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Joseph Pieklik Obituary
MAJ. GEN. (RET.) JOSEPH E. PIEKLIK
JOSEPH EDWARD PIEKLIK, Major General (Ret.) US Army, 88, of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at McGuire Veterans Medical Center, Richmond. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary T. Pieklik, and his son, Robert J. Pieklik; his daughter-in-law, Susan C. Pieklik; his brother, Henry Pieklik, and sister, Sally Kearnen. He is survived by his wife, Elli M. Pieklik; his sons, Dr. John Pieklik and wife, Linda of Jackson, MS, Michael Pieklik and wife, Susan of Kennesaw, GA; stepsons, Axel Stockhaus and wife, Michelle of Lorton, VA, Michael Stockhaus and wife, Debbie of Springfield, VA, Ralf Stockhaus and wife, Angie of St. Sebastian, FL; stepdaughter, Anita Ward and husband Robert of Petal, MS; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Sullivan of Shrewsbury, MA, Nora Rockwell and husband Todd of Surprise, AZ.
General Pieklik was born in Clinton, MA, on September 24, 1918. He enlisted in the US Army days after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served 33 years, retiring as a Major General in July 1975. He completed basic training and OCS at Camp Lee in 1942. While on active duty he obtained undergraduate and two masters degrees, and graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He served in numerous command posi-
tions during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before retiring as Commanding General of the Tank and Automotive Command in Warren, MI. General Pieklik continued to serve the military and the Quartermaster Corps, being designated the first Honorary Colonel of the Quartermaster Regiment from 1988 to 1993. He served as President of the Army Quartermaster Foundation, and was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 1992. A newly constructed wing of the US Army Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee, VA, was dedicated in 1998 as the Pieklik Research and Learning Center. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
The family will receive friends 3 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2007, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. ALVIN SMALL FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at the Memorial Chapel in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, followed by burial with full honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Army Quartermaster Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box A, Fort Lee, VA 23801, phone (804) 734-4339.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pieklik
Mary Jane Dahlander
April 18, 2007
Dear Elli, John, Linda, Mike, Susan, and extended family,
Our prayers have been with you during this time of loss. Reflecting on "the general" has brought us to laughter and tears.
We are grateful, honored, and blessed to have known him.
Appreciative for his love of God, our country, and service to others,and vow to pass this legacy to our children.
May you continue to be blessed with many more wonderful memories from those whose lives he touched.
Love,
Mary Jane, Gerry, Katie, Mary Margaret and Emily Dahlander
Barbara Beard
April 12, 2007
Elli, John, Linda, Mike, Susan, all of your children and extended family, our family is saddened to hear of the loss of one of the noblest men we have ever met. Joe was truly a hero to our country and will be remembered for his kindness and respect for others. We pray that you are able to find the strenght in your faith to carry you through such a difficult time.
Susan's Sister and Family,
Mike, Barbara, Candis and Derrick Beard
Virginia and Dale Read
April 4, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Suzy Lawshe
April 4, 2007
Dr. Pieklik, Linda and family, I am sorry for your loss. The loss of a parent leaves such a void in our lives that can only be filled with memories and reflection of their great contributions to our lives and the lives of others.
Nancy Kuehnle
April 3, 2007
John,
We were saddened to hear of your father's passing. I will never forget the first time I went to Washington, DC for a seminar - I was fifteen. Your father was so kind to take me touring on the day I was leaving town. What a great tour guide he was. He and your mother were also so hospitable when we visited with Linda and Judy several years back. I am thankful to have known them both. Your father was a great man and will be remembered fondly by so many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Eli at this time.
Love,
Nancy, Bruce and Julia Rachel
Natchez, MS
Chase & Traudy Smeeks
April 2, 2007
Elli, we are very sorry for your loss. Joe was a true patriot who's contributions will long be remembered.
We are here when you need us. Don't hesitate to call.
Chase & Traudy
John, Kay, Presley, Hunter and Pepper Taylor
April 2, 2007
Dear John,
We send our prayers and love at this time on the death of your father. How proud you and your sons, Stephen and Alex, must be of the father, grandfather and General that he was. May God bring all of you peace at this time knowing that he lived a life of service to God and his country. May the peace he now feels touch you and remain with you. May all the memories of his life with you carry you through this difficult time. How proud you should be to have had a dad like him. God bless all of you. We wish we could have been there with you, Linda, Elli and the boys.
Linda & Bill Gillikin
March 31, 2007
Dear Elli & Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Jere & Gwen Akin
March 30, 2007
Dear Elli, We send our love and prayers to you. May God bless you with His peace during this difficult time.
--MG(R)Jere & Gwen Akin
Morganton, GA
Ron Sims
March 30, 2007
To the Pieklik Family: You are in our hearts and have our prayers.He did so much for the QM Folks
God Bless
Oscar Decker
March 30, 2007
To the Family of General Pieklik
You have our prayers at this time of mourning of a great man. We joined him at TACOM in 1973 when I went to work for him as the Director of Procurement and later as his Deputy. His knowledge of logisical support was endless and much appreciated both from actions required and from learning. We mourn with you as you mourn his loss.
MG (Ret.)Oscar & Ella Mae (Babe) Decker
Georgene Patten
March 30, 2007
My special friend Elli.. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
I am so grateful that we had those wonderful cruises with you two. You and "Joseph" added so much to our fun times together. As I look at those pictures I remember all the special thoughtfulness Joe showed us all. I truly treasure the time Joe proudly showed us the QTR Master museum and being together. love always and in all His ways, g
Ernest Reschke
March 30, 2007
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving us MG (Retired) Joseph Pieklik. His distinguished military career and great personal sacrifices helped to preserve our nation and the freedoms we cherish. May you bless his family during this time of grieving and give them comfort knowing he is with you in heaven.
LTC Ernest Reschke, USA
Steven Doyle
March 29, 2007
Ms Eli; Susan Pieklick has spoken very highly of you over the years and I wish to convey prayers to you and your family. Mike and I were roomates at the University of Alabama and have remained friends as well as brother in laws through the years. I attended Ms Mary's funeral in Arlington and it was a very memorable experience. Major Pieklick was one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of meeting and I wish to just to say thank you for he will always be remembered well with me.
Roger Fleming
March 29, 2007
To The Family of General Pieklik:
While I don't think he ever knew it, throughout most of my Army Quartermaster career I always referred to General Pieklik as my "Army Dad". I was so proud to have served with him when he was the CG, US Army Supply and Maintenance Command in Zweibrucken, Germany. When I was assigned back to Vietnam, General Pieklik called me to his office and said he had written a recommendation letter on my behalf to a friend at MACV HQs and upon my arrival I would be assigned to the J-4 joint staff. I credit him for taking his time to write that one letter that set up my Army assignments for the remainder of my career. Thanks "Dad".
My sincere condolences to the Pieklik family.
Roger S. Fleming, QMC, LTC-Ret, Houston, Texas
Abraham Richards
March 29, 2007
To the Family of General Pieklik:
Please accept out deepest sympathy.
Abraham L. Richards, Colonel (Ret) US Army and Claire
March 29, 2007
DEAR ELLE OUR VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
FONDLY, DAN & SHERRY FISCHER
Roy Beauchamp
March 29, 2007
To the Family of General Pieklik...
My Dear Friends,
It is with deep sadness that I learned of General Pieklik's passing. My wife, Olivia, and I extend our deepest condolences.
I am one of thousands of officers whose life was touched and enriched by General Pieklik. I had the pleasure of working for him when I was a young captain at the Tank Automotive Command starting in 1972. Working for him was like getting a graduate degree in leadership and logistics and the experience was one of the major factors in the success I enjoyed in my Army career. General Pieklik's high example as a leader, as a soldier and as a person was an inspiration to all of us who were fortunate enough to work for him. We were all better for having known him. I will never forget the guidance and support he gave to me. His example was especially significant for me since I joined the Army as an enlisted man. I also went to Quartermaster OCS at Ft. Lee. I also worked to get my undergraduate degree and two masters degress while I was on active duty. I was honored to follow in his footsteps twenty five years later and command the Tank Automotive Command. His presence was still felt and was a great inspiration for me.
I know that no words I can offer can ease the pain of the loss you feel at this difficult time. However, please be assured that all of us who knew and loved General Pieklik, even those of us who were only able to work with him for a short time over his long and distinguished career, share your grief at his passing. May we all take consolation in the certainty that, as God has given us the capacity to grieve, he has also given us the capacity to remember. Through those memories General Pieklik will continue to guide us and inspire us and he will be with us forever.
May God's Grace be with you and give you strength and comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Roy E. Beauchamp
Lieutenant General(Retired),
United States Army
Terry Juskowiak
March 29, 2007
To the Pieklick Family, We have lost a great Quartermaster who has left a permanent mark on our Corps and a legacy to uphold. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Terry & Susan Juskowiak
Lotte Bach
March 29, 2007
My deepest Sympathy to Elli and Family from
Lotte Bach (German Klub)
STEVE & DONNA FLEMING
March 28, 2007
TO THE PIEKLIK FAMILY,
WE FEEL SO HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN JOE. WE'LL FOREVER REMEMBER HIS WARM WELCOMING SMILE AND FIRM HANDSHAKE. HE ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD AND WAS A TRUE FRIEND. WITH MUCH LOVE AND ADMIRATION, STEVE, DONNA, SEAN AND JESSICA FLEMING
Astrid Hicks
March 28, 2007
Our deepest sympathy, Elli.
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