Joseph W. Holcmann

Mr. Joseph William \"Papa Joe\" Holcmann, age 83, of Highland, IL., died Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born June 18, 1923, in Old Ripley, IL., the son of Frank and Mary (Wilding) Holcmann. On January 15, 1947, he married Evelyn M. \"Evie\" (nee Wall) Holcmann , who survives. Mr. Holcmann was born in Bond County, IL, near the village of Old Ripley, IL. He grew up there and graduated from Greenville High School in 1941. He farmed for 7 years and then started working as a residential carpenter. He joined the union in 1955. He worked for various contractors doing residential and commercial carpentry. In 1969, he started working for Lindsay Construction Company, Granite City, IL, for a number of years travelling about the midwest building fast food restaurants. He then went to work for Ralph Korte Construction Company retiring from there in 1988. {According to his wife, he was a carpenter all of his life - \"and a damn good one\".} Mr. Holcmann enjoyed hunting; playing cards, especially Jass; he was an excellent wood craftsman, making cabinets, cupboards, tractors, etc. He bowled for a number of years, enjoyed Cardinal Baseball and was a John Deere Collector. He was a member of St. Gertrudes Catholic Church - Grantfork, IL; Carpenter\'s Local 1535 - Highland, IL, (retired after 50 yrs.); former Leef Township Senior Citizens Club - Grantfork, IL; Grantfork volunteer Fire Department (Retired Member); former Moose Lodge #1561, Edwardsville, IL. Survivors also include Daughter-Linda M. (James) Radcliffe of Highland, Ill., Son-Richard J. (Deborah) Holcmann of Grantfork, Ill., Daughter-Paula A. (Ricky) Reinacher of Grantfork, Ill., Sister-Anna Kenley of Bell, Calif., Sister-Helen Young of Virden, Ill., Granddaughter-Renee (James) Iberg of Highland, Ill., Grandson-Aaron R. (Chris) Schwarz of Highland, Ill., Grandson-Christopher J. (Amanda) Holcmann of Grantfork, Ill., Granddaughter-Shauna L. Holcmann of Grantfork, Ill., Grandson-Chad J. Reinacher of Grantfork, Ill., Grandson-Ryan A. (Shannon) Reinacher of Grantfork, Ill., Great-granddaughter-Allyson Renee Iberg of Highland, Ill., Gr. Grandchild-Bryce J. Iberg of Highland, Ill., Gr Grandchild-Mya E. Iberg of Highland, Ill., Gr Grandchild-Gabriel R. Schwarz of Highland, Ill., Gr Grandchild-Steven L. Reinacher of Grantfork He was preceded in death by his parents, Son-Gary F. Holcmann (died May 3, 1951 at age 2 1/2 yrs.), Grandchild-\"Baby\" Schwarz (stillborn 1974), Brother-Frank J. Holcmann, Sister-Mary Caulk, Sister-Madeline Kossman Kimmel, Sister-Catherine Darlow.

Joseph W. Holcmann

June 18, 1923 - September 12, 2006