Ralph William Joppien

Ralph William Joppien, age 87, of Mulberry, died Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Savannah Court at Bartow. Mr. Joppien was born in Hamburg, Germany on August 27, 1921. He immigrated to the USA at the age of 5 with his parents. He served in the US Navy during World War II serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Independence. Petty Officer First Class Joppien received an Honor Certificate for saving the lives of numerous shipmates when the carrier was torpedoed by the Japanese. Mr. Joppien has been a resident of Bartow and Mulberry several years, moving from Port St. Lucie. He was preceded in death by his wife: Irene E. Bock Joppien, his parents: William E. Joppien and Martha Drose Joppien, son: Thomas J. Joppien and granddaughter: Kimberly J. Joppien. He is survived by his son: William R. & wife Patricia Joppien of Mulberry; daughter in law: Patricia Herremans Joppien of Savannah, GA; 4 grandchildren: Brenda, William Jr., Tricia & Debbie and 9 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 2-4 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.