Joe Octave Minnerup Jr., of Minot, ND went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Rose Minnerup. On September 16, 2025 they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Joe was born in Portola, CA, and worked as a cowboy in California during his younger years. In 1974, he moved his family to Akeley, MN where he started a logging business with his brother, Al, in 1980.
Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and lived his life grounded in that faith from that time on. After graduating from Massillon Baptist College in 1983, he pastored churches in Minnesota and North Dakota, with his last church being Berean Baptist Church of Minot from 2002 to 2022. Due to health reasons, Joe retired from the pastoral ministry in 2022.
Surviving family, in addition to his wife, Rose, are two sons, Rodger of Baton Rouge, LA and Lance of Tioga, ND; two daughters, Lalonie, wife of Brian Holmes of Red Lake Falls, MN and Tammey, wife of Rob Deneau of Cadillac, MI; one sister Barbara Corriea of Patterson, CA and one brother, Eugene Addington of Turlock, CA. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 5 stepsons, and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Joe Minnerup Sr. and Doris DeWitt (Minnerup, Addington), a brother, Alfred, and a sister, Joanne.
Visitation: Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home.
Celebration of Joe’s Life: Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Minot Baptist Church.
