"Service, family, hard work, devotion to God,
and love of his country."
Full military honors for a soldier who earned them many times over.
Images from the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Friends and family gathered to share stories, laughter, and love for a man who gave everything.
Moments captured from the celebration of life gathering.
LTC John Martin "Jack" Grasmeder entered into eternal life in the early morning of January 14, 2026, with his two daughters at his side. He is survived by five children: Jon, Margee, Christine, Mark, and Chuck; eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren — Sammy, Riccardo, and Imrie — as well as a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves behind his beloved schipperke dog, Madel.
Jack was born in Philadelphia, the second of four children in a German-Irish Catholic family. His summers were spent in Blackwood, New Jersey — and it is there that his love of the water first took root. He had a paper route as a boy, and drove a delivery truck for Michelfelders Meats while in high school. Enamored with the idea of the helicopter — and knowing the Army was the only place to fly one — he set his course for flight school.
1955 was a landmark year for Jack. He graduated from LaSalle College through the ROTC program with a degree in Economics, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, married his high school sweetheart Kathleen, got his first brand-new car, and welcomed his first dog. Life was good.
Jack and Kathie moved across Germany and Army bases throughout the United States — every one to two years — welcoming six children along the way. Jack got his wish and flew many types of helicopters during his distinguished 23-year career. He served two year-long tours in Vietnam, flying Hueys and Chinooks.
On June 10, 1965, the village of Dong Xoai was under heavy attack. Of the 25 US Special Forces personnel in the village, only 11 remained alive — most seriously wounded. Jack volunteered to fly the lead aircraft of three helicopters through intense hostile fire to evacuate the remaining American and Vietnamese personnel. He is credited with saving the lives of 10 Americans and several Vietnamese military personnel.
After retirement, Jack and Kathie built the home of their dreams on the water in Colonial Beach, Virginia. They enjoyed many happy years on their boats, traveling in their RV with their dogs, and entertaining family and friends. Jack loved boating, fishing, watching the Redskins, and picking crabs — but most of all, Jack loved being with his wife, Kathie. For about twenty years Kathie battled a variety of health issues, and Jack was her devoted caregiver, nurse, and cheerleader every step of the way. Kathie passed away at the age of 80 in 2014. Jack soldiered on for twelve more years.
If his children had to sum up their Dad in just a few words, they would have to be: service, family, hard work, devotion to God, and love of his country. As military "brats," they have always been each other's best friends. Although Dad's loss leaves a profound hole, they are comforted by the fact that Jack and Kathie are now together again — forever.
The family requests that you make a donation in Jack's memory to the charity of your choice, or to one of the two organizations he supported:
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