Joseph A. Grieser, Sr.

CREVE COEUR-Joseph Anthony Grieser, Sr., 94, of Creve Coeur, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Greenville, TN. He was the only son of Peter John and Christina Boes Grieser, born on October 11, 1916 in Peoria, IL. He married Velda Janet Klaasen on August 27, 1938. She preceded him in death on February 1, 2002. He is survived by all their children, 5 sons: Joseph A. (Marie) Grieser Jr. of Washington, IL, Francis A. Grieser of Peoria, IL, Charles M. Grieser of Sequim, WA, Robert S. (Karen) Grieser of Pekin, IL and Gregory D. Grieser of DeWitt, MI and 2 daughters, Janet S. (Steve) Neal of Afton, TN and Patricia M. (Ric) Foley of Elmwood, IL. He had 12 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson. He was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Josephine Lundak, Emma Gingery, Mary Snell, and Amelia Wheadon, and 3 additional siblings who died at birth. Joe went to St. Mary’s grade school and then high school at Spalding Institute in Peoria and Bradley afterwards, where he began a study of Pre-med that was halted due to family finances and later due to the war effort. He was on the boxing team while at Spalding and later was quite successful in the Golden Gloves in Peoria. After retiring from actual boxing, he remained an active member of the Independents Sports Club, sponsoring summer time Friday night boxing events at an open air arena on top of Main Street hill in Peoria. Afterwards, he was a long life avid boxing fan and one of his fondest memories was when while on a TPA convention to New York City sometime in the 50’s with his wife, Velda, they went to and was greeted in person at the famous boxer’s restaurant, Jack Dempsey’s. Joe retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1982, after 41 years with the company. He started out in the machine shop during World War II and remained there for the duration of the war. He attempted enlistment into the military during the war, but it was deferred by Caterpillar, as the job was deemed mission critical to the war effort. After the war, he went into Tool Design, where he remained until retirement. He was a volunteer company fireman and later also a volunteer reporter/photographer for the company’s publication, “News and Views.” Joe also retired from ADT (American District Telegraph) in Peoria, working there as a guard for over 20 years while employed at Caterpillar. For many years, Joe held several positions with the Travelers Protective Association (TPA), a national fraternal insurance organization, including Peoria Post President, State of Illinois President and was a delegate to numerous State and National Conventions, traveling with Velda to the various convention locations throughout the country during the 1950’s, 60’s, and so on. Joe and Velda were active members of the Caterpillar Retiree’s Club for years. He continued with the club even after Velda’s death in 2002. Joe and his little Pomeranian, “Sassy,” were notorious daily visitors for several months while sister Emma was in a local nursing home, and he also enjoyed attending senior centers in the area where he loved entertaining with his repertoire of German songs. He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Catholic Church, belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Church choir. After moving to Creve Coeur, IL, he then became a member of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church. A graveside service will be at 3 pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Father Timothy Nolan will officiate. Visitation will be from 1-2:30 pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria.

Joseph A. Grieser, Sr.

October 11, 1916 - February 17, 2011