Joseph "Joe" Silbernagel

Joe was born on September 12, 1948, to Frank and Anna (Schaffner) Silbernagel in Zeeland, North Dakota, where he grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1966 and remained deeply proud of his rural North Dakota roots throughout his life.

On August 3, 1969, Joe married the love of his life, Phyllis (Marquart). Together they built a wonderful life centered around family, faith, and hard work. They were blessed with one son, Cory and fiancé Chelsie Hulm, and later a foster granddaughter, Angela Voisine, who brought great joy to Joe’s life. His loyal dog, Ace, was also his constant companion.

Joe was a man whose hands could build, fix, and create just about anything. For 21 years he owned and operated Country Auto Clinic in Bismarck, where he was known for his honesty, skill, and dedication to his customers. After selling the business, Joe turned his craftsmanship toward cabinetry and homebuilding through his second venture, Country Builders. Even after retiring last year, he could rarely be found idle—whether tending to his cattle, making hay, perfecting his garden, or lending a hand to neighbors and friends.

Joe’s talents were matched only by his generosity. He loved to share his knowledge, his vegetables, and his time. He was a gifted mechanic, cabinet maker, homebuilder, woodworker, cook, master griller, and gardener. There was truly nothing he couldn’t do. He lived by the simple but profound motto: “If man can build it, man can fix it.”

Outside of work, Joe enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, and card player who relished a good game with friends. He and Phyllis also spent many joyful years square dancing, making lifelong friendships along the way. Joe’s warm smile, hearty laugh, quick wit, and willingness to help anyone in need will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis, son Cory, foster granddaughter Angela, and his faithful dog Ace; brothers Frank (Dorothy) of Kent, WA; Dan (Jackie) of Zeeland, ND; Leo (Gloria) of Florence, AZ; Larry (Kathy) of Florence, AZ; Dave (Renae) of Zeeland, ND; and Quentin (Kerri) of WA; and sisters Mary Ann (Bob) Volk of Herreid, SD; Jane Heier of Bismarck, ND; Betty (Tom) Brandner of Heber City, UT; Bernie (Dave) Levi of Bismarck, ND, Angie (Randy) Levi of Hettinger, ND; Rita Pfeifer of Boise, ID; and Sue (Wayne) Materi of Queen Creek, AZ and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Silbernagel, and brothers Ron and Tony.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 S 3rd St Bismarck. A prayer service will take place on Monday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service Friends and family are invited to share memories and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to others and lived each day with purpose, kindness, and skillful hands.

To view service livestream, please click this link, Joseph.