William Joseph Bledsue

William "Bill" Joseph Bledsue, age 81, of Jefferson City, passed away from Leukemia on Friday, September 23, 2011, at his residence surrounded by family.

Bill was born March 19, 1930, in Linn, a son to the late Robert Lee Bledsue and Margaret Ann (Schmitz) Bledsue-Groves.

Bill was a Linn High School graduate and a United States Air Force Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.

On June 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Anna Mae Berhorst at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, MO. She survives of the home.

Bill worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 40 years before retiring in 1995.

Bill was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City where he served as an usher for several years. He was also a member of VFW Post #1003 in Jefferson City.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family as well as fishing and gardening. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Mizzou Tiger fan.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by: three daughters, Michelle Helming and her husband Dennis of New Bloomfield, Stephanie Van Vranken and her husband Gene of Jefferson City, and Kathleen Arras of Jefferson City; one brother, Herbert Bledsue of Linn; one step-brother, Glenn Groves and his wife Burnus of Springfield, MO.; five grandchildren, Erika Van Vranken, Lindsay Helming, Gene Arras II, Molly Helming, and Lauren Arras; two great grandchildren, Dante` Helming and Payton Arras; two nieces, Margaret Kasten and her husband Donald of Columbus, OH, and Lorraine Masso and her husband Tom of Linn.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by: his step-father, William Groves; and one sister-in-law, Merrieum Bledsue.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2011, at Morton Chapel in Linn with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011, at St. George Catholic Church with Fr. I.C. Medina as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery in Linn with full military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to SSM Hospice, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.