Rosa was from Lidgerwood, N.D.

In 1900, Joseph was a farmer and his family lived in Collins Township, McLeod Co., Minn. The family then removed to North Dakota, first to the area of Coggswell, in 1906. In 1907, they moved to what was known as the Keck ranch near Rutland, N.D., and remained for nearly twenty years. The family is listed in the 1910, 1915 and 1920 censuses for Rutland. In the Spring of 1929, they settled near Circle, Mont., where Joseph purchased land and was engaged in farming.

“An accident which resulted in instant death occurred on his farm near Circle, Montana. He was operating a small lignite coal mine and had a contract to furnish a quantity in town and had gone out to the mine with two of his sons and was leaning forward while standing in the shallow hole which was only about six feet deep, when a comparatively small chunk fell on the back of his neck fracturing the bone, and resulting in instant dealth.”