Joseph “Joe” Albert Dragstra was born on February 11, 1927 to Walter and Martha (Wagenaar) Dragstra in Tyndall, South Dakota.  He attended country school in Springfield, South Dakota until the age seven when his family moved to Sioux County, Iowa, where he completed his education. He farmed with his father until he was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1950. He was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin and Fort Sill in Oklahoma and then later served in Germany until his discharge from the service in 1952. On January 2, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jennie Brands at the Christian Reformed Church in Inwood, Iowa.  Following their marriage, he farmed in Iowa and South Dakota and worked for Iowa Beef Packers of Luverne, Minnesota.  After his retirement, he and Jennie served together as custodians at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota.  He resided at their home in Edgerton until a week ago when he was admitted into the Sanford Luverne Hospital. On Monday, December 22, he entered the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage where he died on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at the age of 87 years, 10 months, and 12 days. 

Joe was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton. He volunteered for the Hope Haven Wheelchair Program. He was a member of the Kenneth F. Kingsley American Legion Post # 42 in Edgerton. He always enjoyed spending time uptown having coffee with his buddies. Going for joyrides and taking half a dozen different routes to a location was a favorite pastime of Joe’s. He liked looking at old farm equipment, especially Farmall tractors. Most of all, Joe loved hearing from his grandchildren and spending time with them.  He was the most patient and loving father and grandfather.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Jennie, of Edgerton; six children, Warren Dragstra of Chandler, Minnesota, Harvey (Lori) Dragstra of Edgerton, Dennis Dragstra of St. Louis, Missouri, Marilyn (Brad) Hulstein of Edgerton, Jenean (Gary) Knutson of Brookings, South Dakota, and Harlan (Lesli) Dragstra of Edgerton; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; infant twin children; his daughter-in-law, Avis Dragstra; four sisters; and two brothers.