Name: Joseph Frederick Leitschuh Age: 93 Address: Mount Olive, IL
Died: Friday, November 3, 2017, 9:34 am Place: at his residence, Mount Olive, IL
Born: October 24, 1924 Place: Litchfield, IL
Father: the late: Otto Leitschuh Mother: the late: Lillian Britton Leitschuh
Spouse: Maxine Spudick
Date of Marriage: September 20, 1947 Place of Marriage: Church of the Ascension, Mt. Olive, IL.
Schooling: attended Country Grade School in Litchfield, IL up to 8th grade.
Church: Member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church, formerly Church of the Ascension Mt. Olive, IL.
Occupation: a coal miner at Consolidated Coal Company, Hillsboro, Il. 1965-1983 Previously worked at A.O. Smith and Acu-rule
Military: Company C 4th Ranger Infantry Battalion as a Corporal Tech 5 Rifleman serving in WWII from April 1943 - September 1945. Joe was a Prisoner of War in Germany, captured and held prisoner for 11 months while in combat in Anzio in May of 1944. Serving in the 1st Special Services Force, Joe was captured by an older German officer and a young German soldier, he had been shot in the arm, wrist, and leg. The young German was going to kill Joe, but the older officer intervened and removed two vials of morphine from his shirt pocket, he read Joe's dog tags and Joe related that "he could pronounce Leitschuh better than me", Joe credits this German officer with saving his life. The book and movie "The Devils Brigade" was based on the heroic exploits of "Freddie's Fighters" the 1st special forces in WWII, which Joe was a part of, but like most members of that dwindling generation of heroes Joe didn't talk a lot about it. Served in Battles and Campaigns in Naples and Rome. Military Accomplishments: Purple Heart, Bronze Star European and Middle East Medals created in 1942 by FDR, Good Conduct Medal and POW Medal. Joe's name can be found at the Washington D.C. WWII Memorial and at the Litchfield Carnegie Library WWII Memorial. "Rangers Lead The Way !!"
Organizations: Member of the Mt.Olive VFW Post #5790 and helped the Seabees build the current VFW hall.
Interests: Was a hard worker, spent a lot of time working in his garage and yard. Loved family, especially Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.
Survivors: Wife: Maxine Leitschuh, Mt. Olive, IL. // 3 Sons: George Leitschuh, companion Carolyn Grimlin, Modesto, IL. // John (Mary Ann) Leitschuh, Litichfield, IL. // David Leitschuh companion Janet Osmoe, Mt. Olive, IL // 1 Daughter: JoAnn (Dennis) Baum, Mt. Olive, IL. // 1 Brother: Jerry (Martha) Leitschuh, Washington, NC // 1 Sister: Jean Groves, Atwater, IL. // 1 Sister-in-law: Mireille Leitschuh, Litchfield, IL. // 15 Grandchildren, 23 Great-Grandchildren and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Preceeded in Death: // Parents: Otto and Lillian Leitschuh // 4 Brothers: Raymond, James, Paul in infancy and Maynard "Bud" Leitschuh who died on October 20, 2017. // 4 Sisters: Ruth Green, Rita Buske, Juanita Lovejoy and Mary Eileen Walch.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at St. John Paul II Church until the time of service
Funeral Mass: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 11 a.m., St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Mt. Olive, IL.
Clergy: Father Tom Hagstrom Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Olive, IL. Altar servers: Great-Grandsons: Matthew & Zachary Leitschuh and Isaiah Johnson
Eulogy: Written by Grandchildren Jeffrey Leitschuh and Beth Fernandez will be delivered by Jeffrey.
Pallbearers: Grandsons: Jeffrey , Scott, Joseph , Bob, Brian, and Cory Leitschuh and Michael and Joseph Baum.
Music Organist: Jennifer Monke will accompany the St. John Paul II Choir led by Carolyn Masinelli on :"Lady of Guadeloupe", "On Eagles Wings", "Here I Am Lord", "You Are Mine", and "Ava Maria".
Military Rites: The flag was folded by Lavern Rosenthal and Ron Hubert, Ron Hubert presented the flag to his wife, Maxine, Ray Slapak and Kenny Osmoe served as Honor Guard. Ernie Thomack sang "Amazing Grace", "God Bless America", and played "Taps" at graveside.
Lunch: For family and friends will be served by the Altar & Rosary Society in the church hall.
Memorials: Calvary Cemetery // Mt. Olive Academic Foundation.
Condolences: www.beckerandson.com
Becker & Son Funeral Home, Mt. Olive , Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation

Wednesday, November 08, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. John Paul II Catholic Church
705 East Main Street
Mt. Olive, IL 62069

Funeral Service

Wednesday, November 08, 2017
11:00 AM

St. John Paul II Catholic Church
705 East Main Street
Mt. Olive, IL 62069