.Joseph B. White,
August 9, 1912 - January 8, 2010,
was born in Bristal, Wisconsin, on the state line between IL & WI. Fifth born child to Emma Marie Becker and Joseph Byron White. Married in 1903. He had three older brothers, Charles, Byron and Earl, one older sister Eva, and one younger sister Lillian. He grew up on a farm and learned to do farm chores at a young age. All the children walked to and from school in all kinds of weather (no car pools or snow suits or boots).
He enjoyed the farm life and many fond memories of the that time. He kept in touch with friends from that area over the years. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Bensenville, IL. His older brother Charlie had moved to Bensenville and told them there were good jobs at the Bensenville Round House working for the Milwaukee Railroad. His family pitched a tent when they first arrived and proceeded to build 7 houses in town (BVille, they used to call it). He enjoyed going to school. Playing basketball, golf and fishing were among his favorite things to do.
In 1942, he joined the Army to serve his country in World War II. He trained in Arkansas and Fort Sam Houston in Texas taking lab courses. He learned phlebotomy and became part of the medic team. Driving wounded soldiers in black-outs to hospitals for medical assistance was just one of his many duties. He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany from 1942-1946. Returning home to Bensenville, he continued working for the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement in 1975, a total of 49 years of railroad service. He met Thelma Baumgardner (nee Helfesen) in 1949. They were engaged and married May 20, 1950 at Elmwood Park Gospel Church. Thelma, previously married, had a lovely teenage daughter, Carol. Much to their surprise, along came a baby daughter born in April 1951. Joseph was so excited as he was told in the Army he wouldn’t be able to have children due to a high fever he sustained from an illness while in the service. The new couple, along with their two daughters, bought a house in Franklin Park. Carol went to Moody Bible Institute, graduated in the fall of 1951 and married in December 1956. Four lovely children, Cynthia, Daniel, Joanne, and Nancy, came from that union to David Bollman of Dixon, IL. Jody, which was his nickname, enjoyed golfing; he received many trophies. As of late, he spoke fondly of his love for vacationing and fishing in Hayward, WI. He enjoyed repairing golf clubs and giving lessons to those who wanted to learn more about the game. When daughter Linda and husband Steve Jacobsen (both East Lyden High School Alumni) had three children, Brian, Janeane, and Leanne, it only added to the proud Grandpa’s list. He loved all of his seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Jody and Thelma loved attending his church The Solid Rock Community Church (previously Mannheim Baptist) since 1963. Since then two more great-grandchildren, Luke and Brooke, were born to Janeane and Mike Seymore. He was a kind and friendly man who always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word. He also enjoyed taking his family out for weekly Sunday dinners after church service for many years. After the loss of his wife Thelma in 2001, he kept busy with the birth of his great-granddaughter Lily, becoming her official babysitter along with Grandma Linda until his death. They enjoyed many good times together playing games and going to the park. He always picked her up from school, kindergarten thru 2nd grade. His kindness and compassion will be solely missed by so many that he knew. His love for others and his example will go on forever – he was a true gentleman.