1921
Conrad
2018
Conrad J. Gemmecke
August 16, 1921 — March 7, 2018
Conrad was a retired Terre Haute postal worker of 30 years and preceding that he work 15 years for Paitson's Hardware on Wabash Avenue.
A graduate of Gerstmeyer High School in 1940, Conrad was drafted into the Army Air Corp 8th Air Force and was active in WWII as a bombardier on a B-17. He was stationed in Kimbolton, England, flew 13 missions over Germany, was shot down, wounded, and was held POW for 17 months until liberated by the Russian army in 1945. He often said that the Statue of Liberty had always been the greatest sight he had ever seen. He was awarded a Purple Heart that he cherished, as well as an Air Medal with an Oak Leaf cluster, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. He was also a member of the USA Caterpillar Club which was exclusive to air soldiers whose life was saved by a parachute.
Conrad was an active member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ since its beginning in 1958. He was a life-long member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute, and a Mason from the Terre Haute Social Lodge #86 F&AM. He was an avid Cubs fan through the good seasons, and bad.
Survivors include his wife, Elsie; one daughter, Connie Jean (Steven) Johnson of Atlanta, GA; two sons, Terry Allen (Judy) Gemmecke of Mooresville, IN and Jerry Conrad Gemmecke (Joe McIntosh) of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Mathew Johnson of South Carolina, Jamie Moody of Georgia, Carly Nadine Gemmecke of South Carolina, and Conrad Scott Gemmecke of Florida; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Conrad was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim (Alice) and Woody (Macil), and a sister, Frances (Bob) Cook.
Funeral services will be held at the Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. Visiting hours are scheduled for Sunday, March 11th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 PM, and Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 12th at 2:00 PM. with Reverend Teresa Higus officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by VFW Post #972. Funeral information may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Conrad J. Gemmecke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, March 11, 2018
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home
Funeral Services
Monday, March 12, 2018
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home
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