John E. Klump, 91,of New Alsace, Indiana passed Wednesday. He leaves his beloved wife of 68 years Hilda, his loving family: Mary Booker (Wes) of Lawrenceburg; Debbie Klump of Logan; Richard Klump (Kathy) of New Alsace; Cindy Hilty (Bob) of New Alsace; Thomas Klump (Kathy) of New Alsace and Kay Nocks of New Alsace. He also leaves his grandchildren: Kim Yelton(Ed), Trisha Goldsberry (John),John Klump, Justin Klump (Nichole), Joseph Klump (Karla), Richard Klump, Erin Klump, Jennifer Klump, Janice Henry (Donnie), Thomas Klump, Thomas Nocks, Timothy Nocks. His great-grandchildren are Wyatt and Lizzy Yelton, JW and Levi Goldsberry, Ilaina Klump, Brayden, Austin, and Aubrey Klump, Ian McIntosh, Lane Klump, and Weston Henry.
John is preceded in death by his siblings: Anna Aust, Joseph Klump, Charlie Klump, Rose Thebo, Michael Klump, Margaret Hartman, Francis Klump, and Cornelius Klump. His parents: John and Anna (Schott) Klump, His son: John M. Klump.
Visitation is Monday, Oct. 3 4:00-8:00 with rosary at 4:00 at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, Oct. 4 11:00 St. Paul Church, All Saints Parish.
John served as a platoon sergeant, assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, 34th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company E, 1st Platoon in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, Battles and Campaigns include: Leyte, Luzon (Bataan and Corregidor), Mindoro and the invasion of Mindanao Island, Southern Philippines. Later, after all hostilities had ceased with the Japanese armed forces, he served with the occupation forces in Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (combat heroism), Purple Heart (wounds sustained on Mindanao), Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star. John was also awarded the Rifle Marksman, 57MM Expert and Combat Infantryman Badges. He entered the service on June 14,1944 and was honorable discharged on May 18, 1946.
John was sexton of St. Paul’s Cemetery.Founding Member of New Alsace American Legion,Member of 24th. Infantry Division Association,35 year Retiree of General Motors- Hamilton Fisher Body,Member of New Alsace Conservation Club,Lifetime member of St. Paul’s Church / All Saints Parish
Memorials to St. Paul Cemetery, All Saints Parish or Sunman Life Squad