Joseph Edward Traiteur Sr.

Mr. Traiteur proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, 3rd Division under Patton in the Battle of the Bulge as a Tank Gunner 2736 in the 13th Armored Division. Joseph was a railroad car inspector for the Cotton Belt Railroad for 33 years. Joseph was a member of St. Michael's Church in Paderborn, Ill. Throughout his life, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, farming and life itself, but his greatest moments were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Anetta, nee Dehler, Traiteur; three brothers, Louis Traiteur Jr., Martin Traiteur and Andrew Traiteur and three sisters, Marie Graham, Matilda Decker Barnett and Catherine Schranz.

Survived and missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Charlotte, nee Tate, Traiteur; two sons, Joseph E. (Linda) Traiteur Jr. and Lawrence E. (Delaine Banks) Traiteur; four grandchildren, Jamie (Brad) Lester, Justin (Karen) Traiteur, Brandy Traiteur and Samantha Traiteur; four great-grandchildren, Lindsey Lester, Nolan Traiteur, Shane Traiteur and Codi Timberwilke; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial donations in Joseph's memory are appreciated to Millstadt Senior Center or St. Clair County Veterans Assistance Commission. Memories and expressions of condolences may be offered at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

Services: Funeral services to follow at noon in the funeral home chapel. Entombment in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Ill.