Josef F. Guerrein, 93 yrs, of Ida, died at Brookdale Senior Living of Monroe on June 3, 2009. Cremation has taken place. Diaconal Minister Timothy Freund, of West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church will officiate at a private memorial service. Interment of Cremains will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Petersburg. Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, is handling arrangements.

Mr. Guerrein was born in Hoerdt, Germany on January 29, 1916. He married Elise Regenaver in Germany. At age 13, he learned the sausage making and meat smoking trade from his uncle. Josef always dreamed of owning his own business. After being obligated to join the German Army in WW II, he consequently was imprisoned in Russia's Siberian Coal and Lumber Camps. After several years there and contracting malaria, he was released. Fate had his wife employed by an American Major and his wife that were stationed in Germany after the war ended. Through their efforts, Mr. and Mrs. Guerrein and their daughter were able to come to the United States on May 2, 1952, and eventually fulfilled their American Dream and opened Ida-Center Meat Market in 1955. In 1957 they became American citizens.

Josef loved to sing. He was very active and was Vice-President of the Ida Civic Club. He was also a member of the German-American Clubs of Oregon, OH, and the Palm Beaches, Fl, and their Men Choirs.

Survivors include: his daughter, Annel (John) Horn, of Ida; grandchildren, John Kent Horn, Brenda Sue Horn, Natalie Ann Horn; and great-grandchildren, Jessie Lee, Michael James, and Bailey Marie. He was preceded in death by his loving wife in 1981; his parents, and a sister of Germany.

Memorials may be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe, West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.capaulfuneralhome.com.

Josef F. Guerrein

1916 - 2009