Funeral Set For Iwo Jima Vet From Pontiac

PONTIAC, MI – A funeral will be Friday for World War II veteran John P Weckle, who served in Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jima. Weckle, 92, died Friday, Feb. 2.

He was born March 1, 1925, in Toledo, to Helen and Henry Weckle, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joetta, and a son, John, as well as two grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David.

Weckle was wounded twice and received a blast concussion during World War II. He received several medals, including a Presidential Citation, two Purple Hearts, Victory Medal, Sharp Shooter, Good Conduct, American Campaign, Asia Pacific Medal, Combat Citation Ribbon and Navy Commendation.

After the war, he worked at and later retired from General Motors Co. He also took part in numerous United Auto Worker functions, traveled and stayed in touch with his fellow veterans. He enjoyed gardening, traveling and gospel music.

He was member of Marimont Baptist Church.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Riverside Chapel, Simpson-Modetz Funeral Home, at 5630 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Styles Cemetery in Lapeer.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Michigan Animal Rescue League.

Photo via Simpson-Modetz Funeral Home