1921
Joseph
2010
Joseph Gradinger
February 22, 1921 — February 22, 2010
Joseph F. Gradinger, 89, passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. Joe was born on July 19, 1920 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Blanche and Emil Gradinger and was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Pittsburg High School and from Kemper Military Academy in Boonville, Missouri. An avid aviator, he was a flight instructor at Grider Field in Pine Bluff, Arkansas during World War II. There he met and married Jacqueline Adams his wife of 66 years. After the closing of Grider Field, he served in the Army Air Corps and received his discharge in 1945. Joe and Jac eventually settled in Prairie Village, Kansas where they raised their two children. Joe was employed by Golden Star, Inc. which was founded by his father in 1909. He was a longtime member of St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. He was active in the Quiet Birdmen, the Combat Pilots Association and the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors.
Joe loved jazz and aviation. He was a great supporter of jazz musicians and was a familiar face at local jazz clubs and festivals. He also enjoyed attending fly-ins around the country. The lives that Joe touched can never be counted. His life among us was a great gift and he will be missed deeply and forever.
He is survived by his wife, Jac; son Scott Gradinger of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter Jean Giesler and her husband Jeff; granddaughter Madchen Giesler and grandson Max Giesler all of Reno, Nevada; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
Arrangements for a service are pending.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114 or St. Michael and All Angels, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, KS 66202.
Fond memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.dwnewcomers.com. ARR: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913)648-6224.
Joe loved jazz and aviation. He was a great supporter of jazz musicians and was a familiar face at local jazz clubs and festivals. He also enjoyed attending fly-ins around the country. The lives that Joe touched can never be counted. His life among us was a great gift and he will be missed deeply and forever.
He is survived by his wife, Jac; son Scott Gradinger of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter Jean Giesler and her husband Jeff; granddaughter Madchen Giesler and grandson Max Giesler all of Reno, Nevada; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
Arrangements for a service are pending.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114 or St. Michael and All Angels, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, KS 66202.
Fond memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.dwnewcomers.com. ARR: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913)648-6224.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Gradinger, please visit our flower store.