Raymond "Joe" Louis Johanningsmeier, age 91 of Batesville, IN died Monday, May 11, 2015 at IU Health in Indianapolis, IN. He was born March 15, 1924 in Freelandsville, IN to Henry & Sophia (Peiper) Johanningsmeier. He attended Freelandsville School in Knox Co. Raymond was an Army Veteran, serving during WWII from 1942 and discharged December 24, 1945. He fought in the "Battle of the Bulge" under General Patton, 3rd Army. He was wounded and sent to Germany. He received the Purple Heart and was awarded numerous medals. He worked for General Motors Chevrolet for 35 years retiring in 1982. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid card player. Raymond enjoyed spending the winter months in Okeechobee, FL where he made many friends and fished in the "Big Lake". Raymond was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1257 in Martinsville, IN. He served the VFW organization with respect, honor and love. He was elected Post 1257 Commander, 7th District Commander, 1976-77 State Commander. He received the "Sagamore of the Wabash" by Governor Otis Bowen, the VFW distinguished Service Medal and All American State Commander. He served on many National Committees where he received many plaques and awards for holding the office of Quarter Master of his Post 1257 and 7th District for many terms. Ray was often called "G.I. Joe" from his comrades and friends while serving as State Commander or just plain "Joe". Raymond is survived by his long time partner of 35 years, Alberta Amberger; his daughters Lana Ferron of Martinsville, Diana Brawley of Greenwood, IN and sons Danny of Brazil, IN and Jimmy of Martinsville. He will also be missed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Joan Dalton, son Ricki Johanningsmeier, sisters Ruth Boyle, Marie Garton, Mildred Gray, Jean Bowden and Miriam Schalkel and brothers Bill & Tony Johanningsmeier. Visitation will be Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 5-8pm followed by services at 8:00pm with Pastor Larry Dimick officiating with military honors following, all at Meyers Funeral Home, Batesville, IN. Burial will be on Friday at 1:30 in Freelandsville Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Roudebush VA Hospital, 1481 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202; Indiana State Veterans Home, 3851 N. River Rd., W. Lafayette, IN 47905-3765 or Freelandsville Memorial Cemetery.