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William "Bill" E. Valentin, age 88 of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away on January 31, 2020. He was born January 24, 1932 and served in the U.S. Army in Korea 1950-1952. He is survived by his wife Lela; children Sherrie (Duwayne) Schroeder, Brian (Krista) Valentin, Tim (Amy) Valentin, and Candi Valentin (John Coops); grandchildren Brent, James, Nathan, Breanna, Caitlyn, Dawn (TJ), Jacob, Lucas, Mikayla and Arianna; sisters and brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service was held on February 15, 2020 at St. James Lutheran Church, 3650 Williams Dr., Burnsville, Minnesota.
Ray Clare Valley was born June 29, 1932, in West Branch, Michigan, the son of Clare F. and Catherine M. (Craft) Valley, and passed away very early on March 11, 2013, at the age of 80.
Ray attended the West Branch Public Schools and graduated in 1950. He was in the U.S. Army from early 1952 to late 1953 and served with the Army Intelligence Corps in Japan. He was assigned to Korea in November 1952 where he spent many months on the front lines, including one of the big battles for Port Chop Hill. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1953.
After returning from the service, he married Emma Jean Ouderkirk in 1954 and that fall they settled into married housing at Michigan State University where he pursued his higher education. On April 9, 1956, he enlisted in the Michigan State Police (MSP) and after his graduation from training was assigned to the Clinton Post, Clinton, Michigan.
His tour of duty with the MSP included promotions and transfers to posts in Centerline; East Lansing (Organized Crime Unit); Alpena; Community Relations/Juvenile Section, Headquarters; and then closing his MSP career on April 9, 1978, as a Lieutenant and assistant commander of the Training Division. Over the years he completed his bachelor's and master's degree at MSU. Ray began a second law enforcement career in 1978 as a special investigator in Attorney General Frank Kelly's Medicaid Fraud Unit and retired from that position early in 1995.
Through the years, he has been actively involved in the Community of Christ - Rose Lake Congregation. He is an ordained minister (Seventy-which is a missionary) and has served as pastor and co-pastor of the congregation. He has always placed a great emphasis on the care and protection-physically or spiritually-of the people he has been called to serve.
Ray was a loving father to Dr. Martin R. Valley and his wife Dawn; and grandfather to granddaughters Morgan, Lane, and Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ray is survived by his wife, son (Dawn), and granddaughters and his brother Dick, brother-in-law John (Patricia) Ouderkirk; aunts: Nellie Globke and Frances Valley; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends (some of his fellow officers and friends were "Almost brothers and sisters" in the joys and friendships they shared).
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at the Community of Christ-Capital Area Congregation, 1514 West Miller Road, Lansing, Dr. Martin R. Valley officiating. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch, Michigan. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray's memory to the Community of Christ-Rose Lake Congregation, 14980 Upton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 or Outreach International, 129 W. Lexington, PO Box 210, Independence, MO 64050.
Raymond C. Vallowe, 88, of Belleville, Illinois, born October 20, 1930, East St. Louis, Illinois, died Thursday, March 28, 2019, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville.
Vallowe retired after 30 years as a fabricator from Wagner Electric Company. He worked at Scott Air Force Base for 13 years as a civilian employee. Raymond was a founding parishioner of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Elaine Rose, nee Postelanczyk, whom he married on October 25, 1952, and who died on December 22, 2010; a daughter, Susan Marie Vallowe, who died on December 6, 1956; and his mother, Agnes C. Vallowe. Surviving are four children, David (Susan) Vallowe of Virginia, Joseph (Margaret) Vallowe of Ohio, Daniel Vallowe (Dana Bryant) of Arizona, and Mary Rose Vallowe of O'Fallon, Illinois; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a special cousin.
Mr. Vallowe served in the United States Army from 1947 to 1952, seeing occupation duty in Japan and combat in the Korean War. He served in the First Cavalry Division in Japan and then was a corporal and radio operator in the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, Headquarters Battery, 7th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart for shrapnel and missile wounds and suffered severe frostbite to his hands and feet that affected him the rest of his life, at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in northern Korea in November and December of 1950. Mr. Vallowe subsequently wrote about his experiences and analyzed the battle in "What History Failed to Record: A Phantom Force Lost to History", available on the Korean War Educator website at www.koreanwar-educator.org.
His work led to being interviewed for and appearing in the PBS American Experience documentary, "The Battle of Chosin," which aired in November 2016. In May 2017, Mr. Vallowe also received from the Korean Ambassador to the United States the Ambassador for Peace medal on behalf of a grateful Republic of South Korea. As a result of his research, Mr. Vallowe has provided new and previously unavailable information to comrades in arms and their survivors about this critical battle in America's "Forgotten War." He lived long enough to see Cpl. W. Eldon Ervin, who died alongside him in the battle, returned home for burial in Oklahoma more than 60 years after the battle in the Frozen Chosin, and was able to attend and eulogize his best friend.
In lieu of other gifts, memorials may be made to the Memorial Hospital Foundation or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com. Visitation was on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville. His funeral procession will leave at 9:40 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2019, from George Renner and Sons Funeral Home for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville.
Frank A. Valvo died of a heart attack May 16, 2007 in Buffalo, New York; beloved husband of Gloria (Mazzone) Valvo; devoted father of Pamela (Ronald) Kamphey, and Frank Valvo, Jr. (also an Army Veteran); loving grandfather of Ronald and Amy. Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY with military honors. Mr. Valvo was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and received the Silver Star for gallantry and Purple Heart for his actions September 16, 1950, while serving with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th RCT. In the vicinity of Waegwan and Hill 154, Corporal Frank Valvo, seeing many of his friends killed and wounded, charged a North Korean anti-tank nest, shouting and swearing in Italian as he fired his machine gun from the hip, standing in full view of the enemy. He continued the assault until hit in the chest. Ordered to the rear, he assisted in the evacuation of other wounded soldiers to the aid station. Refusing to stay out of action, he rejoined his Company, jumped onto a tank, and began to fire the turret mounted .50 cal at N. Korean positions a few yards to his front. Attracting intense fire he was hit again either by mortar or anti-tank shrapnel, receiving a head wound. He spent the next two years recovering from his wounds. Valvo was also awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan)Korean Service Medal, UN Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, and the Cold War Recognition Certificate.
Harvey Henry Van Buren, 92 years old of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his residence. He was born June 27, 1929, in Carrollton, Illinois.
Harvey was a Korean War Army veteran and served from 1951-1953. He received the Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Harvey and Helen were the owners of Helen's Restaurant in Belleville for 14 years. Harvey's farmer life was his lifelong passion along with his Oliver tractors. He was also employed at the Millstadt Creamery, Dixie Feed Mill, and the Belleville Shoe Manufacturing. Mr. Van Buren was a member of Concordia United Church of Christ in Belleville, Illinois Farm Bureau, American Legion Post 502 in Millstadt and the NRA.
He is survived by his children, Eric (Lisa) Van Buren of Waterloo, Illinois, Roseann (Chris) Weatherington of Nashville, Tennessee, Paul (Angela) Van Buren of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, and Tom (Michelle) Van Buren of Millstadt, Illinois; his grandchildren, Erica (Jonathan) Timko, Douglas (Morgan) Van Buren, Taylor Stogner, Rebecca Van Buren, Derek Van Buren, Matt Lagermann, Jacob Van Buren; his great grandchildren, Beckett, Beau and Brewer Van Buren, Easton and Grayson Timko; his sister, Esther (Herman) Kohldehoff; his brother, Norman (LaVerne) Van Buren; along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Helen Van Buren, nee Stiffler, who he married on May 12, 1957, his parents, John and Frieda, nee Wolf, Van Buren and his sister and brother-in-law Florence and Melvin Veit.
An American Legion service was held on October 11, 2021, and funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, Illinois, with Pastor Joan Mier and Pastor David Krueger, officiating. Interment followed in the Concordia U.C.C. Cemetery in Belleville. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Concordia United Church of Christ in Belleville.
Jack L. Van Hoorebeke, 92, of O'Fallon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023.
Born in Tamaroa, Illinois, in 1930, Jack attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After graduation in 1952, he joined the US Air Force and served as a pilot flying supplies and military manpower around the world. During the Vietnam War, Jack saved countless lives by evacuating wounded soldiers to safety at evac hospitals. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Colonel and distinguished himself as the Commander of the 932nd AAG unit at Scott Air Force Base. As Commander, Jack won many citations and honors for his outstanding performance. After retirement, he served as a liaison between the USAF Reserve units and the Scott AFB Commander.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Alva Loren and Lucille Van Hoorebeke (nee Marlow. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ola Mae Van Van Hoorebeke (nee Rice); his daughters Gail (Tim) Fleming of O'Fallon; Lynn (Jim) McEvoy of Naples, Florida, Joan (Bob) Davis of Saline, Michigan; his son Steve (Carol) Hagler of St. Peters, Missosuri; and his sister Emma Jean Voice of Decatur, Illinois. Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans; https://www.dav.org/. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Chaplain Jeff Bush officiating. Burial will follow services at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, O'Fallon. Published by Belleville News-Democrat from January 20 to January 26, 2023.
Donald "Don" Dean Van Osdale, 89, of Belleville, Illinois, born Friday, March 4, 1932, in Belleville, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, Illinois. Don served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War and worked as the Director of Manufacturing for Marsh Stencil Machine for over 30 years. He loved to travel with his wife Nancy, never missed a workout, was an avid bike rider, and played fast pitch softball. After retirement he took up golfing, and it ended up being a favorite pastime for him. He also never missed a sporting event of his grandsons and he was their most loyal supporter and fan. In high school Don played football and was on the baseball team that won State at Belleville Township High School in 1949.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Edna L. Dill Van Osdale. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Nancy Bloomquist Van Osdale of Belleville; sons, Steven (Susan) Van Osdale of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gary (Rhonda) Van Osdale of Belleville, Illinois; Brian Van Osdale of Red Bud, Illinois; grandchildren: Marisa Van Osdale (Joseph Triplett), Marc Van Osdale, Nick Van Osdale (fiancee Kaylee Bouas), Alex Van Osdale; sisters-in-law, Judy Duncan, Susan Benton; nephew, Robert (Kathryn) Duncan of Belleville; twin nieces, Megan Benton and Melissa Benton; great nieces, Brooke and Molly Duncan; cousins; and a host of truly great friends.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. - Published by Belleville News-Democrat on July 25, 2021
Fredrick Donald Vansickle died March 7, 2006.
Guy W. Van Syckle, MD of Heritage Village, Southbury and Amelia Island, Florida, and previously of Newtown, died in Hartford on November 25th, 2012.
He was born on May 1, 1925 in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and was a proud member of the Dartmouth College Class of 1945, and Dartmouth and Cornell Medical Schools. His field of specialty was diagnostic radiology. After appointments at the Yale School of Medicine and as Director of Radiology at Danbury Hospital, he maintained a successful private medical practice in diagnostic radiology in Danbury for over thirty years. During his professional career, Dr. Van Syckle served on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and national levels. Among his proudest professional achievements were serving as the President of the Connecticut State Medical Society, and Chairman of the New England Delegation to the American Medical Association. He served with distinction as a medical officer in the US Navy during the Korean War.
Guy is survived by his sister, Gretchen V. Whalen of Manlius, New York, and four children, Guy Jr. of Bethesda, Maryland, Peter of Summit, New Jersey, Janice of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Karen of West Friendship, Maryland, and nine grandchildren to whom he was deeply devoted. He was predeceased by his wife, Janice in 2004.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Janice B. Van Syckle Nursing Scholarship, c/o Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown, 45 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut 06470. Friends are invited to join the family at a reception at the Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday December 8, 2012. The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is serving the family.
George R. Vaughn, 76, of Champaign, Illinois, died at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2014 at home. Burial was in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post 71, Urbana.
Mr. Vaughn was born on January 9, 1938, in Champaign, the son of George and Celeste Wilson Vaughn. He married Donna Young on November 08, 1959, in Champaign. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Alan (Vicki) Halberstadt of Champaign, Mrs. Marty (Pam) Joop of Mahomet, and Mrs. Chuck (Julie) Twombly of Mahomet; four granddaughters, Mackenzie Joop, Sarah Halberstadt, Celeste Twonbly and Hallie Twombly; and one brother, Robert (Luke) Vaughn of Urbana. He was preced in death by two sisters and four brothers.
Mr. Vaughn was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He and his wife owned Dick Young Electric in Champaign for many years. He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Champaign, where he served as a deacon. He also was a member of Western Star Lodge 240 AF&AM, Champaign, AASR Valley of Danville, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, Lake of the Woods Golf Club and Grasshoppers golf.
He loved spending time with his girls and afternoons with his brother Luke. He enjoyed the fellowship of his brothers in Christ at the men's Bible study. He knew no stranger and always had a story to tell. He also enjoyed golfing and reading.
Guadalupe Vega, a member of the 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, passed away March 2004. His daughter, Martha Stickney, notified the 223rd Regt Association of his death. Members of Item Company had not seen Guadalupe for over 50 years until he attended the 223rd Association reunion in San Antonio, Texas, September 2002. He was his old self, had not changed too much, maybe some gray hairs. We in Item Company will miss Guadalupe, but we had the pleasure of enjoying his friendship one more time in 2002.
Frank J. Vella, Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, age 79, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2005 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born June 16, 1925 to the late Carl and Mary (Manzullo) Vella. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II in the South Pacific, and during the Korean War off the Korean Coast. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Archie A. Vella of Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by his son, Gary F. Vella, Jane Parent and granddaughter, Coral of Tucson, Arizona; his brother, John (Dorothy) Vella of Bay City, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Barbara Vella of Mesa, Arizona; his aunt, Bernice Anselmo of Kalamazoo; nephews, nieces and cousins. He loved music and spoke fondly of his days of playing in and directing many dance bands in the Southwestern Michigan area. In accordance with Frank's wishes, cremation has taken place. A military funeral will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. - Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on January 23, 2005.
Dorothy J. Venverloh, a former lieutenant commander in the Navy and a survivor of the sinking of the hospital ship Benevolence, died Sunday (July 17, 2005) of heart failure at Mary Queen and Mother Nursing Center in south St. Louis County. She was 87 and lived in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lt. Cmdr. Venverloh was born in St. Louis. In 1941, she graduated from the former St. John's Hospital School of Nursing, now part of St. Louis University School of Nursing. For the next four years, she served with the St. Louis Municipal Visiting Nurses. In 1947, she volunteered with the Navy Nurse Corps and eventually attained the rank of lieutenant commander. Throughout her career she was stationed in Houston; Oakland, Calif.; the Great Lakes Naval station; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Memphis, Tenn.; the military advisory group in Taiwan; New York; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; and on the Benevolence in the Pacific.
In 1950, the Benevolence was returning from sea trials when it sank off San Francisco after colliding with the Mary Luckenbach. Lt. Cmdr. Venverloh spent many hours floating in a life preserver at sea before being rescued; 18 of the ship's crew died.
While stationed in Memphis in 1954, Lt. Cmdr. Venverloh had the opportunity to assist in the first kidney dialysis performed on a human patient. Lt. Cmdr. Venverloh spent her retirement years caring for elderly relatives and neighbors. She was a member of the Navy Nurses Corps Association, Catholic Nurses Guild, St. John's Mercy Nursing alumnae and the Jefferson Barracks Chapel Association.
Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road in Affton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 5020 Rhodes Avenue in St. Louis. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Among the survivors are four brothers, Jerome Venverloh of St. Louis, Louis Venverloh of Crestwood, Bernard Venverloh of Arlington, Va., and Daniel Venverloh Sr. of South County; and three sisters, Betty Staufenbiel and Jeanne Klebusch, both of South County, and Susan Barrett of Crestwood. Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Masses.
The funeral for James Edward Vest, 83, of Eva will be Thursday, December 13, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Mayfield and Rev. Roger Vest officiating. Burial will be in Oden Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 at the funeral home.
Mr. Vest, who died Monday, December 10, 2012, at Huntsville Hospital, was born March 13, 1929, in Morgan County to Henry Virgil Vest and Mary Magdalene Thomas Vest. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star. He was a sergeant with Company C, 1343rd Engineering Combat Battalion.
Mr. Vest was a very respected man in the Eva community and was owner and operated the Vest "u-pick-it" Farm. He gave people opportunities when no one else would. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Jean Vest; two sons, Tommy Edward Vest (Sharon), Moulton and Mike Vest (Gina), Eva; one daughter, Vickie Vest Moses (Tony), Eva; four sisters, Lucille Ball and Reba Taylor, both of Hartselle, Judy Holland, Rogersville, and Janny Chaney, Falkville; nine grandchildren, Carea, Chris, Kimberly, Jacob, Jennifer, Todd, Shane, Misty and Jerry and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Chris Vest, Jacob Moses, Todd Vest, Jeff Adkins, Keith Wallace and Brad Mayfield.
Daniel Vigliotte, 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squad, passed June 2006. "Vic", as he was called, was from Yonkers, New York. He passed away while living in Naples, Florida. You couldn't ask for a nicer friend and he always took care of his squad members. We will certainly miss Vic and just wish that we could have "hooked up" again before his death. [Posted by Joseph Alvarez Jr., Item Company, 3rd platoon, 4th Squad]
Lewis John Villa passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Our father was 92 years old and had a long wonderful life and as he would always tell us, "Life Was Good."
Lew was the son of the late John and Margaret Villa. Brother to the late Milton and Marvin Ebbert, husband to the late Helena (Babe) Villa and an amazing father to Carla and John (Jennifer). Our father was a retired postal worker and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Rangers. Lew was wounded twice and spent 875 days as a POW. His smile and humor will be missed by all of us. As per his wishes, there will be no viewing and a private burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017.
John, Jennifer and I would like to thank everyone who was a friend to our father, with special thanks to the following: Jon Sear, Rita DiMarzio, Joe and Butch Latone, Tom Bontempo, Todd Mobley, the family of the late Ron Kolar, Gino Piroli, Neighbors Mary Ann, Jane, Joe and Marilyn and his buddy Giovanni. Beaver County Department of Veterans Affairs and the staff at Beaver Valley Healthcare for the love and care you gave to your "Lovable Lewie." In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater, Pennsylvania chapter.
Anthony Joseph Vlahek, 92, of O'Fallon, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2022. He was born on March 15, 1930 in East St. Louis to Anton and Stella (Zurowski) Vlahek. He married Xanthi "Sandy" Borsis. Anthony was a veteran of the United States Army who served in the Korean War. He was a 30-year member of the East St. Louis Police Department and a retired Sergeant. Anthony was also a member of St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, The Illinois Police Association, and American Legion Post 58 of Freeburg.
Survivors include his son, John (Elaine) Vlahek; sister, Delores Redman and sister-in-law, Elaine "Kid" Gojmeric. Predeceased by his parents; wife, Xanthi "Sandy" Borsis and sisters, Rose Drake and Josephine Williams.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 in St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 405 Huntwood Rd., Swansea, IL 62226 at 11:00am with visitation from 10:00am until time of service. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
Jack Carl Voelker, 83, of Burlington, Iowa, died at 6:58 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born June 13, 1924, in Burlington, he was the son of Carl Edward and Edna C. Robbins Voelker. He married Geraldine Wunnenberg in 1950; they divorced in 1975. He married Marjorie Gahn, January 2, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For those who knew Jack, his lifelong passions were his love of life, his family, flying, the Mississippi River and the town of Burlington.
Following graduation from Burlington High School in 1942, Jack enlisted in the Army Air Force and completed flight training in Texas and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943. He completed advanced single-engine training in 1944. His initial training was as a fighter pilot and was assigned duties flying Bell P-39s. He was shortly reassigned duties as a flight instructor at Waco AAF, Texas. We continued to instruct new cadets until late 1944 when he was reassigned to multi-engine training. Following this he checked out as an aircraft commander in the Consolidated B-24 and was assigned duty with the 380th Bomb Group (heavy) - 531st Squadron. He flew bomb missions from Okinawa, targeting Japan. Following the surrender, he remained in Japan for several months flying as a courier pilot.
Jack remained in the Air Force reserve and was recalled to active duty in late 1950. He was stationed at March AFB, California and Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana. In 1952 he volunteered for service in Korea. He became a Forward Air Controller with the 6147th Tactical Control Group. Following Korea he was stationed at Mather AFB, California, Otis AFB, Massachusetts, Chanute AFB, Illinois, Evreux AFB, France and Lowry AFB, Colorado. He retired from the Air Force on March 1, 1968. His total time in service was 25 1/2 years (20 1/2 years active) and he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Following retirement from the Air Force, Jack returned to Burlington and worked for Remmers-Tomkins flight service as an instructor and charter pilot. In 1969 he set up the flight department for Winegard Antenna Company and remained as chief pilot until his retirement in 1988.
His return to Burlington afforded him the opportunity to enjoy his boyhood love, the Mississippi River. He owned a number of boats. He loved taking people out on the river and telling them about the river, its history and how it had changed since his boyhood.
After approximately 44 years of flying he had accumulated more than 25,000 hours of flight time and had flown over a hundred different types of aircraft (military and civilian). He completed over 110 combat missions. His decorations include; the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Air Force and Army Commendation Medal, and numerous other medals, ribbons and citations.
Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of Burlington; one daughter, Christine Tipin (Curtin) of Boise, ID.; one son, Craig Voelker (Kerry) of Mt. Pleasant, IA.; two stepdaughters, Karen Glasgow (Terry) of Burlington, and Kristine Niehause (Steve) of Peachtree City, GA.; three stepsons, Kyle Gahn of Burlington, Craig Gahn of Cantril, IA, and David Gahn (Susan) of Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Lavine and Marion MacDonald both of Burlington and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church. Pastor Carl Engstrom will officiate. Inurnment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends in Prugh's Chapel Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Memorials have been established for Hope Haven Area Development Center and Bethany Lutheran Church. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veteran's Honor Guard.
Mr. Joseph John "Joe" Voetter, Jr., age 80 a resident of Auburndale, Florida passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Winter Haven Hospital due to COPD. Mr. Voetter was born September 2, 1929 in Ozone Park, New York to Joseph John and Frieda (Streier) Voetter. He was a Polk County resident since 1978 coming from New York. He was a retired plumber in the construction industry and a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven. Joe was a United States Marine veteran serving in the Chosin River Battle where he became disabled. He and his wife went to yearly meetings for the Chosin Few Recon Division for veteran's that served in Korea. He was a Past Commander for the DAV Chapter 95 in New York, volunteered at the Veteran's Hospital in New York, member of the Disabled American Veteran's Association and was a member of the Marine Corp. League in Winter Haven.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Susan Voetter and sister Carol. Joe is survived by his loving family: wife of 55 years: Irene Voetter of Auburndale, FL; 2 sons: Joseph John (Maureen) Voetter of Long Island, NY, Gary G. (Natalie) Voetter of Lakeland, FL; 1 daughter: Denise M. (Richard) Paquet of Cranston, RI; 1 sister: Frieda (Edward) Cordes of Wildwood, FL; 8 grandchildren: Kate, Mary, Patty, Joe, Jennifer, Nicole, Tabbi & Kayla; 3 great granddaughters: Julianna, Skye & Madesyn.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 4, 2010 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 532 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven with interment to follow at the Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 3, 2010 from 2:00 till 4:00 PM at the Kersey Funeral Home, 108 East Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale.
Richard "Dick" Voss. 98, passed away peacefully among loving family members and caregivers in his home on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
As a lifelong resident of Belleville, Illinois, Dick attended St. Luke Grade School and Cathedral High School. Dick is a US Navy veteran of World War II and, as an Electrician's Mate First Class, contributed to the war effort by maintaining generators at several B-29 bases in the Marianas Islands. As Chief Petty Officer, he was called back to service during the Korean War and taught electrical classes while assigned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Between these assignments, Dick married Emily Glauber and were lovingly together 66 years before her death in 2016.
As a proud 74-year member of IBEW #309, Dick's career path took him through several companies prior to becoming part of the proud heritage of the G. Heileman (Stag) Brewing Company. His final sad task as Bottle Shop Superintendent, involved supervising the dismantlement and sale of that equipment. Dick is perhaps best known to the public as the electrical inspector for the City of Belleville, a role he filled from 1958 through 2017. "Rapid Richard" is best known for his ever-present smile, easy laugh, love of life, and eagerness to help and mentor others.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edna Rampenthal Voss; three brothers, Harry, Paul and James; and two sisters, Mary Louise Dunlap and Ruth McHugh. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Carol Voss of Grand Bay, Alabama; a grandson, Bryan Voss of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Betty (Jim), Betty (Paul), Marian Glauber, Mary Glauber; and many nieces and nephews and a multitude of neighbors and friends.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mary Pop-Ins home care providers and Heartland Hospice Care for their unending care and kindness. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Luke Catholic Church, or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Belleville, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Burial with military honors was held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.