adam Njos; and Mya, Aniston, and Dean Clarys.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Olschlager; and brother-in-law, Doug Olschlager.
Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Joe or leave condolences for his family.