Joseph Francis Grundler's Obituary
Joseph Francis Grundler, 95, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2013 in Imboden Creek Gardens.
Joseph was born August 17, 1918 in Spurling, Manitoba, Canada, the son of William Joseph and Mary Ellen (Corrigan) Grundler.
A veteran of World War II, Joe served in the South Pacific with the U.S. Marine Corps; 4th Division. He participated in the invasion of Nanu Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas and Iwo Jima. Joe was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.
On August 17, 1946, he married Eleanor Louise Runkle in Princeville.
Joe returned to Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria after his discharge from the military. In 1954, he was transferred to the new Caterpillar Plant in Decatur. Following his retirement in 1981, he served as a consultant for the company, completing assignments in Turkey and India.
Joe was a member of the Holy Family Church, Decatur and attended Holy Spirit Church in Lake Wales, Florida.
His community service was primarily through activities of Golden K Kiwanis (recognized as a 25-year member in 2007).
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, E. Louise Grundler, and his parents.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Lora Mae Van Fleet, Galesburg, IL; special cousins, Connie (Ladd) Pagan, Las Vegas, NV; Curtis (Wendy) Corrigan, Boulder, CO; Craig Corrigan, Englewood, CO; nephews, James (Nancy) McGaughey, Vermont, IL; William (Becky) Van Fleet, East Moline, IL; Rodney (Jan) Van Fleet, Aurora, IL; Richard Van Fleet, LaJolla, CA; Mark (Nancy) Van Fleet, Aurora, IL; nieces, Sharon Kenney, Calabasas, CA; Margaret (Walt) Schmick, Littleton, CO; Lora Beth (Bill) Morrow, Freeport, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Joseph’s life will be 9:30 am Saturday, 23, 2013 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery in O’Dell, IL.
The family of Joseph Francis Grundler is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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