Joseph Michael Olivieri
Joseph Michael Olivieri, also known as Mr. Josef passed away peacefully December 22nd, 2022 in Ramsey, MN surrounded by family and love at the age of 97. Joseph was born in Dilworth, MN
12/15/25 to Frank & Domenica Oliver. He was one of 8 siblings raised in the Little Italy section
of Dilworth, MN. During high school he became a Golden Gloves boxer before shipping off to Italy with the Army during WWII. After the war he went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Dilworth until he decided to push the boundaries and learn the art of hairdressing, which up to that point was almost exclusively done by women in that industry. He used his G.I. Bill to study at the New York Hair Styling Academy in Fargo, and and took advanced courses in Hollywood, California before returning to Fargo. In 1947, he opened a number of beauty schools under the name of Josef’s School of Hair Design. He had 5 schools in Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Minot along with a dozen salons. He also started a few popular nightclubs in the F-M area. Joseph was well known not only for his expertise and creativity in hair styling, but also for his business acumen. He was always a sharp dressed man and his Żair for fashion was part of his memorable aura. In 1957, he married the love of his life Vaughnie and adopted her daughter Linda. In the mid-sixties they adopted Dino, Mario, and Gio and raised their family in Moorhead and Detroit Lakes. Joe and Vaughnie loved their time at the lake, but eventually favored wintering in Lake Havasu City, AZ before purchasing a home in Fort Mohave, AZ. Joseph was an avid Fast Pitch Softball enthusiast. Summers were spent playing the game, coaching, and sponsoring some of the best teams in the region, and participating in national fastpitch tournaments. He was eventually inducted into the North Dakota Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Although he had many other passions nothing could compare to this love of family. He was a true family man and embraced every opportunity to create fun and lasting memories for his wife Vaugnie, and their 4 children, as well as scores of nieces and nephews who couldn’t get enough of their Uncle Joe. This love of family continued on for his entire life and his greatest joys of late were his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren... In his retirement he remained very involved as the face of his namesake business, encouraging students, instructors and stylists his entire life. In 2018, Joseph moved to Ramsey, MN where he enjoyed many years of quality time relaxing and enjoying frequent visits with friends and family. He will be missed by a great many people in both communities. Joseph is survived by his sister Annie Zueli of Anaheim, California; sons Dino (Lisa) Olivieri of Fergus Falls, MN, Mario (Elaine) Olivieri of Horace, ND; daughter Gio (Jeff) Cerise of Ramsey, MN; son-in-law Michael Patterson of Eden Prairie, MN; 14 grandchildren; Tony, Lindsey, Talia, Joe, Amanda, Brandi, Michelle, Roman, Kendra, Franco, Dominic, Cole, Lucas, & Marco; 8 great grandchildren, and many other nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Frank & Domenica Oliver; wife Vaughnie (Nelson); daughter Linda Patterson; brothers; Funzy, Michael, Louie, Tommy; sisters Mary (Altobelli), and Rachel (Campbell) Joseph’s family would like to thank everyone who cared for him during his time in Ramsey. In lieu of flower’s, memorials in Joseph’s name can be sent directly to either Triniti Hospice Care 403 Main St. NW Elk River, MN 55330 or to; Mr. Josef c/o Gio Cerise 16421 Olivine St NW Ramsey, MN. 55303. A spring funeral and memorial is being planned in Dilworth, MN. Details to be announced.
