Joseph L. Altman

Joe retired in 1984 from IBM after 30 years of service as a Field Engineer. He graduated from Granite City, Illinois High School in 1947 and was a 1951 graduate of Belleville Junior College (SWIC), Belleville, Illinois.

Joe served in the United States Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant in the First Marine Air Wing in the Korean War, repairing aircraft engines.

He was a member of the former Hope Church of Belleville for 50 years. He was a volunteer electrician and helped with the construction of the 1999 addition to the building. He was also a grounds keeper. Joe and Marcie were assistant youth group leaders with Marv and Gladys Groom. He also enjoyed being an assistant Boy Scout Troop Leader with Ray Doctorman.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph R. Altman, who passed away on December 23, 2012; and his parents, Leonard M. and Selma R., nee Esterlein Altman.

Memorials in Joe’s memory may be made to the Union United Methodist Church Youth Group Mission Trip or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Surviving are his wife Marcella (Marcie) J., nee De Monge Altman whom he married on May 28, 1953 in Belleville, Illinois. He also leaves two daughters, Julie A. Altman and Lori L. Nevener; Lori's son, Andrew “Drew” (Kathy) Nevener and their children, Jordan, Jace and Jayton; Lori's daughter, Kelly J. (Yancy) Carden and their children, Olivia, Cage Milo and Bella; daughter in law, Kay, nee Weible Altman and her children, Evan J. Altman and Staci A. Altman; brother, James R. Altman and his son, Curtis R. (Linda) Altman; former sister in law, Norine J. Altman; brother in law, Melvin J. (Susan) De Monge and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; also several surviving Esterlein cousins of the Collinsville area.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, Illinois with Pastor Jay Krumeich officiating.

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois