Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Beloved husband of the late Betty J. Brader (nee Less); loving father of Dan and Mike (Stephanie) Brader; adoring grandfather of Ashley, Evan and Maddie Brader; dear brother of Norb and the late Bern and Louise. Our dearest brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend to many.
Joe grew up working in his father’s bowling alley. He joined the army in October 1943.
He left for England in May 1944 and eventually left for France and landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 (D-Day).
He served as a medical aid with the First Army. He went through France and reached Belgium in September 1944.
Joe made it to Aachen, Germany in October 1944 where he was involved in the Battle of the Bulge from December 1944 to January 1945.
Germany surrendered in May 1945 and Joe was sent back to France and eventually back to the USA where he was honorable discharged on January 31, 1946.
He went back to work at his father’s bowling alley where he met Betty and they eventually married.
Joe worked as a tile setter for Rock Hill Tile from 1948 until he retired in 1985.
He bowled and played golf with his retired buddies as often as possible.
Joe was a frequent blood donor at the Red Cross and became the first person to give blood 318 times.
Joe and his son Mike went to Washington, DC on July 26, 2016, with the Honor Flight Society to visit the Veteran Memorials with several other veterans.
Joe and his son Dan went to France for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day at the invite of the Veterans Back to Normandy sponsored by Valerie Gautier Cardin. He spent two weeks traveling around Normandy for the first time in 75 years. He attended ceremonies, lunches, dinners, and parades. He received the French Legion of Honor Award in Carentan France, June 5, 2019.
Shortly after he returned from his trip to France he wanted to get his knee replaced again and unfortunately the surgery didn’t go well and he became confined to his bed and a wheelchair. He spent his last couple of years in the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis. He was treated with respect and kindness at the veterans home.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Monday, August 7 from 4-8 pm. with funeral service on Tuesday, August 8 at 10:30 am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Dan and Mike, So sorry for your loss. Saw your dad’s obituary while looking for my neighbor. Prayers for all of your family.
Donna (Wirth) Session
Our sincerest condolences Dan and Mike. We got to know your dad after our daughter, Kelsey moved in next door. Kelsey just loved Joe. He really was one in a million! We are so thankful for his service to our country and for his zest for life. His enthusiasm was an inspiration.
My sincerest condolences to the family. Joe lives on in your hearts and memories. May his new journey be as wonderful as his last.