Joseph George Cloutier, Jr.

2021-03-23T15:37:17-05:00
Army Badge
  • Name: Joseph George Cloutier Jr.
  • Location of Birth: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: May 14, 1924
  • Date of Death: June 17, 2009
  • Parents: Joseph G. Cloutier, Sr. & Mayme (Johnson) Cloutier
  • High School and Class: 1943 Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: TEC 4 (Technical 4)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: July 12, 1943
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge: February 26, 1946
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    WW II Draft Registration Cards – 10/16/1940 – 03/31/1947
    State: Minnesota
    Name: Joseph George Cloutier
    Race: White
    Age: 18
    Birth Date: May 14, 1924
    Birth Place: Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
    Residence Place: Taconite, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
    Registration Date: June 30, 1942
    Employer: O.I.M. Co. {Oliver Iron Mining Co.], Marble, Minnesota
    Weight: 150
    Height: 5-9
    Complexion: Light brown
    Eye Color: Blue
    Hair Color: Brown
    Next of Kin: Mrs. Al Embury

    Newspaper article: Itasca Iron News, Coleraine, Minnesota - April 19, 1945 - "Pfc. Joe Cloutier, with the Q.M. Bakery Co. in the Marianas, writes his mother, Mrs. Al Embury, that the boys at his base worked until 12 o'clock Saturday night before Easter erecting a church. He says it isn't much and it isn't large and it has a canvas roof, but it's a shelter from the rain and hot sun. In another letter - "I went on a pass again to look up Claude Eggebraaten (with the Marines), but missed him by about two hours. He had just gone on an 8-day patrol. I was right up to his tent and left word that I'd be back later so he should know I'm looking for him. We just had mail call and I received the package with the gold identification bracelet. I just can't find words to thank you or to show my appreciation. I can't get over receiving it in seven days."

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Following his discharge from the Army, Joseph Cloutier began working for U.S. Steel, retiring in 1981. He married Marie Papatola in 1947 in Nashwauk, Minnesota. He was a member of the Nashwauk Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 8510, and the Coleraine Senior Club. He coached the Coleraine, Minnesota Legion baseball team for 25 years, taking the team to the State Legion tournament in 1965.

    Joseph died in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie; sons, Joseph (Patti) Cloutier and Bob (Sheryl) Cloutier; grandsons, Bryce & Brett Cloutier; three step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Richard Cloutier; sister & brother-in-law, Frances and Bill Kinnunen; and one step-great-grandchild.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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