McNabb, Joseph H.

Joseph H. McNabb, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with the Rev. William B. Harnish officiating. Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by American Legion Hanford Post 5 and the United States Navy.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Gosnell and husband Bruce of Mountain Home, Ark. and Jerry Pease and wife Rosemary of Phoenix, Ore.; his sister, Barbara Mae Strait and husband Jerry of Cedar Rapids; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Berneice; his children, Richard Pease and Joan Carmen; and his sister, Elaine.

Joe was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Aaron W. and Hazel H. (Cline) McNabb. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He was united in marriage to Charlotte “Berneice” Harris, whom Joe often called “Willie,” on June 19, 1948, in Milan, Ill. She preceded him in death in 2006.

Joe worked for many years for the Milwaukee Railroad and held the positions of switchman, brakeman and conductor. He was a member of VFW Post 788, the American Legion and the United Transportation Union. He enjoyed traveling with Willie in their camper all throughout the country and would winter many years in Florida. He delighted in the time he spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations in Joe's honor may be directed to the VFW or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Joe's family on the webpage, under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 28, 2012.