McGrath, Joe E.

Joe E. McGrath, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died May 27, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence, with Karmen Jamison officiating. Burial: Dayton Valley Cemetery, rural Clarence. Visitation: one hour before services at the funeral home.

Born Jan. 17, 1923, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Earl and Myrtle (Utley) McGrath, he married Eleanor Kirkpatrick on April 2, 1955, in Clarence.

Joe was an avid bridge player, gardener and loved watching sports. Joe had worked as a tool and die maker for Rockwell Collins. He was a great handyman and was a graduate from Conroy, Iowa High School in 1941 and the University of Iowa in 1951. He was an Army World War II veteran with the 31st infantry “Dixie” Division. Joe saw action in New Guinea, Morati and the Philippines, where he received a purple heart and a bronze star.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor; son, Kirk (Patti) of Cheyenne, Wyo.; grandson, David Kyle Haley; brothers, Harry (Betty) of Ainsworth and Ted (Soledad) of San Diego, Calif.; sister, Myrtle Robinson of Victor; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Sam; two brothers and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Collins Community Credit Union, 1150 42nd St. NE, PO Box 10500, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410.

Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmanfh.com

Published May 31, 2012 in The Gazette

Updated; published June 1, 2012 in The Gazette