Joseph Gerald Hunt Jr.

Joseph G. Hunt Jr., age 81, longtime resident of Larimore, ND, died on February 14, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Larimore.

Joseph “Joe” Gerald Hunt Jr. was born on December 29, 1942, in Grand Forks, ND to Kathleen V. (McCabe) and Joseph Gerald Hunt Sr. Joe was raised with his sisters: Mary and Colleen in Larimore. He grew up in Larimore, attended elementary school and graduated from high school with the Class of 1960. Joe was also a lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and was baptized there as a child.

On January 4, 1964, Joe married Rita Johnston at St. Stephen’s Church. To this union, seven children were born: Suzanne, Daniel, Michael, Thomas, Marie, Dominic and Erin. Joe, Rita and their family recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on January 4,2024. Joe relished being a father and family man while owning and operating several successful businesses (Hunt Oil, EZ Stop, VelMar Motel, Everson’s part store) and managed and ran his own farm. He also was involved with the community volunteering as an EMT and volunteered as a Deputy with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed participating in anything that had to do with the “great outdoors” and being out in “God’s country” - his beloved North Dakota prairie. He was also known for his love of flying and airplanes, personally piloting a Cessna and Piper Cherokee. He was always very vocal and proud of his Irish heritage. He was an avid hunter, marksman, firearm collector and mechanic. He found solace with animals, tenderly observing and caring for any family pets and any wildlife that was nearby.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rita Hunt; children: Suzanne Brevik, Daniel Hunt, Michael Hunt, Thomas Hunt, Marie Tansy, Dominic Hunt and Erin Meiers; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sons-in-law: Leroy Schneider, Denny Tansy, Craig Meiers; daughters-in-law: Taunya Hunt, Tanya Hunt, Cynthia Hunt, Nicole Hunt; and many other family members and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph G. and Kathleen Hunt; two sisters: Mary Lempe and Colleen Cavara.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church starting at 10:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the National Rifle Association or to Bellevue Cemetery in Larimore.

Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, North Dakota.