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Joy Gonnerman

Joy Gonnerman, 92, of Grand Island, formerly of the York area, died Friday, July 24, 2009 at Grand Island NE Veterans Home in Grand Island.

Service will be Tuesday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. in the Grand Island NE Veterans Home All Faiths Chapel.  Chaplain Bill Noer will officiate.  Burial will be Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. with military honors by the North Platte Honor Guard in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, NE.  Chaplain Bill Forbes will officiate at Maxwell.

All Faiths Funeral Home will be serving the family.

Visitation will be an hour prior to service time.

Mr. Gonnerman was born at Waco, NE, November 25, 1916, the only child of Jacob and Gerte (Elliot) Gonnerman.

He is survived by cousins, Robert, Gail, Tom, Gene, Roger Gonnerman, Dean Heine, Ray Kleemeyer, Ellen Irish, Ruth Keyes, Mary Loontjer & their spouses, and many other friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Joy entered the United States Army Sept. 1939 (pre-Pearl Harbor) & honorably discharged December 31, 1946, receiving 13 medals of Honor that include, American Disience, American & Asiatic Pacific Campaign, European-African Middle Eastern, WW II, Army Good Conduct, Thank You Veteran, Purple Heart, Bronze & Battle Star, Expert Infantry Combat Wreath, and Honorable Service & Honorable Discharge.

After his service to his country, Joy carried on his father’s livelihood of farming and raising cattle.

Joy loved to share his war experiences, medals, stories of his military service, as well as his life experiences.  His wish was for the young people to gain respect for the sacrifices our nation’s veterans have made.  He took great pride in being able to reach the younger generation and became an ambassador for intergenerational activities.  He never said ‘no’ to an opportunity, and visited several elementary schools and high schools. Joy held his audiences captive as he made periods of history come alive to young people. 

Joy’s passion for life and new experiences never dimmed.  He wrote poetry, several of which were published.  His memory will be cherished by his many friends and the staff at Grand Island NE Veterans Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Grand Island NE Veterans Home.