Joseph Baldridge

Joseph L. Baldridge, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Tuesday June 21, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Monday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a 4th Degree Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Burial with military honors: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include children, Dennis (Kay) Baldridge of Marion, Dianne Bobey of Cedar Rapids, David (Beverly) of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Sheri Kearney of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Carrie (Matt) Getty, Angie (Bob) Clark, Rachel (Derek) Leach, Dana (Stanley) Tackett, Joseph K. Baldridge, Catherine (Matt) Konicek, and Nikki (Josh) Osborn; and 14 great grandchildren. Joe was born on May 11, 1924, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Irene (Quinn) Baldridge. He was a graduate of Strawberry Point High School and worked on the family farm before joining the US Navy where he served honorably during World War II. He married Anna Mae Berg on February 1, 1947 in Strawberry Point. Joe worked for 40 years at Iowa Manufacturing. Following retirement he kept busy working as a court attendant at the Linn County Courthouse and volunteered many hours at Mercy Medical Center. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he was active as an usher. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 909, Bowen General Assembly #269, VFW #788, and IAM Local 831. Joe enjoyed reading, fishing and spending time with his family. He and Anna Mae were married for 50 years before her passing in 1997. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anna Mae; daughter, Jolene Baldridge; grandson, D.J. Baldridge; and infant great grandson, Jacob Osborn. Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.