Joseph S. Payne Passes at Age 95

Joseph S. Payne of St.

Paul went to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul with his family at his side.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 4th at the United Methodist Church in St. Paul. Pastor Susan Murithi and Jon Christensen officiated. Kay Meyer was the organist. Jan Anderson was the soloist. Music selections included “Amazing Grace,” “Old Rugged Cross,” and “Just As I Am.”

Interment was held at the Aurora Cemetery in Aurora. Military honors were provided by the American Legion 119 of St. Paul. Pallbearers included Bill Payne, Jerry Carlson, Clair Gausman, Darrell Schmidt, Greg Ambrose, and Todd Prukop. Honorary pallbearers included Pat Bogus, JeanAnne Schmidt, Ali Drehar, Jill Anderson, Becky Molgaard, Valerie Ambrose, Jo Gausman, and Paul Baker. Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home assisted the family.

Joe was born in Pleasant Dale on August 25, 1927 to Ermal (Fuller) and Leo Payne. He and his four siblings grew up on the family farm near Stockham. He attended school in Stockham until he felt the call to serve in World War II, entering the Navy in December of 1943. On leave, he married his sweetheart, Maybelle Enderle, in Mankato, Kansas on February 5, 1945. Joe returned to active duty, while Maybelle returned to Aurora to finish her education. Upon being honorably discharged in February of 1946, Joe and Maybelle began their life of farming near the Stockham area. He continued to serve as a Naval Reservist from 1946 until 1959. In 1966, they purchased a farm north of St. Paul, where Joe built their family home. His true passion was raising corn and soybeans, and he was also in the cattle and pig business. He was a member of the Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of St. Paul and also served on the Twin Loups Irrigation Board. Maybelle and Joe were avid fans of many of the local community sports teams. He was a faithful caregiver to Maybelle when she became chronically ill, until her passing in 2008. Besides continuing his support of local teams, he was blessed to enjoy the NFL, where he got to watch his son officiate. Later on, he enjoyed following his great nephew playing major league baseball. He was proud of his backyard garden and enjoyed sharing it with others.

Joe was a devout Christian who truly believed in the Lord. His daily reading of the bible gave him strength and encouragement. He was a member of the Methodist church for over seventy years.

Joe is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kent and Pam Payne of Aurora, Colorado and St. Paul; his faith companion, Hachi, who became Brookefield Park’s mascot; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maybelle; brother, Bob Payne; and sisters, Millie Miller, Francis Scott, and Loretta Stevenson.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Paul Senior Center or Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul for chapel services.