Joseph Vulich, Jr. age 96 of Clinton, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Mercy One Hospital. Private graveside services will be held at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Amie Reckman, Sophia Goedken, Laurann Yager, Jaime Yager-Flores, Melissa DeVries, David Dohrn and Steven Vulich, Jr. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Joseph was born in Clinton on October 21, 1925, the son of Joseph and Sophia (Bogic) Vulich. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1943. Joseph attended the University of Iowa’s School of Art and the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He served with the U.S. Army in the European Theater during W.W. II. Joseph married Iva Jean Hilton on September 25, 1950 in Chicago. Iva Jean passed away on December 4, 2002. He had been employed with US Steel in Chicago for 12 years, the Chicago Park District for 7 years, a pictorial painter for 5 years, with E.I DuPont, and later with the Clinton School District from where he retired. Joseph was a member of the Clinton Consistory and the Kaaba Shrine. He enjoyed painting, wood working, and fishing. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Joseph is survived by 4 children; Vicki Vulich (Henry Ruiz) of Clinton, Steven (Linda) Vulich of Salina, KS, Donita Dohrn of Clinton, and Danielle Melidis of Clinton; several grandchildren and great grandchildren and his sister, Katherine Vulich of Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Michelle; 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Joseph Vulich Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.