Father Joseph DeCrans

Funeral Mass

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Father Joseph John DeCrans on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the age of 76. Father DeCrans was born on February 25, 1948, in Hallock, MN, to Alfonse and Helen DeCrans.

He graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1966 and attended Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN for two years before enlisting in the US Marine Corps, proudly serving for many years before answering a higher calling and becoming ordained into the priesthood on May 18, 1984, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN.

Father DeCrans dedicated his life to serving his community through his ministry, leading congregations across several churches. He earned his BA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and his Master of Divinity from St. Paul Seminary. He served as Parochial Vicar in Crookston, MN with missions in Fisher, MN before becoming Pastor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brooks, MN with missions at St. Anthony in Terrebonne, MN and St. Vincent de Paul in Plummer, MN in 1989. In 1991, he became Pastor at St. Bernard’s in Thief River Falls, MN with missions at St. Clement in Grygla, MN and St. Ann in Goodrich, MN. In 1996, he became Pastor at Sacred Heart in Frazee, MN with missions at St. Mary of the Lakes in Lake Eunice, MN and Assumption Catholic Church, Callaway, MN and finally in 2008, he became Pastor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ada, MN with missions at St. Williams in Twin Valley, MN and Holy Family in Halstad, MN. He retired from the priesthood in 2016 and resided at St. Joseph’s in Ada for five years before moving to Riverview Place in Fargo.

His passion for fishing, sports, and good food, especially ice cream, was well-known to those who knew him. Father DeCrans was a beloved figure in the communities he served, known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his faith.

He is survived by his siblings; Sister Maura DeCrans, Jack (Mayren) DeCrans, Bob (Mary) DeCrans, Father Bill DeCrans, Jim (Marilyn) DeCrans, Tom DeCrans, Dan (Michelle) DeCrans, Carol (Dave) Becker, Jeanne (Jeff) Garber, Bernadette (Dan) Stephenson, Rose (Dana) Wolf, Teresa (Dave) Vaske and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Alfonse and Helen DeCrans; sister-in-law, Kathy DeCrans and niece, Helen DeCrans.

Wake Service: 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M.

Burial with Military Honors: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.