Joseph K. BlueShield

Joseph Kurt BlueShield Joseph’s journey home to the Lord began on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. He was 48 years old and had several health issues for the past few years. Joseph was born to the late Herbert and Joyce (Young) BlueShield on December 22, 1967 in Devils Lake, ND. He was educated in St. Michael’s School and Warwick Public School. He was raised by his oldest sister, Julie Johnson in his father’s house. Joseph worked at Sioux Manufacturing in Fort Totten for a time. In 1987 he met Ferry DeMarce and they had 4 children. They resided in Tokio and later in Moorhead and Fargo. Joseph met the love of his life, Charity D. Schwab Pope “Chi-Chi” on February 25, 2005. From this union, they had a beautiful daughter Savannah Jean BlueShield. Joseph was always a father figure to Ethan Pope, Gabriella Pope and Ariana Pope. The Schwab family made him feel a part of their family. Joseph and Charity made their home in Valley City, ND where he worked as a certified carpenter, building apartments and homes in the Valley City area. Their home was always open to anyone who needed just a place to feel at home. Some years later they moved their family to Englevale, North Dakota. His passions were beading, carving, listening to music. Joseph loved going to pow-wows, fishing, playing cards, camping and traveling were just some of many things he loved to do. Reading his Bible was always a must. Visiting family and friends for outings was always on his mind. He loved spending time with all his grandchildren. Joseph was a caring man. He loved his life. Family was everything to him, helping with anything he could, whenever he could. Joseph will be truly missed by his companion, Charity, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and all his cousins and many relatives. Preceding him into the Lord’s arms were his parents Herbert and Joyce; grandparents; uncles Lincoln, Henry and Martin; aunts Violet, Rose, Mary, Jean, Theresa and Alice; sisters Sandra, Rachel and Patty; brothers Emerson, George, Peter, Faron, Ron and Stanley; his son Dennis Peter BlueShield; grandson Avery DeMarce; niece Meryl IronHawk and nephew Devin Fox. He is survived by Charity D. Schwab Pope; four children and grandchildren Anastasia and her children Jericka, Carlos and Karter, Danielle and her children Sergia, Kyler, Greysyn and Saphria, Ethan Cote and Savannah BlueShield; step children Ariana, Gabriella and Ethan Pope; special grandson Mahpiya Pejuta; special granddaughters Aiyana and Layla BlueShield; brothers Herbert Kevin BlueShield Jr., Elijah Green, Clayton (Ardell) BlueShield, Alvin BlueShield, Harlen BlueShield, Rocky Hill, Eric DuBois and Larry (Darla) Thiele; sisters Julie (Roland), June, Sheila, Martina (David), Darla (Larry), Valerie (Stan), Lorna (Ron), Delilah, Karen (Kenny), Adeline (Duane), Joan (Troy), Monica, Tammy (David) and Lynette; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers for Joseph will be Victor Herrald, Josh Braxton, Joey BlueShield, James Bear, Richard Cavanaugh, Aaron Thompson Jr., Kevin BlueShield and Troy RedFox. Honorary Bearers will be June BlueShield, Rick and Samantha Cavanaugh, Marty Greywater, Bob Charboneau, Larry Thiele, Kenny Hill, Aaron Thompson Sr., Dustin Schwab, Trudy LaRoque, Jay Young, Wesley Young, John Posey, Curtis Posey, Ron WalkingEagle, Shannon Schaffer, Judy Ami and family, Joy Davidson and family, Candice White Lightning and family, Spirit Lake Ambulance and Police Department, the Dialysis Staff at Sanford and Altru Hospitals, the Altru Hospital Staff in Grand Forks with special thanks to Heather and Kayla, Joseph’s evening nurses. Joseph had many friends that crossed his path in his life and we did not intentionally forget you. The Wake for Joseph will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Dakotah Oyate Lutheran Church, rural Tokio beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to Tokio will leave at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday from City Plaza. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Reverend Larry Thiele officiating. Joseph will be laid to rest in the Native American Cemetery, rural Tokio. Music will be Hand Drum Songs by William “Cubby” GoodBird and Victor Herrald. Any singers or drummers who would like to share their songs in memory of Joseph are welcome. Joseph is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake