Ferdinand M. Stauch, Jr.

Ferdinand Miller Stauch, Jr., 95, of Greencastle, passed away February 25, 2015. A career soldier, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. His wartime assignments included service with the 32nd Infantry Division in the Papua Campaign in New Guinea and with the Burma guerrilla unit “Merrill’s Marauders” during World War II. In the Korean War he was assigned to Headquarters, First U.S. Army Corps. Mr. Stauch was a highly decorated soldier receiving a total of 24 medals, including the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Following his retirement from active duty, Mr. Stauch was employed by Department of the Army as the Information Representative for the XXI Army Corps, then as the Public Information Officer for Fort Benjamin Harrison and later as the Information Officer for the U.S. Army Finance and Accounting Center. He retired from civil service while serving as Chief, Public Affairs Office Chicago District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A former member of the Indianapolis and Chicago Federal Executive Boards and Press Clubs he held lifetime memberships in the Disabled Veterans Association, the Burma Star Association, VFW Post 1550 and the Merrill’s Marauders Association. He was a past Indiana State Commander of the China/Burma/India Veterans Association and held memberships in the Greencastle American Legion Post #58, and Elks Lodge #1077. He was also the co-founder and past president of the Lawrence National Exchange Club. Mr. Stauch was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Florence (Albin); son, Douglas Miller Stauch; brother, Gerald Stauch; and close friend of many years, Bobbie Bloomer. Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Dunn; daughter-in-law, Brenda Jo Stauch; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service and interment will be announced at a date to be determined. Arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel. “TODAY IS THE DAY” ~ F. M. Stauch, Jr. December 27, 1999 As most of us already know, and especially those who read “Tuesdays with Morrie”, there is in reality that imaginary bird that appears to us each morning and from its perch atop our right shoulder answers the life long question, “Is this the day of my demise?” For me, in over 80 years the answer was always, “Not today.” But, recently that same little bird appeared to me out of nowhere…perched on my shoulder and moved ever closer to my ear. Then, when I asked once again that daily question, the bird nodded its head, took flight and looking back cried out…”Today is the day.”

Tributes

Ferdinand M. Stauch, Jr.

November 28, 1919 - February 25, 2015