WALLNER, Joseph Peter (Joe) - Died peacefully, on March 2, 2005 at Wellington House Nursing Home in Prescott, Ontario, after several years of declining health, in his 88th year. Born April 11, 1917 in Hanover, Ontario, and a long-time resident of Ancaster and Burlington, Joe was known throughout his life as a fine gentleman who championed through his actions his belief in God, family, his country and the credit union movement. Active in credit unions from an early age, Joe joined the staff of CUNA Mutual in 1951 and travelled extensively in Canada, the U.S. and abroad to support the growth and development of credit unions, and insurance services for credit unions. In 1954-1955 he was president of CUNA (Hamilton) Credit Union. He established many lasting friendships through his business travels, retiring as Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, for CUMIS in 1982. He also was active in the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president in 1976. In World War II, Joe served first in the Merchant Marine and then more than three years in Ferry Command, delivering planes and equipment across the Atlantic. His patriotism was still evident years later when he organized a door-to-door campaign in Burlington to encourage families to proudly fly their country`s flag on Canada Day. Dozens of families took part, including virtually everyone on Joe`s street. Joe was a founding member of two Catholic parishes and was a founding director of St. Louis Parish Credit Union, which became Waterloo Regional Credit Union and where he retained membership for more than 50 years. He was a member of St. John the Baptist RC Church in Burlington for 37 years. The family express their deepest appreciation to Father John Appelman and the Pastoral Care Group at St. Mark`s Parish, Prescott, who supported Joe`s faith in many kind ways in recent years. Joe`s other great faith was in medical practitioners, from whom he received stellar care, particularly in his declining years. The family would especially like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Wellington House, where he spent his last four years, as well as Dr. Maung Tun Zaw of Burlington and Dr. Gun Bhatt of Prescott. Joe was the dear father of John Wallner (Sheila) of Gatineau, Quebec, and Eloise Coleman (Tom) of Toronto and Brockville. He was predeceased by two loving wives: Audrey Mary Beninger, (1981), and Margaret Whiteley, (1992). He is survived by his sister Salome (Mrs. Dan Dacey) of Thunder Bay, and brother George Wallner (Phyllis) of Guelph, and was predeceased by three siblings: Sister Mary Salome, S.S.N.D.; Gertrude (Mrs. James Davidson) of Kenora; and Flight-Sergeant John Wallner of Hanover, who was shot down in action August 18, 1943, 15 months after serving as Joe and Audrey`s best man. He was 23. Loving sisters and brothers-in-law include Rosemary Traplin (Jack) of Kitchener, Elaine Couch (Hank) of Calgary, Doris (Mrs. Tom) Beninger of Orleans, Loretto (Mrs. Gerald) Beninger of Belleville, Monique (Mrs. Len) Beninger of Sorel, Quebec, Helen Yeo (Kenneth) of St. Catharines, Irmgard (Mrs. Ralph) Roediger of Hamilton and, deceased, Marguerite (Mrs. Lawrence) Coligan of Morrisburg, and Bernice Murphy of Toronto. Joe was also very close to dozens of nieces and nephews. Visitation at the SMITH`S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street (one block north of City Hall), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) Friday, March 4th from 3 to 5, and 7 to 9 p.m. with Vigil Prayers at 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John`s Church, Burlington (Brant Street at Blairholm) on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for expressions of sympathy through donations to School Sisters of Notre Dame Mission Fund, c/o Notre Dame Motherhouse, 1921 Snake Road, Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H0.