Edward Patrick "Pat" Stapleton, Jr.

Edward Patrick "Pat" Stapleton, Jr., 90, of Springfield, died at 2:03 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born August 16, 1921 in New Berlin, the son of Edward Patrick, Sr. and Stella M. Hanrahan Stapleton. He married Arlene M. Thompson on December 4, 1943 and she survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Jean (Robert McKinzie) Stapleton-McKinzie, and Carol (Mark) Stapleton both of Springfield; three sons, Ed (Bobbie) Stapleton of Evans, GA, Ron (Kathy) Stapleton of Springfield, and Dennis (Martha) Stapleton of Jacksonville; 16 grandchildren, Erin, Michaela, Moira, Craig, Patrick, Brenna, Shannon, Nathan, Tara, Amanda, Padraic, Callan, Kevan, Cressida, Miranda, and Jim; 6 great-grandchildren, Mary, Oliver, Hugo, Logan, Liam and Alexander; one sister, Norma Jeanne Fairweather of Springfield; two brothers, Tom (Pat) Stapleton and Charles (Donna) Stapleton both of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Pat was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Mary Louise Stapleton; one sister, Stella Margaret Pistorious and one brother, William Stapleton. Mr. Stapleton was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during WWII in Europe. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and received a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and the French Medal of Honor. He was a member of the 36th Infantry Division Association; American Legion Post in New Berlin and VFW # 755. Pat worked for several years at Stapleton Ford in New Berlin with his dad. He also owned and operated E. Pat Stapleton Insurance, with his son Dennis, in New Berlin. Pat's greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed telling stories, traveling, attending horse races and rodeos and he was an avid Cubs fan. Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2012, Staab Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Reverend Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Berlin, where the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct honors. Memorial contributions may be given to Blessed Sacrament Church or the 36th Infantry Division Association or the New Berlin Area Veterans Memorial Association.