Joseph Loy Koertge, age 53, of Olney passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon, January 18, 1977 at the family residence.

Funeral services at Summers Funeral Home with Rev. Jesse Bellamy officiating Interment in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Koertge was born May 7, 1923 in Richland County, the son of Joseph H. Koertge and Jelia Jennings Koertge. He was married to Peggy Wheat on July 19, 1945. Mr. Koertge was an active citizen of the county and was especially active in Veterans affairs following service in World War II. (CPL ~ US Army). He was active in Richland Post 30 of the American Legion, was a member of the 40 et 8 of the American Legion, a member of the Elks, Moose and Eagles Lodges in Olney.

He leaves his wife, Peggy; two children, a son, Walter Koertge and his wife, Nancy of Memphis, Tenn. and a daughter, Kristine at home. He leaves also a granddaughter, Shelli Koertge of Memphis, Tenn.  Other survivors are his mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schahrer of Olney, his father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Koertge of Peoria and two half-sisters, Mrs. Neva Butcher of Aurora and Mrs. Irene Dawson of Carlinville.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~ January 19, 1977