Joseph E. Mutz

December 8, 1919 – December 16, 2000

Joseph E. Mutz, 81, of Rockford died at 10:25 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000, at his home. Born Dec. 8, 1919, in Fond du Lac, Wis., son of Joseph M. and Helen Bachman Mutz. Joseph's career at J.C. Penney Co. Inc. began in the stockroom in Fond du Lac, but was interrupted by World War II.

He enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, serving as a B-17 crew member. He was stationed in England until he was shot down over Germany while flying his eighth mission. He also spent two years in a German prisoner-of-war camp.

After the war, Joseph returned to Fond du Lac and married Beatrice Keys in July 1950. He was transferred to Green Bay, Wis., as assistant manager in 1950, and in 1954 he managed his first store in Shawano, Wis. From there he went to Dennison, Iowa, in 1957, and then to the downtown store in Rockford in 1959. When Colonial Village opened, he managed the store there until retiring in 1980 after more then 40 years with the company.

Joseph was a member of the Combat Flyers Group, 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group, Ex POW Group, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Past member of the local Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed playing golf.

Survivors include wife, Beatrice children, Mark (Stephanie) Mutz of Tallahassee, Fla., Jane Richardson of Loves Park, Andrew (Rebecca) Mutz of Denver, Colo., Steven Mutz, Waukesha, Wis., Karen (Paul) Green of California grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Martin, Melanie Mutz, Jessica Sanders, Jared and Jordan Richardson, Danielle, Kelly and Anna Mutz, Nicholas and Neil Green great-grandchildren, Jacob and Abigail Martin numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother, Martin sister, Frances Endejan and great-grandson, Chad Joseph Martin.

Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in Holy Family Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael Morrissey and the Rev. John Endejan, pastor of St. John's Cathedral, Milwaukee, concelebrating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, with rosary recited at 8, in Fitzgerald & Associates Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice Association or Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery. 12-19-2

Rockford Register Star (IL) - Tuesday, December 19, 2000