Charles E. Katelinek

Charles Edward Katelinek, 89, passed away at 3:25 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at ST. Anthony’s Hospital. He was born on April 29, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN to Charles F. and Mary Helen (Devaney) Katelinek. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1941. “Kat” was his Navy call sign. He was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran Chief ACMM Combat Air Crewman, Aerial Navigator/Bombardier during the Pacific conflicts. He was wounded at Iwo Jima in June 1945 and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1945. He was awarded: Combat Air Crewman’s Wings with 3 stars, Purple Heart Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 6 gold stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign 1941-45, U.S. American Campaign 1941-45, and American Defense 1941-45 while serving with various patrol bombing squadrons in the Pacific Navy Fleets. On November 11, 1997 he was inducted into the U.S. Navy Enlisted Combat Air Crew Roll of Honor aboard the Carrier U.S.S. Yorktown Naval Museum. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed by Union Electric (Ameren) for 43 years, retiring in 1989 as Superintendent of gas operations in Alton. He was a life member of both VFW Post 1308 and American Legion Post 126 in Alton. He was also a member of the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club of Godfrey, Eagles Aerie #254 of Alton, past member of Alton Lions Club, a 10 gallon blood donor, past president and DSA recipient of the Alton Jaycees, also served on the planning/zoning commission City of Alton and Alton Chamber of Commerce activities. He is survived by his daughter, Susan McAninch and her husband W. Dean McAninch of Manteca, CA, former wife, Edith Katelinek of Manteca, CA, four grandchildren, W. David McAninch and wife Sheri of Hughson, CA, Michael McAninch and wife Kris of Elk Grove, CA, Jeff McAninch and wife Jenifer of Yorba Linda, CA, and Pamela McClelland and husband Steve of Suwanee, GA, 11 great grandchildren: Courtney, Haylee, Austin, Dallas, Matthew, Lindsay, Boe, Sam, Lucy, Lauren, and Connor and one great-great grandson, Grayson. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Mary Helen Rynearson, two sisters, Babe and Mary Jane Katelinek, infant daughter, Sharon Katelinek and wife Kathy Katelinek. To his family and friends he was known as dad, papa, great papa, and Charlie (a.k.a. Bad News, Turkey, Trouble and Dirty Old Man). He was loved and will be missed by all who know him. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. PDF Printable Version

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Charles E. Katelinek

April 29, 1922 - August 1, 2011