Joseph P. Lachat

Joseph P. Lachat, 89, passed away early Friday morning, February 6, 2009 at Wheaton Franciscan- All Saints Medical Center. Joseph was born in Racine on November 30, 1919, son of the late Edward and Martha (Nee: Menzel) Lachat.

During World War II, Joseph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army while stationed in the European Theater. Following the war he remained in the U.S. Army Reserves until he retired as a Major years later. On September 3, 1949, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milwaukee, he was united in marriage to Ruth E. Cook. He and his brother owned and operated their own dry cleaning business, Lachat Cleaners, for nearly twenty years. He was last employed as a supervisor with the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1984. Joe was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church (formerly Holy Name) and was an active member of the VFW Post 1391. He enjoyed his golf leagues and traveling and loved a good poker game. He will be best remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife of nearly sixty years, Ruth; his children, Marilyn Lachat, Joseph Lachat Jr. and Bob (Yolanda) Lachat; granddaughters, Julie and Kelli Lachat, all of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a son, Richard; a brother, Martin; and a sister, Rosemary Gramza.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave., on Tuesday February 10, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Ronald J. Gramza officiating. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Monday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Richard Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888