JOHN MEINZ

John "Jack" Meinz, 82, of Cape Girardeau, died Wednesday, May 1, 1996, at Ratliff Care Center.

He was born May 9, 1913, in Cape Girardeau, son of Fred J. and Clara Beaudean Meinz. He and Bessie Smith were married Oct. 9, 1935, in Cape Girardeau. She died Aug. 23, 1984.

Meinz was employed at International Shoe Co. 48 years, retiring in 1977 as a supervisor. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838, and in 1993 received the post's Outstanding Contribution Award for extra time and work as a volunteer. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Survivors include a son, Dean Meinz of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Joan Jaschke of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Cecelia Sonderman of Cape Girardeau; a grandson and a stepgranddaughter.

He was preceded in death by a stepson, three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Cy Smith officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 3838.