Joseph "Joe" Auge, age 86, of Farmington, was called to eternal rest on May 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving and treasured family. Faithful, humble, and deeply devoted to those he loved, Joe entered eternal life as a true servant of God.

Born to Carroll and Marie Auge, Joe was raised in Farmington, Minnesota, with a strong foundation of faith, family, and community — values that guided every season of his life. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1957 and attended the University of St. Thomas. In 1955 he began working alongside his Dad, Carroll Auge, and uncle, Wilfred Auge, at Farmers Mill & Elevator Inc. in Castle Rock. In 1969, Joe proudly became the owner and operator of the business, serving the surrounding community for more than 71 years with heart, humility, integrity, generosity, thoughtfulness, consistency, kindness, strength and resilience.  He admired all of the loyal, hardworking, farmers and employees and considered them his extended family.

Joe married the love of his life, Dolores Siebenaler, on June 10th, 1961, beginning a love story that became legendary to all who knew them. For more than 65 years, Joe adored Dolores with unwavering devotion, admiration, tenderness, and steadfast loyalty. Their marriage was the foundation of their family and the greatest example of unconditional love their children could have witnessed. Joe would remind Dolores on a daily basis several times a day "you're my most favorite lady in the whole wide world"

Together, Joe and Dolores built a beautiful life centered on faith and family. He cherished his seven children, and the gift of his grandchildren became one of the greatest sources of his joy. Joe's family was his heart, his purpose, and his greatest pride. His children will remember his warm embrace, unconditional love, unwavering support, unmistakable wisdom, resounding faith, and the way he made each of them feel seen, valued, and heard for their own individual strengths and gifts.

To his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Papa was a safe and tender place. He never missed an important moment—whether it was a concert, graduation, hockey game, cross-country meet, milestone, sunset from the dock, or a ride on the boat or the back of a jet ski. He was committed to demonstrating his love to his grandchildren by being present in their lives.

Joe found tremendous joy creating lasting memories with family at home, his special garage, at the cabin, on road trips, at gatherings, and throughout everyday life. He loved deeply, listened intently, and welcomed all with open arms. He embraced people with acceptance, compassion, humor, and friendship, regardless of background, beliefs, or differences. Whether you met him at the Elevator, Church, a flea market, swap meet, antique store, train show, or classic car show, Joe always greeted you with a smile, a story, genuine interest, and kindness that made you feel like you had met a friend for life.

A lifelong preservationist with an extraordinary eye for beauty and history, Joe was also deeply intelligent in the way he observed the world around him. He had a quiet curiosity and a natural understanding of value, meaning, and history in places others might overlook. He loved collecting classic cars, motorcycles, model ships, Lionel trains, toys, arcade games, marionettes, a menagerie of memorabilia, antiques, and unusual treasures. He unearthed hidden beauties on every mile of his journeys. Antiquing and collecting were not simply hobbies to Joe; they were pathways to friendship, storytelling, and community. He and Dolores traveled together to countless antique stores, swap meets, and train and classic car shows, making dear friends and treasured memories everywhere they went.

Joe was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus for over 23 years and a faithful lifelong member of The Church of St. Michael. His faith shaped every part of his life. He believed deeply in serving God, supporting his church, helping his community, and caring for others with humility and generosity. He embodied the spirit of   Father Flanagan's Boys Town "He ain't heavy Father, he m' brother"

Above all else, Joe was a loving and devoted husband, proud father, loving grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful son, caring brother, dear uncle, loyal friend, and beloved member of the community. He was funny, quick-witted, wise, intelligent, and a visionary, known for unforgettable one-liners that those who loved him will cherish forever. His life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, service, humility, generosity, and unconditional love.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Dolores Auge; children Renee Auge (Lee Kindem), Joe Auge (Le Anne), Todd Auge (Karen Doyle), Paul Auge, Maria Auge, Natasha (Daniel) Borchers, and Tabby Auge; sixteen cherished grandchildren: Morgan (Luke) Matthees, Megan (Jesse) Ragain, Mason (Aspen) Auge, Nate Auge, Blake Auge (Elizabeth Deweese), Megan (Dean) Engel, Elizabeth Auge (Tristan Kelly), Emily Auge, Grace (Liam) DeMell, Drakkona Borchers, Vincent McCool, Marilyn Smith, Autumn Smith, Rhylea Smith, Daniel Smith and Jaxson Garner; and six beloved great-grandchildren:, Max Ragain, Levi Ragain, Kenneth Ragain, Landon Matthees, Lincoln Engel, and Ava Engel; sisters Janet Cook and Carol Widener; and many relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, generosity and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Marie Auge; brothers John Auge and David Auge; and sister Dana Slette.Father -in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Lucille Siebenaler, sister-in-law Judy Kimmes; Brother-in-law's Eugene Kimmes, Curt Rouvola, Ronnie Siebenaler and Nephew Erik Rouvola.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Church of St. Michael, Farmington, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at The Church of St. Michael, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Interment will follow at The Church of Saint Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements by White Funeral Home

Joe often said that one of the greatest gifts you can give your community is a place to worship. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Church of St. Michael, Farmington, MN.

"Remember God loves you and so do I." Joe, Dad, Papa