VAN BRUNT, Joseph

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ >>> Published on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 <<< Joseph Van Brunt was born in Neptune, N.J., May 9, 1921. He passed on at the age of 94, June 11, 2015 in Lake Havasu City. As a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, Joseph spent six years in the Pacific Arena during WWII. He was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor and bravely handed out ammunition to his fellow soldiers. After the war, he met his life partner Helen Blagdan and they were married, July 21, 1946. Together they lived and raised four children in Middletown, N.J. Joseph and Helen retired and moved to Banning, Calif., and resided there for 20 years until Helen’s death in 2005. For the remainder of his life, he lived in Lake Havasu City. Joseph loved the desert and enjoyed the beauty of Lake Havasu. Joseph was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen. The father of four children, Joseph, Jr. (Carol) of Indio, Calif., Joan May (Gene Lewis) of Lake Havasu City, Carol Van Brunt of St. Augustine, Fla., and Nancy Berman (David) of St. Augustine, Fla. Proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Joseph was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif., June 17, 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for any donations to be sent to Hospice of Lake Havasu: 1970 Bahama Ave., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (www.hospicehavasu.org). Condolences can be sent directly to the family or through www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary & Crematory, Veteran and Family Owned.