Shadow box

Joseph was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 29, 1926, the only child of Harold and Lorraine (Weckerle) Bump. His Mother, Lorraine, died early in Joseph’s life and he was later adopted lovingly by his step-mother Estelle (Mummert) Bump. He lived in West Allis, Fox Lake, Florida, Watertown, Lake Mills and Beaver Dam where his parents owned several businesses. Joe attended Catholic school and sang on the radio in Madison, WI in his youth. At 17 he volunteered for the U.S. Navy to fight in World War II. He was a Seaman First Class in the Amphibious Forces in the Caribbean. He served on LST 664, re-fitted as a Submarine Hunter, which protected Allied shipping from German U-Boats. Joe was the Radarman for the entire Flotilla and in 1945 was in-route for the invasion of Japan when news of the Japanese surrender reached them. After WWII, Joe finished High School and obtained a Business Degree at Wayland Academy while working at Newton & Wenz Department Store in Beaver Dam.

He married Jeannette McFarland on November 15, 1947, who became his lifelong best friend. In 1951 they moved to Randolph. Joe covered Wisconsin as a toy salesman for Marcus Mercantile of Milwaukee. Jeannette was a secretary at Educator’s Progress Service of Randolph. In 1956, Joe purchased the Bohlings Department Store and renamed it The New Bohlings, Inc., which he operated for 50 years with Jeannette. Joe was known for his friendliness, humor, willingness to help others, and his stories. Joe frequented the local restaurant for coffee and always had a joke to share with others. He enjoyed reading, movies and family. Joe was an active member of the Randolph Chamber of Commerce, VFW Post 9510, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church and served on the Church Council as Treasurer for many years.

Bump, Joseph, S1c