Joe Charles Putrich, 79, of WeeMaTuk, passed away into eternal life in heaven at 3:15 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born Nov. 27, 1937, in Canton, the son of Fabian “Dobby” and Lois Lightle Putrich. He married the love of his life, Elaine Howard, on July 5, 1959, at the First Christian Church in Canton. She survives.
Also surviving are his three children, JoEllen (Charlie) Albertson, of Warsaw; Ty (Gina Szpak) Putrich, of Vicksburg, Mich.; Tad (Barb) Putrich, of Canton; seven grandchildren, Amy (Fritz) VanStraten, Cory and Chelsy Albertson, Lauren and Chase Putrich, and Matt and Megan Putrich; two great-grandchildren, Keegan Geurts and Drake VanStraten. Also surviving is one sister, Shirley Young, of Canton.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Kenneth Sherman and stepmother Evelyn Putrich.
He worked at International Harvester (Navistar) in Canton, Ill.; Memphis, Tenn., and Waukesha, Wis., for over 38 years before retiring, and was currently working for Buell’s Marine in Canton. Joe graduated from Lewistown High School in 1956, and was a member of South Park United Methodist Church in Canton, where he was actively involved. He was a former Putman Township trustee and supervisor.
Joe also enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren at their school, extracurricular and sporting activities, and was a member of the Canton Booster Club. Joe enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and being a Green Bay Packers fan. Most importantly, Joe loved being with his family and friends and enjoying life.
Joe served as a corporal in the United States Army Reserves.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today. Rev. Rick Atchley will officiate. Burial will be at Hyatt Cemetery in WeeMaTuk, where military honors will be conducted.
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Memorials can be made to South Park United Methodist Church, or to Painesdale Mine & Shaft, Inc., Painesdale, Mich., for the preservation of the Champion Mine #4 where his grandfather worked after coming to America from Croatia.
To leave online condolences or to view Joe’s DVD, visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
