Joseph P. Vandrovec was born on October 12, 1889 on a farm in Stewart Township near Rogers, North Dakota. His parents were Frank and Petronella Vandrovec, who were pioneer settlers in Barnes County, coming here from Bohemia in 1886.

Joseph was the youngest of five children. Their names were Anton, John, Frank and Mamie. He attended the local school in Stewart Township and then attended the Valley City Normal School, now known as the Valley City State College.

On June 17, 1913 he married Julia Starke, the daughter of Herman and Pauline Starke of Hobart Township.

To this union four children were born; James; Marjorie; Eleanor and Francis.

Joseph Vandrovec was active in community affairs, serving on the township board and as township clerk for many years. He farmed in Stewart Township for over thirty-five years then moved to Burbank, California where he was employed by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation for ten years.

Joseph retired at age sixty-five and resided in Burbank until his death on January 24, 1973.

His wife Julie still resides in Burbank.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 258