Joseph F. Gedemer III

Joseph F. Gedemer III, spent his last days at the Hospice Alliance Hospice House. He passed away peacefully on Monday June 23, 2008, at the age of 85. He was born in Racine on August 3, 1922, the son of the late Joseph F. and Josephine (nee: Scheible) Gedemer Jr.

Joe joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Shortly after returning he met Annella “Nell” Horton and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1947, in St. Mary Catholic Church.

Joe had been employed by Walker Mfg. for over 40 years until his retirement. He and his wife Nell spent many years designing, creating, and selling floral picture frames and center pieces under their business name of Woodland Wilds by JoNel.

Joe was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, the American Legion, and V.F.W. Post 1391. He enjoyed many activities in life. Joe and Nell were avid square dancers when first married. They loved to dance. He also enjoyed the outdoors, golfing and biking, and playing cribbage; but his greatest love was the time spent with his family and friends.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 61 years, Nell; their 3 daughters, Lynn Ann (Eugene) Williams of Waukesha, Carol Jean (Perry) Nordness of Minocqua, and Jacqueline (Tom) Tessmer of Racine; 6 grandchildren, Lauren Tessmer, Sara Tessmer, Jason (Betsy) Williams, Christopher (Katrina) Williams, Bradley (Mandy) Williams, and Ryan Williams; 2 great grandchildren, Abigail and Alexander Williams; 2 sisters, Marion Gedemer of Rowland Heights, CA, and LaVerne Horton of Racine; sister-in-law Betty Gedemer of Racine. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Norbert, Richard, Eugene, Marvin, Jerome Gedemer, Catherine Pekar, Evelyn Hettig, Virginia Gedemer and Ottillia Ruelle.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass. Entombment, with full military honors, will be in Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts. The family has suggested memorials to the Oncology Alliance Philanthropic Foundation.

The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff for their compassionate care in helping them through the many stages of Joe’s cancer. They would also like to thank the lay ministers of St. Anne Parish, Pleasant Prairie, for their support.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000