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Andrew Lachapelle, 87, of Southington, Connecticut, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 29, 2017 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut Bradley Memorial Campus in Southington. He is now reunited with his loving wife of 61 years, Theresa (Dubay) Lachapelle, who predeceased him 20 days prior to his passing. A true gentleman, Andrew was always holding the door open for his wife, and this time he held the door open for her to go to heaven first, and then he followed her.
Andrew was born on August 6, 1930 in Hartford, Connecticut, son to the late Rodolphe and Yvonne (LaFrance) Lachapelle. He was a longtime resident of Southington and a founding member and communicant of The Church of Saint Dominic in Southington. A proud American, Andrew served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged, having served as a medic and awarded the Bronze Star Medal. In his earlier years, Andrew enjoyed the sport of hunting and was a foreman in the printing business working for various companies. Andrew was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather that will be missed dearly by his family and all that knew him.
Andrew is survived by his children: his sons, Andrew and his wife, Nancy, Charles and his wife, Denise, William and his wife, Leeanne, Richard, Roy and his wife, Therese, and Alan and his wife, Maryann; his daughters, Bernadette Vincent and her husband, Rickey, and Celia Lachapelle and her husband, Kurt Bergstrom; his siblings, Rodolphe Lachapelle, Roseanne Gebhart, Noella Belliveau, and Yvonne Gonzalez. He had 21 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and another one on the way. In addition, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his grandson, Stephen Lachapelle and his siblings, Louis Lachapelle, Gerard Lachapelle, Theresa Bolduc, and Mary Ella Lavoie.
Funeral services in celebration of Andrew's life will be begin on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 9 AM from Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street, Plainville for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at The Church of Saint Dominic, 1050 Flanders Road, Southington. Burial with full military honors will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 2 between 5 and 7 PM. Contributions in memory of Andrew can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, Connecticut 06489.
[KWE Note: In addition to this obituary, the citation for Andrew's Bronze Star is posted on the Korean War Educator. Photos from his time in Korea are posted on You Tube. Another great tribute to Andrew came in the form of one simple sentence sent to the KWE by Andrew's son Bill: "He was a hero in so many ways."]
Philip R. Ladd, resident of Carmel, California, died April 20, 2024. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A life well lived. Phil was an architect, skier, backpacker, and a lover of music, good wine and food. His family was paramount in his life – a loving husband to Shirley, a caring father to Lisa, Bart and Michele and an inspirational grandfather to Nolan, Brigitte, Carla and Pixie. He was a treasured friend who embraced you as family. It was important to him that he pass on his legacy not only to his immediate family but also to his cherished nephews, Michael, David and Marc Mantelli and their families.
Phil grew up in Truckee, California and graduated from Truckee High School. He served in Korea as an Army MP. After his return, he graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Architecture. He practiced in California, Hawaii, Nevada and Alaska. After retiring to Carmel, he became a world traveler whose adventures were memorialized in his sketch books.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27th at 11am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel Valley, California.
Jerry Lake of Tappan, New York, died February 20, 2006 of cancer. He was born on March 14, 1927 in New Ulm, Minnesota, the son of Ernest and Teresa Battes Lake. He attended Ulm High School and Northwestern University before joining the US Navy in April 1945. In June 1951, he returned to active duty and spent the remainder of his service in Japan during the Korean War working on logistical support for Naval and Marine aviation.
He was married to Mary Jane Hillesheim of Springfield, Minnesota, on January 12, 1950. She survives him, as does one son, Thomas Lake, and two daughters, Patricia Melia and Debra Selkow, five grandchildren and three sisters. After the Korean War, Jerry worked for Aluminum Co. of America and later the Zeltine Co. in Pearl River.
A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 24, at St. Catherine's Church in Blauvelt. Burial will follow in Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery in New Hempstead. Memorial contributions may be made to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or to the American Cancer Society at [Please enable JavaScript.].
Frank Edward Lamb, 82, of Alabama, departed this life June 19, 2012, with family and friends by his side. This is not a goodbye for us--only til we meet again.
Staff Sergeant Lamb was a member of Love Company 35th RCT 25th Division, US Army and served in the Korean War. He was severely wounded defending Hill 682 and 717 on 7 September 1951. For his service SSGT Lamb was awarded the purple Heart and the 35th RCT received a Presidential Unit Citation on 8th April 1952.SSGT Lamb also served in the Alabama Army National Guard for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Lamb; daughter, Mary Lamb Hammack; sons Tommy (Cindy) Lamb and Frankie (Rhonda) Lamb; brothers, James and Sam Lamb; grandchildren, Connie Hammack (Michael), Vance, Ashley, Brittany, Lindsay and Leslie Lamb (which were the apple of his eye); his constant companion pet, Penny; brothers-in-law, James (Glenda) Hatcher, Johnny (Wanda) Hatcher, Robert (Patsy) Hatcher; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Tim Willis officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
Gail L. Lambet, 77, of West Union, West Virginia, Big Flint Community, departed this life on Friday, March 13, 2009, at the Louis A. Johnson V.A. Medical Center, Clarksburg, WV.
Gail was born on November 13, 1931, at Pennsboro, West Virginia, a son of the late James and Louella DeMoss Lambert Bunner. He was retired after 22 years of service from the Doddridge County School System as a school bus driver on the Big Flint route. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War from August 12, 1952 until June 18, 1954. He was in Company B, 74th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was a CPL(T) upon separation. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jo Davis Lambert; sons, Gail "Buck" Lambert, Jr., Greenwood, WV, and James Lambert, East Run near Big Flint Community, WV; daughters, Lanette Davis, Pennsboro, WV, Tammy Lowe, Greenwood, WV, and Daphne Cox, West Union, WV; half brothers Mike, Jim, Amos, Glen and Bobby Bunner; Half sister, Patty Moneypenny; grandchildren, Athena Moneypenny, Jed David, Maranda Cokeley, KaCea Lambert, Mikka Lowe and Destiny Lambert; and great-grandchildren, Christian Moneypenny, Samantha Cokeley and Victoria Davis. In addition to his parents, Gail was preceded in death by sisters, Midge Jones and Marguerite Ball, and brothers, James J. Lambert and Rondle Lambert.
William J. Lanaghan, 92, of Metropolis, Illinois, formerly of Fairview Heights, Illinois, born Monday, December 9, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Southgate Nursing Home with Lourdes Hospice Care in Metropolis.
William was a time keeper for General Motors. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, Moose Lodge #1221 in Swansea, Illinois, V.F.W. Post #8677, American Legion Post and Paul Stout Post. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia L. Cook Lanaghan, and parents, William J. and Blanche Donovan Lanaghan. Surviving are his children, William "Jim" (Holly) Lanaghan Jr. of Bossier City, Louisiana, Joe (Lacey) Lanaghan of Laurel, Montana, Tricia "Beth" (Tom) Daniels of Metropolis, and Kevin A. (Bruna) Lanaghan of Arvada, Colorado; brother, Robert (Pat) Lanaghan; grandchildren, Jim III (Beth), Adam (Bianca), Samantha, Madison (William), Travis (Brittany), Christopher (Patricia), Blake, Craig (Marisa), Jon (Rachel), Victoria and Robert (Ellie); 11 great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Sharon Cook of Belleville.
Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children. Funeral Services were held at 1:00 pm, Friday, January 14, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Father Matthew Elie officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Fairview Heights.
Marine Corps veteran Richard "Dick" Lander, age 75, passed away March 9, 2005 in Mariposa, California. Dick was born November 14,1929 in Wichita, Kansas. His family moved to California in 1938. He was a graduate of Canoga Park High School in 1948.
Dick was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in E-2-7, 1st Marine Division. While serving in the 7th Marines he was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat. After returning to the States he served as a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego.
Dick attended Pierce College and in 1952 married Katherine Fouts. They settled in Northridge to raise their family. He was active as a 4-H club leader for 15 years. For 35 years he worked as an auto transport truck driver for Pacific Motor Trucking in Van Nuys. For many of those years he served as a steward for Local 63 of the Teamsters Union. Dick was a life member of the VFW Post 6042 and a life member of the 1st Marine Division Association.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Katherine; his two children, William "Bill" Lander (Tami) and Stacy Lander Potter (Danny); and four grandchildren, Doug and Steve Lander, and Brad and Kenna Potter. He was a fine man and a great Marine!
DURHAM - Fred L. Lane, Jr., of 605 Stoney Creek Circle, died Friday February 6, 2004, in Duke Medical Center. He was born in Hillsborough May 19,1932, to the late Fred Marion Lane Sr. and Sally Andrews Lane. Mr. Lane was a restaurant manager over 35 years with Nance Cafeteria.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict and was a Prisoner of War from 1950 to 1953, where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He also wrote a song used at the Korean War Memorial Dedication in Washington. Mr. Lane was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Chosen Few and former member of the American Legion.
Surviving are his wife, Blanche Adams Lane; five sons, Clinnie Lane of Tacoma, WA, Freddie Lane, III of the home, Eddie Lane (Donna) of Oxford, Sidney Lane (Melody) of Creedmoor and Gary Hamm of Durham; two daughters, Teresa Hamm and Kim Lane Green (Greg) of Durham; three brothers, Kenny Lane, Steve Lane and Ronnie Lane, all of Florida; four sisters, Anne Lane of Florida, Joyce Godwin and Marie Gillingham, both of Hillsborough, and Billie Rodman of Florida; 15 grandchildren, Brandie Atkins, Eddie Lane, Jr., Clint Hamm, Chris Hamm, Brooke Hamm, Amy Redmond, Jessica Woods, Sidney Lane, Jr., Ciara Green, Timothy Green, Marty Lane, Caitlin Lane, Sarah Lane, Jordan Lane and LeAnne Lane; and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Lane was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Ronald Lane.
Funeral services with full military rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Woodlawn Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Hudson Funeral Home in Durham. The Herald-Sun, Monday February 09, 2004, Final Edition, Obituaries Section, Page B2 [Information submitted to the KWE by the Green family.]
Emmett M. Lanier passed on February 1, 2017. He was born in 1929 and raised in Washington, DC. He was a highly decorated Korean War Veteran and noted financial authority.
In his early years, 1943-46, Emmett was the visiting team Batboy for the Washington Senators, spent time with Metropolitan Police Boys Club #5, playing football and boxing Silver Gloves. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1948.
He proudly served in the US Army 1950/52 in Korea, was on Heartbreak Ridge for nine months with the 25th Infantry Division until his discharge. Emmett received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star for Valour, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Korean Service Medal, and 10 others.
After his Army service in Korea, he enrolled in Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, DC. and earned a degree in accounting and business law in 1957, graduating magna cum laude. He also attended City College of New York in the late 1950's. He worked for the Seaboard Finance Corporation of California in the 1950's, and later for Marlo Furniture Corporation in the Washington, DC. area.
During the "Legacy of Griffith Stadium/A Sports Symposium" at Howard University, September 25, 2001, Emmett was a panelist with Mickey Vernon, Harmon Killerbrew, Chuck Hinton, Buck O'Neil, Bobby Mitchell and others, hosted by George Case, Director of Society of American Baseball Research. The Turkish Ambassador and Senator Warner, Secretary of the Army, honored him in 2001 at the Turkish Embassy for his military service.
Retired in 1985 after 25 years with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, he moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where he sailed and held his United States Coast Guard Captain's license for many years. Emmett's accomplishments were only surpassed by the manner in which he lived his life. His generous deeds for friends and strangers alike became legendary.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joan (Anderson) Lanier; son, Daniel R. Lanier, Ellicott City, MD; daughter, Susan L. Lanier of North Port, Florida, and two grandchildren, Sean and Kelsi Lanier. Services were private. Memorial donations can be made to charity of your choice.
Alex J. Lapinski II, 87, died of coronavirus on April 17, 2020 in Holyoke Massachusetts. He was born on April 4, 1933 in Easthampton Massachusetts to Alexander J. and Grace Lapinski. He was raised and schooled in Montague Massachusetts. Two days after he graduated from High school the Korean War began. He was excited to serve his country in the war effort by joining the United States Navy. He was awarded five achievement awards during this time.
During this time he learned engineering skills that would serve him in his future career as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Hamilton Standard Corporation in Windsor Connecticut. One of the projects that he took most pride in, included creating parts for the booster rocket and space suit that was used for the Apollo Nine Space Mission.
He was a passionate reader and enjoyed military history, traveling and spending time with family. Alex was respected and admired by everyone who knew him. He was survived by his first wife, Dorothy Lapinski and re-married Elinor Kay Birely in 2001. Together they enjoyed traveling to various parts of the country visiting family and friends.
Alex leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Elle, along with two daughters, Jane Mansur and the late Mary Ahearn as well as two grandsons. Also, Elle's four children, five grandchildren and one great grandson. Alex leaves behind three sibling who all live in the Pioneer Valley.
Due to COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, funeral services are delayed and will be announced at a later date. He will be buried with full military honors.
Harvey Franklin LaPlant, 85, formerly of Sedalia, Missouri, died peacefully with his family and friends by his side on February 6, 2015, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron. He was a veteran of the Korean War, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and later in the U.S. Army.
Harvey was born in Sedalia on February 15, 1929, to Frank Oscar LaPlant and Margaret Louise LaPlant. He was preceded in death by wife Anna Mae Cornelius-LaPlant; sisters Lucille Cameron, Boston, Massachusetts, and Doris Estes, Sedalia, Missouri. He is survived by his children, Dennis LaPlant, Desden, Missouri, and Brenda LaPlant-Chrane, Liberty, Missouri; granddaughters Jessica Sumpter and Jena Moffet; great-granddaughters Emma and Anna Sumpter; along with several nieces and nephews.
He loved NASCAR, fishing, baseball, and country music. He was an over-the-road driver and retired from the Teamsters Union in 1994.
A celebration of his life will be February 15th, 2015 at the Wilshire Club House, 205 Belmont, Liberty, Missouri at 4 p.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Higginsville, Missouri at the Veterans of Foreign Wars cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Harvey's name to Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid, Cameron, Missouri 64429.
Hayes Carlton Larkins died April 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. [Source of the following: Armed Forces Retirement Home website]
Hayes Carlton Larkins was born in Washington, D.C. in the year 1929. His father was a pharmacist's mate in the Navy and his mother a registered nurse. Because his father was a career sailor, the family moved around quite often. Hayes celebrated his first birthday in Port-au-Prince, where his sister was born. Hayes changed schools ten times before graduating high school. In 1945, he was appointed as a page on the Democratic bench for the U.S. House of Representatives. Later that year, he returned to Marion Military Institute to complete his high school education at the age of 16.
When Hayes was 17, he joined the Army Air Corps for a short enlistment of 18 months. After completing basic training at Amarillo Air Base, he completed surgical technician training in Osaka, Japan. In January 1947, he reported to the U.S. Military Academy Prep School in New York. After failing English, he transferred to Mitchel Field. He soon discharged from the Army after this assignment.
Using the GI Bill benefits, Hayes enrolled at George Washington University. He did not fare so well, so he decided he needed the stricter environment that Marion Military Institute provided. He earned an associate's degree and was appointed second lieutenant in the ROTC. An officer talked him into going back to active duty. He was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia to complete an associate infantry officer's course for company grade. Within nine days of going off active duty, he received orders to report back to Fort Benning, where he was assigned to the 78th Combat Engineer Battalion to give new recruits infantry basic training. He applied and got orders for an assignment in Korea. He reported to the 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. As infantry platoon Leader in a rifle company of 40 men, he took his men to relieve a ROK (Republic of Korea) company. After three nights, his platoon was attacked. Hayes lost three of his men in the attack. About a month later, he led a platoon in a probing attack on North Korean lines. Of his 35 men, 24 were wounded or died in the attack, including him. Hayes was shot twice and was evacuated to Japan where he stayed for four weeks. Upon his return, he was sent back to Korea to take over the company's weapons platoon.
In 1952, he was sent back to the States and assigned to the 164th Infantry Regiment of the 47th Infantry Division. He had relatives living within 40 miles of the post. It was through a cousin that he met his future bride, Dora. After many different assignments, including flight school, Hayes was released from active duty. He then enlisted in the Army for assignment to the Army's Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC). Upon the completion of his training, he was sent to Denver, Colorado as a CIC Special Agent, where he was promoted to captain in the Army Reserve. While undergoing training, he learned that he was selected for college study. Hayes moved his family to East Lansing, Michigan so that he could attend Michigan State University. Graduating with high honors, Hayes earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1961, with the development of the Berlin Crisis, he received orders to Germany as a CIC Special Agent with the 513th Intelligence Group. After almost three years, he got assigned to instruct at the U.S. Army Intelligence School. Soon after, he applied for the Army Degree Completion Program and was accepted. He conducted research for two months for his thesis and successfully defended his work before an academic committee. He was awarded a master's degree in 1965. Around this time, the conflict was heating up in Vietnam. By 1966, he received orders for operations of a classified nature. He also did part time work in the corps headquarters in Hue Phu Bai that lasted a year. After these assignments, he returned to the intelligence school to instruct and decided to retire. He ended his 20-year military career on December 31, 1968.
During the last four months of his military service, Hayes had been teaching part time at a community college in Baltimore, MD. Upon his military retirement, he was offered a full time position as an assistant professor at the college. With the college, he would serve as a program coordinator, a department chair, and a division dean. In the 1980's he began teaching part time at the University of Maryland, in addition to working on a Doctor of Administration in Higher Education degree. Sometime later, he decided that he was not willing to conduct the necessary research and writing to complete his degree. He left the program with an ABD (all but dissertation).
Hayes and Dora have been happily married for 64 years and have raised five children, four daughters and one son. Sadly, his son passed away in 2013. His four daughters have had children, making him a grandfather of eight and great grandfather of two. The family lived in Maryland until 2015 when Hayes and Dora relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi for him to move into AFRH-G. The couple made the decision for him to move to the retirement home so that he would not end up being a burden to his children. Now, he splits his time between AFRH-G and an apartment, where Dora lives. AFRH-G is very proud to have Hayes, a highly educated WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veteran, among its family!
Erik Larsen, M.D., F.A.C.S.
April 8, 1922-June 6, 2016
Sixty-five years ago Captain Erik Larsen crouched in a rice paddy in North Korea and contemplated the end of his life. This was after his infantry was ordered to fall back when they were overrun by Chinese and North Korean soldiers. Following orders, Erik barely survived a landmine explosion in his jeep, a scramble down a steep ravine, and a dangerous swim across a river, all while dodging bullets. At that moment, on May 18, 1951, Erik was sure that he would die. As he said the Lord's Prayer two thoughts entered his mind; one-what would happen to his family, his wife and young daughter; two-after many years of wondering about death he would finally know the truth about everything. On June 6, 2016 Erik Larsen, age 94, of Amelia Island, FL passed from this realm of existence into the uncharted; he now knows everything there is to know.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Chris and Esther Larsen; his wife of 43 years, Ilse; his brothers, Kaj and Paul; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and dogs; all of whom he loved dearly. Erik is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lynda; his children, Candace, Pamela, and Richard; step-children, Cheryl and Jeanette; grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Alexander, and Kimberly; and step-grandchildren, Andrew, Megan, Daniel, Henry, Joey, and Ava.
Erik Larsen was a Danish immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of two. He knew that to get ahead in life he had to push for what he wanted and he did just that. With a great deal of work he put himself through college and medical school, always with a goal of helping others. He served the United States in the Korean War as a surgeon on the front lines and in the first M.A.S.H. unit where he received a Combat Medical Badge and a Purple Heart. After the war he continued to assist those around him throughout his life, obtaining an F.A.C.S. (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) in 1958 and a knighthood, the Ridder of Dannebrog, from the King of Denmark for services to the Danish community in Chicago, IL.
As a general surgeon Erik did everything from open heart massage, circumcisions, and delivering babies, to amputations, appendectomies, and radical mastectomies; all while placing the welfare of his patients above any other consideration.
Erik's favorite things were his red Porsche, his piano, bicycling, golf, and boating-not necessarily in that order. His only regret in life was never receiving his Eagle Scout badge. He earned all the merit badges required for this honor, but his scout master was drafted into WWII and the program was suspended. All of Erik's paperwork and merit badge information were lost. He never received the Eagle Scout award that he worked hard for, but the values and skills he learned in the program stayed with him for a lifetime. Erik always followed his dreams and never compromised his integrity. He died from congestive heart failure. Erik would say he had a bad heart, but those who knew him would say his heart was good in more ways than one.
Oren A. Larson, of Lakeville, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the age of 85 after living with Parkinson’s. He is preceded in death by his parents Martin & Marie Larson, parents-in-law Minnie & Freeman Miller, his beloved wife Lenore, and son-in-law Steve Schultz. He is survived by his children Linda (Mark) Pipkorn, Joyce (Jeff) Brown, Deb Schultz, Tom (Joan) Larson; grandchildren Timothy, Christopher, Carolyn, Jenny, Kristina, Elisabeth, Kevin, Andrew, and Ashley; great-grandchildren John and Lenore; sister Lois Haglund, brother Marvin (Shirley) Larson, and sisters-in-laws Carol (Harold) Harper and Myrna Thomas.
Oren was a life-long resident of Eureka Township and member of Christiania Lutheran Church. He was a dairy farmer on the family homestead. He was an army veteran, having served during the Korean War.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Three Links Care Center for the loving care for Oren, and to all his friends and neighbors who kept him in their thoughts and prayers. A memorial service for Oren will be held Saturday, May 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Christiania Lutheran Church, 26691 Pillsbury Ave, Lakeville, MN, with a visitation one hour prior.
Milton Frank Lasco, "Bud", 79, a long time resident of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 at Munson Medical Center.
Milton was born on April 23, 1932 to the late Milton and Leila (Cook) Lasco in Powers Lake, Wis. On November 22, 1979 Bud entered into marriage with the former June I. Burse in Ecorse.
An expert tool and die man and a highly decorated Korean War Veteran, Bud proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was even awarded the Purple Heart. He was a musician with many talents, including building guitars for left-handed people. Bud performed country music for many of the areas local venues. He was always a man who gave and rarely asked to receive. A gentle man who overcame countless obstacles to become a man of honor, dedication and kindness, he will be greatly missed by many.
Bud is survived by his loving family, Roxanne (Mike) Nelson, Milton "Skip" Lasco, Sheryl (John) Hobe, Laurie Dalzell, David (Gina) White, Wendell White, Tina Wagner, Julie (Brian) White; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother, Gary Lasco; and sisters, Shirley Ward and Sharon Rackley; as well as other loving family members and friends.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife, June in 2006; a step-son, Kenneth White; his sister, Louise Lasco; his parents; and his grandson, Jonathon Dalzell.
To honor the families wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral at this time. Graveside military honors will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Heart Association.
Jack Lasher died October 15, 1996 in Hershey (Pennsylvania) Medical Center. He was born June 01, 1931 in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of John Willard Lasher Jr. and Florence Burt Lasher. He married Patsy Ann Knapp Lasher and among their children were Steven R. Sandy and Stephanie Kovacs. He served in the Korean War and was retired from the military.
Jesse Leroy Lasiter, 87, Greenwood, Indiana, died peacefully on April 23, 2020 of coronavirus. Leroy was born June 15, 1932, in Bargersville, to the late Harry and Hazel (Parker) Lasiter. Leroy graduated from Center Grove High School in 1950 and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for Spivey Construction for 40 years, retiring in 2016 as a Draftsman Architect. All who knew Leroy were well aware of his passion for the Ford Mustang, having owned and preciously cared for several award-winning vintage Mustangs. This led to his 39-year affiliation with the Mustang Club of Indianapolis, where he served as president and vice president for 5 years as well as a member of the board of directors for numerous years. Leroy's connection with his Mustang family and participation in the many trips, outings, car shows and parades, including the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade, brought him much happiness. In addition to his parents; his beloved twin brother, Roy Leon Lasiter, preceded him in death. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Helen (Baker) Lasiter, to whom he was united in marriage on February 22, 1972; children, Mark (Marcia) Lasiter of Greenwood, Norman Lasiter of Indianapolis, and Cindy McConnell of Greenwood; brothers, William, Donald, and Harry Lasiter; sister, Doris Rhodes; grandchildren, Tyler Lasiter, Katelyn Lasiter, Trevor Lasiter, and Emma McConnell; great grandchildren, Lilly Tribby, Liam Tribby, Olivia Tribby, and Hadley Lasiter. Leroy's greatest source of joy came from the love he received from his children and grandchildren.
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mustang Club of Indianapolis in care of Sue Likens, 5027 Mount Pleasant Center Street, Greenwood, Indiana 46142.
Funeral services for Frank Laurenz, age 87, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota will be 11:00 a.m., mountain time, Monday, October 19, 2020 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, South Dakota. Interment will be in the Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the center. Frank passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck. Frank Robert Laurenz passed peacefully away at age 87, Thursday October 8, 2020, at St. Alexis Hospital, Bismarck, North Dakota. Frank was born August 27, 1933 at home 5 miles northeast of Eagle Butte, SD, the 6th child of Frank and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Weicker Laurenz. He grew up on the family farm with his siblings and attended the Eagle Butte School until his freshman year. Frank quit school (his greatest regret) and worked alongside his parents on the farm until age 19. Like most young men then, he farmed with draft horses – instilling in Frank a deep appreciation of mechanized farming. A desire for innovation was developed in his youth – and resulted in Frank's many improvements beginning in his childhood with installing an electric pump to water the family herd. During his childhood, he developed a sound work ethic and determination that would frame his future life. In 1954, Frank volunteered to join the US Army with his buddies Louie Lesmeister and Darrel Eberhard. Frank proudly served in Korea, operating a 105 mm Howitzer mounted to a jeep. He earned his GED and was honorably discharged in 1955.
After discharged from the Army, he worked for Lockheed in Los Angeles building airplanes. Frank married Maggie Miller in Los Angeles, CA, in 1955. They lived in a small pull behind trailer in the backyard of Frank's sister and brother in-law's home in Ontario, CA. Frank and Maggie moved back to SD in 1957, living in the same trailer now parked in Frank's mother's yard. They built a basement house in 1958, northeast of Eagle Butte. Frank installed indoor plumbing in the house, being one of the first in the area. During these early years, three daughters joined the family, Sharon, Lynn and Cheryl. The young family worked hard, but enjoyed spending evenings with friends and family in the Parade, Eagle Butte and Dupree areas, playing cards and dancing while the children played together. Frank continued to build the farm and ranch and took pride in his crops and livestock. Frank was known for having some of the best cattle in the area. Over the early years, he took jobs to help make ends meet- hauling hay with Fat Bringman and crop adjusting. Frank was a born mechanic and could fix any piece of machinery or build any structure. He also had quite the engineering knack, building a bobcat skidster, horse trailer and designing and patenting a hog confinement system, cattle oiler and a posthole digger. His inventions were well received, honored at trade expos and were sold throughout the US and Canada. During this time, Frank also had the opportunity to be part of US Ag Trade Com-missions to Europe, USSR and Soviet Block Countries. Unknown by his friends and family, the trips were also an observation of USSR activities for the US. After receiving clearance, Frank wrote a book detailing his life and his experiences in the communist countries. He was elected to the Moreau Grand Board and served as a Director for 1st Financial Bank until his death.
Frank loved visiting and helping his family and friends fix machinery or work livestock. He also loved debating anything, even switching sides mid-stream to keep the debate going. He loved helping the kids and grandkids learn to drive, operate machinery, fix fence, work cattle, fish and hunt. He also instilled in each a love of education. As the grandkids grew older, Frank thoroughly enjoyed attending their sporting events. Frank was fiercely proud of each of his grandkids and great grandkids, often telling them that they were good looking and smart like their Grandpa! Frank was loving husband, father and loyal friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Frank is survived by his daughters: Sharon (Shawn D.) Boehrs; Lynn (Keith) Watt; Cheryl (Eric) Bogue; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and sister, Bette (Raymond) Ross. Frank was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 65 years, Maggie; his parents, Frank and Lizzie Laurenz; sisters, Helen Rich, Marion Fett, and Ann Pinnell; brothers, Augie and Henry Laurenz; nieces, Sandy Laurenz and Tammy Iverson, brothers and sisters-in-laws, and special great granddaughter, Hannah Ganje.
John Henry "Hank" Lawhorn died March 26, 2007. Born January 19, 1929, he is buried in Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California. Hank was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, serving at K-16 in Korea 1951-52. Following his tour of duty in Korea, he and his Korean War buddy Jack Harned attended Pasadena City College on the GI Bill. Hank worked for the Los Angeles Sheriff Jail System and was also a cabinet maker.
James F. Lawrence; Won Navy Cross in Korean War
By Matt Schudel, Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 24, 2006
James F. Lawrence, 88, a Marine Corps brigadier general who was a hero of the epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War and later a lawyer and Pentagon legislative liaison, died Sept. 18 of pneumonia at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. He lived at The Fairfax, a military retirement community near Fort Belvoir.
Gen. Lawrence joined the Marine Corps Reserve as a student at the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1941. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was assigned to active duty.
During World War II, he commanded a rifle platoon with the 1st Marine Division and took part in the six-month Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and 1943, the Allies' first major land victory against the Japanese. He later served in Australia before participating in the December 1943 Marine landing at Cape Gloucester during the battle of New Britain Island. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
After the war, Gen. Lawrence did advanced work in Asian studies and the Japanese language at Yale University before serving in China and Japan for three years. In September 1950, he was with an infantry battalion in the 7th Marine Regiment as it landed at Inchon, Korea. In November of that year, he was part of a U.S. force that found itself surrounded by advancing Chinese units at the Chosin Reservoir in a mountainous region near the present-day border of North and South Korea. Outnumbered 10 to one, the Marines fought one of the most heroic battles in U.S. military history. In temperatures of 25 degrees below zero, the Marines climbed sheer rock faces and sustained horrific casualties as they repelled the Chinese attack. Gen. Lawrence's commanding officer cracked under battlefield pressure and was relieved of his duties. The deputy commander was severely wounded, leaving Gen. Lawrence, then a major, to lead the battalion. After five days of fierce fighting, he and his unit were able to punch through enemy lines and make their way to safety. Survivors of the battle became known as the "Chosin Few." Gen. Lawrence received a second Bronze Star and, at the instigation of rank-and-file Marines under his command, was awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor for military valor. His role in the battle is described in the recently published book "Empowered by Faith," by Richard G. Capen Jr., a former U.S. ambassador to Spain.
After his combat service in Korea, Gen. Lawrence returned to Washington and enrolled in law school at George Washington University, graduating with honors in 1953. He was a legal adviser in the office of the Marine Corps commandant at Quantico Marine Base and participated in long-range planning. Gen. Lawrence later served as a senior legal officer in the Marine Corps Pacific command and was a military adviser to the assistant secretary of defense. From 1966 to 1972, as deputy assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs, he was the Pentagon's primary liaison with Congress. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1972. In addition to his other honors, he received two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal.
From 1972 to 1992, Gen. Lawrence practiced estate law in Springfield with the firm of Clary, Lawrence, Lickstein & Moore. He also served as counsel to the Marine Corps Association for 20 years and, in 1979, was one of the founders of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. He had an important role in planning the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
He was a director of the National Association for Uniformed Services and a member of the Army and Navy Club, the Mount Vernon Country Club and various veteran and Marine Corps groups. After the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Gen. Lawrence nominated one of his subordinate officers, Edward "Bud" Seeburger, for the Navy Cross. Decades later, after learning that his nomination had been lost in a fire, Gen. Lawrence resubmitted the paperwork. Seeburger was awarded the Navy Cross in 1995, 45 years after the battle.
James Fugate Lawrence was born March 17, 1918, in Rutledge, Tenn., and grew up in Candler, N.C. For many years, he lived in Alexandria, where he was a vestry member and treasurer of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. He was a founder, board member and chairman of the St. Aidan's Day School and also served as chairman and counsel of United Community Ministries in Alexandria. After the death of a daughter-in-law, Gen. Lawrence and his wife raised three grandchildren in their home. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Diana Lawrence of Fort Belvoir; three children, Darrie Lawrence of New York, James Lawrence of Chevy Chase and Richard Lawrence of Wilmington, N.C.; a brother; and seven grandchildren.
Note from Jim Ward, President of the Aloha Chapter of the Chosin Few, Hawaii: Gen. Lawrence was our (2/7) Battalion XO and later moved up to 2/7 CO. He came to our tent (ANGLICO/2/7) to play chess since we had the only set available.
Richard "Rich" Eugene Lawrence, age 90, of Belleville, Illinois, born April 9, 1931 in Fairmont City, Illinois, went to live with Jesus on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Born April 09, 1931, Richard was employed for 30 years as a machinist with the Baltimore and the Ohio (CSX) Railroad in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was a member of the I.A.M. and Aero Space Workers Union for over 50 years and a member of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church and New Life Club. He proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy Korean War aboard the U.S.S. C.K. Bronson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lillian "Dolly" nee Foley, Lawrence; three brothers, James, Fred "Junior" and Robert "Bob"; two sisters, Frances "Sissy" Krouse and Geraldine Wylie. Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Delores "Dee" Bunch; brother Jack (Linda) Lawrence of Union, KY, and sister Juanita Jearlds of Marion, IL. Numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, his "breakfast club" buddies and cousin Cindy Jo Davis.
Rich's passion for cars, having a perfect lawn, his love for animals and his good looks were well-known to all that knew him. Rich was a Christian. He was a good man, a caring man and always there to help sick and infirmed family and friends. Rich's motto was "I'm just passing through". For the 90 years, he "passed through", he touched many people with his compassion and good heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Louis Children's Hospital and Belleville Area Humane Society. Funeral services were held at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. A visitationwas held an hour prior to the service, from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Burial was in Lake View Memorial Gardens.
John Wesley Laws passed away at his home in Laguna Woods on February 24, 2023 after a short illness. There are some in the family that suspect he did this to avoid watching Duke lose another March Madness.
Born in Orange County, North Carolina to Hubert and Queenie Bird Laws, John and his four older sisters, Elma, Era, Evelyn, and Ellen, were raised on a tobacco farm. His parents also ran the Laws General Store next door. When John was fifteen, his family moved to Hillsboro, North Carolina where he attended Hillsboro High School and graduated in 1950. During his high school years, his wild driving earned him the nickname "Fonty," after a popular stock car driver, Fonty Flock.
Upon finishing high school, John enlisted in the Navy, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served aboard a seaplane tender where he achieved the rank of Personnelman First Class.
John worked several jobs in the Bay Area, before being hired by the City of San Jose in 1959 to work in their Data Processing Department until he retired as a supervisor in charge of Finance in 1986. During those 27 years, he witnessed the evolution of computing from machines that filled an entire room, to a briefcase-sized box that could fit on a desktop.
Not long after he retired, John moved back to Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, to spend more time with his sisters and other local relatives. While there, he established a twenty acre ranch. When he wasn't riding his tractor to tend his land, he loved to shop for tractor parts and bale hay. He frequently joined his extensive North Carolina family for Sunday brunch. In 1999, he moved back to California to be closer to his children.
He spent twenty-two years living in the Mill Pond Community in San Jose before moving south to Laguna Woods, in 2021. Always the life of the party, John often delivered jokes as though they actually happened to him. A huge country music fan, his home often reverberated with the songs of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard.
He is survived by his children: Paul (Mary Claire), David (Donna), Mark (Ginny), John (Rhonda) and Rebecca (Eric Nemetz); grandchildren: Amy and Jenna Laws; Keli Hull, Matthew, Bradley and Jessica Laws; Bryant, Ashley and Trent Smith, and Olivia Laws; great grandchildren: Nicholas, Abigail, Charles and Samantha Hull; Tula and Lucas Jourden; Kayla Norris; Shea and Finn Smith, and Gemma Humbert; Kennedy McKelvie; Alister Smith; William Laws; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. John will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Earl E. Layman, 89, of Shiloh, formerly of Mascoutah, Illinois, born April 11, 1933, in Corvallis, Oregon, died Friday, July 1, 2022, at Cedar Creek of Shiloh.
Earl was a retired SMSgt from the United States Air Force as a member of the Security Police and was a Korean and Vietnam War Era veteran. He was a member of Free Will Baptist Church, O'Fallon, Illinois.
Earl was an avid harmonica player for most of his life and later joined the Ukuladies and Guise club in Belleville, IL at the Abbey. To know Earl was to love him, and he never met a stranger. He was loved by staff and residents alike at Cedar Creek of Shiloh. He loved to spend his time drawing angels and creating anything with his gift of artistic ability. He was a master at bingo and loved to play the poker slots; he even had a favorite machine. He also collected many stuffed animal toys and would freely gift them to his grandchildren and any other friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon B. and Laura M. Wells Layman; wife, Mary Lou Engberg Layman, whom he married in Racine, Wisconsin on August 13, 1955, and who died February 2, 2005; two daughters, Linda Elliott and Laura Layman; two sisters, Wauneta Lee and Verna Lisle; and a brother, Les Layman.
Surviving are his children, Jeffrey (Jeania) Layman of Lake Zurich, Illinois, Dee Dee (Roger) McMillin of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Jeanene Reed of Mascoutah, Sharon (Raymond) Proksha of Belleville, and Shawn Layman (special friend, Michelle Lowry) of St. Peters, Missouri; 19 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Boyd; sister-in-law, Norma Engberg; and many nieces and nephews. Special appreciation and gratitude for Sharon and Lindsey Proksha who were Earl's family, friends, and caregivers for many years.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 680 Craig Rd. #300, St. Louis, Missouri 63141. Visitation: From 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah. A funeral service will be held 10 AM Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Moll Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Barrett officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah.
General Lebailly was born in 1915. He attended the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying Training where he earned his pilot wings and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was assigned as a pilot at Mitchel Field, Panama, Trinidad and the British West Indies. When WWII began he was on duty with the 1st Bombardment Squadron, 9th Bombardment Group at Trinidad. He was then transferred to Ecuador and Peru where he flew heavy bombers on sea-search missions in protection of the Panama Canal. He served as commander of the 7th Bombardment Squadron; deputy commander 34th Bombardment Group (1943); group commander Eighth Air Force, 34th Group (1944). He participated in five of the major air campaigns against Germany. After WWII, He had various posts in the U.S. and completed training and schooling. In 1952, General Lebailly went to Korea where he flew 50 combat missions in B-26 night intruder bombers as commander of the 3d Bombardment Wing. He was in charge of the American-Japanese Planning Group (1954); Chief of Staff Air Force Section of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Japan. After returning to the U.S. (1955-1961) he was then commander of both the U.S. Forced Azores and the 1605th Air Base Wing, Portugal (1961-1964). He held this position until 1967 when he became commander of the Sixteenth Air Force in Spain. He assumed duties as chairman of the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington D.C. until his retirement September 1, 1973. His medals include two Distinguished Service Medals, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, and awards from France, Korea, Spain Brazil and the United Nations. He died February 17, 1992.
Stewart Lebeau, 70, passed away at the Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Medical Center on October 19, 2020, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Stewart was born in Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota to Homer and Dora (Gunville) LeBeau. He served in the Army during 1968 – 1970 in Vietnam and Korea. He married the love of his life, Ellen Pridemore , in 1974. They lived mostly in Pierre, SD where they raised their three daughters and he worked at the State Capitol and Pierre Indian Learning Center. He was a soft-spoken, kind, and giving man. He loved spending time with his family, telling a good joke, and making others smile.
He is survived by his daughters: Rachel (Curt) Pfeifle, Amanda LeBeau, both of Pierre, SD, and Jenny Tarr of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren: Jourdan Tarr and Vincent Reum; and one great-grandson: Maddox Biteler; three sisters: Lalani (Richard) Reum and Diana LeBeau of Pierre, SD and Glena (Rodney) Yellow Fat of Kenel, SD; and one brother: Milo LeBeau of Pierre, SD, and many relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Stewart was preceded in death by his wife: Ellen LeBeau; his parents: Homer and Dora (Gunville) Lebeau; two brothers: John LeBeau, Sr. and Doyce LeBeau; four nephews: John LeBeau, Jr., Charles Dog Eagle Peterson, Jordan LeBeau, and Lennick Mike. Private family services will take place.
Brigadier General Carlton L. Lee, commander of the 1st Composite Wing, Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force, at Andrews Air Force Base, MD, retired August 1, 1972 and died May 20, 2003.
General Lee was born in 1919, in Eastman, GA. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for three years prior to his enlistment in May 1941 in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. He completed flying school in December 1941 and received his pilot wings and commission as second lieutenant.
During World War II, from January 1942 to July 1944, he was a flying instructor at Laughlin Army Air Field, Texas, and then Las Vegas, Nevada. He next was a B-29 aircraft commander and in November 1944 was assigned to the 41st Bombardment Squadron and went with the squadron to Guam.
After the war from May 1946 to September 1948, General Lee was in the inactive Reserve. In June 1947 he returned to active military duty and was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group of the Far East Air Forces where he served as operations and training officer, executive officer and squadron commander. He returned to the United States in June 1951 and was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as operations and training officer and later became commander of the 305th Air Refueling Squadron.
In February 1956 General Lee became director of safety for the Second Air Force with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. He was transferred to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Bass, Nebraska, in February 1958, where he held the positions of deputy chief and then chief of the Operations Division. He attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., from August 1961 to July 1962. He then went to England to command the 3919th Combat Support Group at Royal Air Force Station Fairford and in July 1964 was transferred to High Wycombe Air Station as director of operations and later became deputy commander of the 7th Air Division.
General Lee returned to SAC headquarters in June 1965 as chief of the Plans and Programs Division, and later became chief, Officer Division, Directorate of Personnel. In October 1966 he was assigned to the 7th Bombardment Wing, Carswell Air Force Base, Texas, as vice commander and became commander in June 1967. He assumed command of the 40th Air Division with headquarters at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, in August 1968. In March 1970 General Lee became commander of the 1st Composite Wing, Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force, at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.
He is a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying time and flew the B-29 aircraft on 36 combat missions totaling more than 470 flying hours during World War II and the Korean War. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. General Lee's hometown is Atlanta, GA. He was promoted to the temporary grade of brigadier general effective February 6, 1970, with date of rank January 16, 1970.
Major Hee Sung Lee passed away on June 25, 2006. The funeral will be held in Show Low, Arizona on June 29, 2006 beginning at 11 a.m. Major Lee held very dear to the fact that he participated in fighting for democracy for his country. His account of his experiences is posted on the memoirs page of the Korean War Educator.
Hershall E. Lee, 81, of Danville, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Monday (December 10, 2012) at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Medical Center in Danville.
He was born on September 27, 1931, in Westville, Illinois, to Lawrence and Nora Wamsher Lee. He married Marian Stockanes on May 12, 1962, with whom he had two children, Larry Lee and Sylvia Lee of Las Vegas, formerly of Westville, and a granddaughter, Stephanie Hayward, also of Las Vegas. They survive. In 1975 he married Katherine Scarlett, with whom he had two children, Daniel Grinestaff and Jennifer Lee of Danville. They also survive, along with many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are a sister, Fannie Buck of Attica, Indiana and a brother, David (Betty) Lee of Cayuga, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Grinestaff; five brothers, George, Charles, Ernie, Bob and Jack; and four sisters, Pauline Lee, Ruby Cripe, Hazel Lamb and Wilma Nipper.
Hershall attended Fairchild, Union and Lincoln grade schools and graduated in 1946. He graduated from Danville High School in 1950, and then attended Danville Junior College and the University of Illinois, and graduated from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. He became a certified purchasing professional in 1985. He spent most of his years in the field of supervision and management for Allied Signal Inc., from which he retired in 1994.
Hershall enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He took his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and further training at Adjutant General School in Fort Lee, Virginia. He served at Reese in Lubbock, Texas, and in the Korean War with the 5th Air Force Advance Headquarters near Seoul.
After the war, he served at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. A letter of commendation, the rank of staff sergeant, four medals and two battle stars were awarded to Hershall while in the military.
Hershall played an instrumental role in the development and dedication of the Vermilion County Korean/Vietnam War Memorial in Danville, as well as the Illinois Korean War Memorial in Springfield. During the dedication of the Vermilion County Korean/Vietnam Memorial, Hershall read the names of all of his friends who had also served in the Korean War. As he read the name of close friend Robert E. Wurtsbaugh, he decided he wanted to do something in his memory. From this idea, the Illinois Korean War Veterans was born. The first chapter in Danville is named in Bob's honor, as is the birthplace of the Illinois Korean War Veterans Association. At the time, it was the largest chapter in the National Korean War Veterans Association. He also was a key factor in the development of several other programs for vets, including the Korean War veterans license plate and the Illinois Korean War Vets Highway, and was heavily involved in groups such as American Legion Post 210, AMBUCS, POW/MIA, as well as many, many others.
A service to celebrate the life of Hershall Lee will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Danville, of which Hershall had been a member. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery, where military rites will be performed by American Legion Post 210. The Rev. Michael Heidle will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 13, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.org.
Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee, a Chinese-American who led Marines into battle against the Chinese in the Korean War and was cited for bravery for helping to preserve a crucial evacuation route for 8,000 American troops, was found dead on March 3, 2014, at his home in Washington. He was 88.
Major Lee is believed to have been the first Asian-American officer in the Marine Corps. Slight of build at 5 feet 6 inches tall and 130 pounds, he brought outsize determination to the battlefield, and his heroics have been recounted in books and a documentary film.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Sacramento, he enlisted in the Marines toward the end of World War II and learned and then taught Japanese. He became a commissioned officer in 1946.
Chew-Een Lee was born on January 21, 1926, one of seven children and the eldest son. His father distributed fruit and vegetables to restaurants and hotels. Two of his brothers, Chew-Fan and Chew-Mon, became Army officers and also served in the Korean War. Chew-Mon received the Distinguished Service Cross, and Chew-Fan the Bronze Star.
Major Lee used the first name Kurt as a young man and later changed his name legally. His survivors include three sisters, Faustina Lee, Betty Mar and Juliet Yokoe, and his brother Chew-Fan. Chew-Mon died in 1972 while serving as a State Department military attaché in Taiwan. Major Lee's first wife died. His second marriage ended in divorce. He had no children.
In addition to the Navy Cross and the Silver Star, Major Lee received many other military honors, including two Purple Hearts. Among other books, his exploits are recounted in "Colder Than Hell: A Marine Rifle Company at Chosin Reservoir" (1996), by Joseph R. Owen.
Major Lee retired from the Marines in 1968 and later worked for New York Life and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Abilene, Texas - Robert Ellis (Bobby) Leech, 84, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at a local nursing home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 22, 2013, in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, with Patrick Leech and Shea Leech officiating, under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home, 1443 North 2nd Street, Abilene.
Bobby was born on December 14, 1928, to Charles Bedford and Winnie Davis (Sumrall) Leech in Coleman, Texas. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Winnie Leech, and his brother, Charles Davis Leech. Survivors include two sons, Robert Ellis Leech, Jr., and James Davis Leech; one daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Mark Whitton; grandchildren, Patrick & Amber Leech, and Kayla and Kyle Walker; nephews, Rodney Leech and wife Judy, Kevin Leech and wife, Angie, Shea Leech and wife, Courtney; and several cousins, great-nieces and nephews.
He served in the United States Army as a Corporal in Korea.
Bobby loved the Lord and had longed for Heaven for many years! In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ Children's Outreach, P.O. Box 536, Tuscola, Texas, 79562, or other church of your choice.
Colonel (Ret) William Thomas Leggett, Jr., 79, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, died Monday, June 9, 2008 at M. S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2008 at St. John's Episcopal Church on the Square, Carlisle, PA with The Rev. Canon Mark A. Scheneman officiating. An additional memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Fort Myer Chapel, Arlington, VA, followed by burial with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. A visitation will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2008 at Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover St., Carlisle, PA. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Army Emergency Relief Fund, 46 Ashburn Road, Room 126, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Born May 23, 1929 in Tarbaro, North Carolina, a son of the late William Thomas, Sr. and Willouise Doster Leggett, he was a retired US Army Infantry veteran of 32 years serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy, Class of 1952. His most rewarding years were the four he spent teaching at USMA and the six years at the Pentagon.
Tom was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with four oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Parachute Badge. He was employed by Carlisle Syntec as a quality control Manager for ten years. He was a member and past president and secretary of Rotary Club, Carlisle.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Patricia Ennis Leggett of Carlisle, three daughters, Patricia Lockard and her husband, William of Clarksville, Tennessee, Nancy McGee and her husband Timothy of Mandeville, Louisiana, and Elizabeth Yukish and her husband Michael of State College, Pennsylvania, one son, William T. Leggett III and his wife, Christine of Las Vegas, Nevada, nine grandchildren and a brother, Stanley D. Leggett and his wife, Susan of Southern Shores, North Carolina.
Dr. Alfred E. Leiser, renowned endocrinologist and one of the original members of the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012, of natural causes at 90 years of age. Dr. Leiser will be remembered for his zest for life, his love of medicine, traveling, music and his interest in natural history, as well as his devotion to his wife of 67 years, Margaret Beduhn Leiser.
Dr. Leiser was a war hero, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross during a mission over North Korea during the Korean War when his B-29 bomber was ambushed by three M-15 enemy migs. The plane was riddled with bullets and rockets and the pilot ordered all crew members to prepare for bail out. Instead, Dr. Leiser had to jettison his parachute to reach his severely wounded bombardier and provide first aid, making it incapable of bailing out. The plane made it safely to base and the bombardier survived. For this, Dr. Leiser was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the nation's highest military honors for bravery. He also received two Air Medals with clusters for bravery in other combat missions. Dr. Leiser was the only flight surgeon in the Korean War to receive the DFC.
Dr. Leiser was also an accomplished violinist. Starting at the age of 5, Doctor Leiser was practiced daily his entire life. He was a substitute violinist for the Houston Symphony and he taught his three sons the joy of musical instruments. Other interests included collecting butterflies in which Dr. Leiser amassed one of the largest private collections in the country. He generously donated rare specimens to various museums throughout Texas. He made numerous excursions to exotic locations including Papua, New Guinea, various countries in South and Central America, as well as remote locations in Australia and New Zealand in his quest for rare specimens.
Dr. Leiser attended primary and secondary schools in Monroe, Wisconsin. He was awarded a BS degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1945. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Honorary Freshman Society where he was awarded Senior High Honors. Dr. Leiser attended the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine-Doctor of Medicine in 1946 where he was a member of Sigma Sigma Freshman Honorary Medical Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honorary Society.
He interned in 1946 and 1947 at Youngstown General Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio and continued his education in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Gastroenterology and Hematology, until 1950. From: 1953-1956: Residency Internal Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. 1954-1956: Fellowship Endocrinology, Cleveland Clinic. 1956: Received the William D. Lower Fellowship thesis Award from Cleveland Clinic. 1956-1997: Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Houston, Texas. Internal Medicine Section/Endocrinology. 1976-1986: Chief Internal Medicine. 1997: The Physicians Center, Houston, Texas, Medical Director.
Military: 1945-1947 United States Navy V12 program University of Wisconsin. 1951 United States Air Force School of Aviation Medicine Flight Surgeon Certification. 1951-1953: Major, United States Air Force, Flight Surgeon, Combat Status, Korean War.
Professional Appointments: Clinical Professor of Medicine (Emeritus) (Baylor College of Medicine Outstanding Service Award 1997), Volunteer Clinical Internist-M.D. Anderson, The Methodist Hospital (Emeritus) (Honor Certification 1997), Texas Children's Hospital (Emeritis.
Professional Organizations: American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society, Harris County Medical Society, Houston Society of Internal Medicine, Texas Medical Association, Texas Diabetes and Endocrine Foundation.
Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret Beduhn, and three sons: Thomas William, James Stephen, and Gregory Scott; daughters-in-law Kathy Grace Leiser and Birgit Weber Leiser. Preceded in death by a brother, Godfred von Leiser and a sister, Freda Leiser White and a daughter-in-law Renee' La Grone Leiser. Celebration of Life - January 12, 2013, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Memorial at 2:00 pm, Houston City Club, Plaza Room Ballroom. 1 City Club Drive, Houston, TX 77046. [Please enable JavaScript.]. Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres served. - Published in Houston Chronicle on Jan. 1, 2013.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 6 - 26 March 1989
The death of General Lyman Louis Lemnitzer, former Chief of Staff, United States Army, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on 12 November 1988 at 0330 hours in Washington, DC, is announced with deep regret. General Lemnitzer was an officer of the highest ideals. His courage, sound judgment, and superb leadership produced brilliant military achievements of the greatest value to his country. With his passing the nation has lost a faithful, valiant servant and the United States Army a commander of great stature.
General Lyman Louis Lemnitzer was born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, on 29 August 1899. He graduated from Honesdale High School in June 1917 and the following year he entered the United States Military Academy. Upon graduation in July 1920, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. His assignments from that time until the outbreak of World War II alternated between duty with troops and service as a student and instructor at Army schools. As a member of the Coast Artillery Rifle Team, he became known as one of the Army's outstanding rifle marksmen, winning the National Team Gold Medal, the First Place Gold Medal in the Philippine Department, and the Distinguished Marksman's Badge. He completed two tours at Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands; he was twice assigned to the United States Military Academy as an instructor in natural and experimental philosophy; and he graduated from the Command and General Staff School in 1936.
A member of the last pre-war class at the Army War College (1940), General Lemnitzer established a firm reputation as a thorough and imaginative planner. Subsequently, with the expansion of the United States Army, he was recalled from duty with an antiaircraft artillery brigade at Camp Stewart, Georgia, in 1941 to an assignment with the War Plans Division of the War Department. In this position, and during succeeding months with General Headquarters, United States Army and Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, he took part in the planning for mobilization and training of the huge wartime Army and for the projected landings in North Africa, known as Operation Torch.
In August 1942 General Lemnitzer went to England as the Commanding General of the 34th Coast Artillery (Antiaircraft) Brigade. His intimate familiarity with the plans for the forthcoming North African operation, however, promptly led to his assignment to General Eisenhower's Allied Forces Headquarters. Here, although retaining command of his antiaircraft brigade, he was designated Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations, and charged with directing the final detailed preparations for the landings and the operations in North Africa. In this capacity he accompanied General Mark W. Clark as second-in-command of the dramatic secret submarine mission to contact friendly French officials 3 weeks prior to the landings, helping smooth the way for the Allied invasion forces. For his participation in this mission, he won the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer).
After a brief return to England, General Lemnitzer moved to North Africa as a member of General Eisenhower's staff. In January 1943 he was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff to General Mark W. Clark in Morocco during the early phases of the organization of the Fifth Army. Resuming active command of his brigade in late February 1943, he led it through the Tunisian Campaign and the early landing phases of the Sicilian Campaign.
General Lemnitzer's service for the remainder of the war was as United States Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff to General (later Field Marshal) Sir Harold Alexander, who was first the Commander in Chief of the 15th Army Group and later the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean. General Lemnitzer also served as Chief of Staff to the Commanding General of the (United States) Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Under Sir Harold Alexander, General Lemnitzer took part in the negotiations with Marshal Badoglio that led to the capitulation of Italy. He participated in the discussions with Marshal Tito and with Soviet Marshal Tolbukhin for the coordination of the final military operations by the Yugoslav and Russian armed forces against the German armies in Southern Europe. In March 1945, General Lemnitzer entered Switzerland in civilian clothes charged with the management of the discussions with German representatives that resulted in the unconditional surrender of the German armed forces in Italy and Southern Austria. In discharging these responsible and important functions, he earned a reputation as an able negotiator and military diplomat.
General Lemnitzer's skill as a planner was put to immediate use following the war when he was designated as the Senior Army Member of the Joint Strategic Survey Committee of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC. His next assignment was as the Deputy Commandant of the National War College, playing a key part in the establishment of that agency for the highest level of joint military education. At that time, he also served as head of the United States Delegation to the Military Committee of the Five (Brussels Pact) Powers in London, helping to pave the way for the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He assisted in the presentation of the NATO Treaty to the Senate for ratification.
On the strength of his experience as a military diplomat, General Lemnitzer was named the first Director of the Office of Military Assistance under Secretary of Defense James Forrestal from 1949 to 1950. In this capacity he played a key role in establishing the Military Assistance Program which has provided a major element in the Free World's mutual security activities.
Returning to duty with troops in 1950, General Lemnitzer qualified as a parachutist at the age of 51 and assumed command of the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 1951 he went to Korea and commanded the 7th Infantry Division in the Battles of Heartbreak Ridge, The Punch Bowl, and Mundung-ni Valley and in the fighting in the Chorwon Valley. He was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry.
General Lemnitzer returned to the United States in 1952 to serve as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Research. During this same period he was the Army's Associate Member of the Kelly Committee to Study the Defense of North America against Atomic Attack and a member of the Secretary of the Army's Advisory Committee on Army Organization.
General Lemnitzer returned to the Far East in March 1955, assuming command of the United States Army Forces, Far East and the Eighth Army. Shortly thereafter, on the departure of General Maxwell D. Taylor to become Chief of Staff, United States Army, General Lemnitzer was named Commander in Chief of the United Nations and Far East commands and Governor of the Ryukyu Islands. In this position he maintained the defensive strength of the United Nations forces against the resumption of hostilities in Korea, directed the build-up of the military effectiveness of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, and encouraged the improvement of economic and military stability throughout that area of the world.
In July 1957 he assumed new duties as the Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army. Most notably, he played an influential role in deciding the relationship between the National Aeronautics and Space Agency and the space research facilities of the Army, and participated as the United States Military Representative at meetings in London and Karachi of the Military Committee of the Bagdad Pact Organization. In March 1959 General Lemnitzer was named to succeed General Maxwell D. Taylor as Chief of Staff, United States Army, and assumed his new duties on 1 July 1959.
President Eisenhower nominated General Lemnitzer as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 15 August 1960. he was confirmed by the Senate 27 August 1960 and was sworn in as Chairman on 30 September 1960. Following a 2-year tour as Chairman, General Lemnitzer was named Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. He retired from active duty in July 1969.
For his exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service, General Lemnitzer's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); the Silver Star; the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer); the Legion of Merit; the Medalha de Guerra (Brazil); the Grand Star of Military Merit (Chile); the Grand Officer of the Order of Boyaca (Colombia); the Medal for Military Merit 1st Class (Czechoslovakia); the Order of Melnik (Ethiopia); the Legion of Honor Degree of Officer (France); the Croix de Guerre with Palm (France); the Honorary Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath (Great Britain); the Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Great Britain); the Military Order of Merit (Italy); the Cavalier of the Great Cross, Royal Crown of Italy (Italy); the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan); the Order of Military Merit Taeguk (Korea); the Order of Military Merit Taeguk with Gold Star (Korea); the Presidential Unit Citation (Korea); the Gold Cross of Merit with Swords (Poland); the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant (Thailand); the Royal Order of the White Eagle, Class II (Yugoslavia); and the Grande Official, Order of Military Merit (Brazil). General Lemnitzer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian award, by President Reagan at a White House ceremony on 28 June 1987 for his contributions to world peace and freedom.
General Lemnitzer's life was characterized by courage, dedication, vision, and patriotism. These qualities earned him the respect of all who knew him. The grief caused by the death of General Lemnitzer is deeply shared by all members of the United States Army.
General Lemnitzer is survived by his wife, Mrs. Katherine Mead Tryon Lemnitzer; a daughter, Lois Katherine Lemnitzer; and a son, William L. Lemnitzer.
Earl R. Lentz, age 76, of Wharton, Ohio passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at his residence. Earl was born on March 30, 1931 in Hancock County to the late Paul and Florence (Coppes) Lentz. He married Leita Buckmaster on April 18, 1953 and she preceded him in death on March 28, 2000. Earl served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 during the Korean War. He was also a 50-year member of Marion Local 574. He loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He also loved flowers, gardening, mushroom hunting, fishing, hunting and trapshooting.
Earl was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Lentz and Mary Hartman, and grandson Jeff Egbert. Earl is survived by his children William "Rick" (Sandy) Lentz, Jill (Steve) Egbert, Thomas (Jeannie) Lentz and Robert (Linda) Lentz; brothers Dave (Jean) Lentz, George "Shorty" (Becky) Lentz, John Lentz, Arthur Lentz; sister Leota Lafferty; grandchildren Anthony, Cassie, Tim, Sara, Emily, Nick, Miranda, Josh; 11 great-grandchildren Chase, Kyle, Brittney, Mckenzie, Austin, James, Austyn, Taylor, Alyssa, Mikey, and Rylee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Coldren-Crates Funeral Home and the funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at the funeral home with visitation for one hour prior (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) with Rev. James Williams officiating. Burial followed in Bechtel Cemetery, Van Buren, where full military rites were conducted by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad.
Thomas Leone, 82, of Buena Vista, Pennsylvania, died Tuesday, January 15, 2013. He was born October 24, 1930, in Versailles, the son of the late Casto and Elizabeth Borelli Leone. He was retired from Equitable Gas Company and was a member of the Owls Club in Industry and the Moose Club at Grass Flats.
Thomas was a Marine Corps veteran and served in the Korean War. His service included action against the Northern Korean Forces, assault and seizure of Inchon, Korea, capture and securing of Seoul, Korea, operations against enemy forces in South and Central Korea and fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. He received the Presidential Unit Citation with one Bronze Star, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Good Conduct Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Ethelmary Frances Leone; son, Philip (Cindy) Leone, of Edgewood; daughters, Nina Ann (Kenny) Miller, of Sutersville, and Michelle Leone, of Versailles; sisters, Dolores Phillips and Josephine (Jim) Blankenship, of McKeesport, and Mary Kostic, of North Versailles; grandchildren, Lauren, Adam, Allie, Jared (U.S. Navy), Jonathan, Michael, Milana, Joel and Jeremy (Kelly); great-grandchildren, Aiden, Hannah and Hailey; and nieces and, nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Leone; and daughter, Gina Marie Hines.
There is no visitation. A private service and military honors were held Thursday, January 17, in the chapel of Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., Boston, Elizabeth Township.
Elton D. Leppke, P.E., age 89, of Carrington, North Dakota, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, Illinois. He was born February 10, 1932 in Carrington, son of the late Arnold and Mary Ediger Leppke.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lowell Leppke; sister, Patricia Leppke; father-in-law and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Mabel, nee Ranz, Ruth; and sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Janelle Ruth, Bernard Feldt, and Alvin Schmitt. Elton is survived by his wife, Dolores Ruth Leppke, whom he married June 8, 1957 at the First Baptist Church in Trenton, Illinois; children, Clifford Leppke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gary (Lisa) Leppke of Melbourne, Florida, Dr. Barb (Tom) Leppke-Hennig of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mark (Susan) Leppke of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Ian and Paige Leppke and Ruiwen and Yiyan Hennig; great-granddaughter, Caroline Leppke; and sisters-in-law Eleanor Leppke of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Gwen Feldt of Trenton, and Gail Ruth of Breese, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elton was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He graduated of Carrington High School in 1950 and later graduated from Marquette University in 1971. He retired from Eaton Corporation in Milwaukee in 1995 as a Senior Engineer and he holds multiple electrical patents.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Carrington, and belonged to numerous automotive clubs. Elton spent many hours restoring classic cars and his pride and joy was his fully-restored 1927 Buick. He enjoyed steam tractor threshing shows, Cockshutt tractors, fishing, deer hunting, and camping trips with his wife, Dolores.
Memorial service was Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Community Baptist Church in Trenton with Pastor Bob Marsh officiating. Another memorial service with an interment to follow will take place at a later date in Carrington. In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to The Gideons International or to 4th Corporation and will be received by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.
Marion Bert Lerch, born on July 2, 1933, in Rushville, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024. He was married to the former Karen Sue Dawson for 67 years. She survives along with two sons Kevin (wife Debbie) and Greg Lerch both of Springfield; four grandchildren Danielle, Jami, Derrick, and Alex; four great grandchildren Jaidyn and Jacyn Logan, Joziah Wilson, and Mia Lerch; a sister Joan (husband Steve) Stull; a brother Carl Lerch; a sister-in-law Donna Lerch; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Margaret Lerch, a daughter-in-law Rita Lerch, three sisters Mary Margaret Lerch, Betty Jane Sheppard, and five brothers Walter Livingston, Robert Livingston, Larry Joe Lerch, Donald Lerch, and Jack Lerch; and his sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Livingston, Shirley Livingston, Charlene Lerch, and Mary Lerch.
Bert honorably served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War from May 1953 until May 1955. He served in the engineers and later in supply. He worked for Bartlow Brothers for three years, Irwin Paper Company in Quincy, Oscar Mayer for 20 years, then Excel for 9 ½ years, and parttime for Wal-Mart after his retirement for 7 ½ years.
Bert was a Ward 3 Alderman for the City of Beardstown for about 18 years and worked with the Beardstown Little League Organization for 20 years. He also was a volunteer at the Lincoln Museum Courtroom for 11 years. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown where he was a Deacon.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, May 3, 2024 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Reverend Daryl Vermillion officiating. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home on Friday.
Memorials have been suggested to First Southern Baptist Church.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Paul Von Santen Liles, age 94, died peacefully Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Saint Francis Hospital while surrounded by family members. Paul was born on January 21, 1916 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of Paul Wilson Liles of North Carolina and Bessie Von Santen Liles of Charleston, South Carolina.
At an early age, he moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Paul graduated Ramsay High School in 1934. While attending Birmingham Southern College, he won an appointment by merit to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Paul graduated West Point in 1941 and immediately entered the United States Army. During his 22 years in the Army, he served during World War II in the Pacific Theater, first with the 24th Infantry Regiment on the island of Bougainville and later in the Philippines with the XIV Corps. Paul was among the first US Army soldiers to occupy Japan at the conclusion of World War II. On December 27, 1944, he married Harriet Louise Phillips of Birmingham.
Paul served during the Korea War beginning in 1950 where he was an advisor to the South Korean Army. He was captured by Chinese forces and was a prisoner of war (POW) for three years in North Korea. Paul received the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Legion of Merit, and numerous campaign medals and ribbons. Paul retired from the Army in 1962 and made Columbus his home.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth H. Liles, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Harriet Louise Philips Liles; two sons, Paul Von Santen Liles, Jr. of Roswell, Georgia and Donald Taylor Liles (Patricia) of Midland, Michigan; a daughter, Priscilla Ladner Liles Clay (Mark) of Columbus; two brothers, Raeford Bailey Liles (Virginia) of Homewood, Alabama and Hugh Allen Liles (Judy) of Metairie, Louisiana; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Campbell Liles; and seven grandchildren, Christopher Von Santen Liles, Ashley Lynne Liles, Brian Christopher Clay, Matthew Paul Clay, Jeffrey Taylor Liles, Jacqueline Michelle Clay and Katherine Elizabeth Liles; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday January 27, 2010 at Parkhill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, Georgia.
Joseph P. Linardi, a 65-year resident of Edgewater, New Jersey, died of coronavirus on March 30, 2020, at age 92. He quit his senior year at Cliffside Park High School to serve two stints in the United States Marine Corps from 1946 to 1951. After his military service he became a pipefitter, servicing machinery at the Lever Bros. Company plant on the Hudson River. He and his wife Margarite were parents of seven children. Mr. Linardi was a breeder of pidgeons. He showed them and received trophies for them.
Charles "Chuck" Lindsay, 84, of Mahomet, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.
Chuck was born March 14, 1930, in Urbana, to Roscoe and Laura Green Lindsay. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1948. He also attended Barry-Castle Business college in Champaign, Illinois.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for Sullivan Chevrolet for 20 years as salesman and sales manager. He then owned and operated the Chuck Lindsay Chevrolet-Olds dealership in Morrison, Illinois for 34 years.
Chuck was married to Mary E. Ducey in 1975 in Champaign. She preceded him in death in 2003. Prior to this, Chuck was married to Jean Levitt of Sailor Springs for 20 years. She died in 2001.
Chuck was always proud of his "overachiever" recognitions from General Motors and the Chevrolet Motor Division. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening and was a huge fan of football. He was a member of Rotary Club, American Legion and St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Morrison.
Survivors include his children, James Lindsay of Westville, Illinois, Mrs. Herman (Jane) Baumgartner of Mahomet, Illinois, and Debbie Mast of Champaign; grandchildren, Mrs. Steve (Jessica) Harms, Andrew Baumgartner, Matthew Lindsay, Jacob Lindsay and Mrs. David (Tamara) Schwartz; five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Lindsay Goers of Hampton, Virginia; and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Steven Mast.
Stephen Line, our beloved husband and father, passed away August 25, 2007, surrounded by the love of his family. He had a gentle heart and cared deeply for his family and friends.
Steve was born in Lima, Ohio on June 16, 1932. He graduated from Vandalia High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years in the Korean War with the 5th Regimental Combat Team. After being discharged from Fort Lewis, Washington, he moved permanently to the Pacific Northwest. Steve went to work for The Boeing Finance Department on Minuteman and other military programs. He retired from Boeing in 1990.
Steve is survived by his wife, Connie of nearly 39 years, children, Stephanie Stewart of Oregon, David Line of Tacoma, Washington, Jerry Line of Spanaway, Washington, Valerie Line of Seattle, Washington, Judy Line of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Patricia Nation of Spanaway. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He leaves sisters, Mary Lou Hanson, Carol Ann White, Doris Suever and Denise Huelskamp, as well as a brother, Larry Line. Memorials may be made to Seattle Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society.
Wally fought a long battle and died peacefully in his home November 14, 2012.
He was raised on a ranch in Laramie, Wyoming, which gave him a love for the outdoors and horses. He spent a large part of his life with horses and roping. It became quite a passion with him. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team during the Korean War.
He later moved to Redding, California, and has a small ranch and logging trucks. Wally was a self-made man and owned a lot of businesses during his lifetime. He moved to Burney and entered a partnership in a logging business, owning a fleet of logging trucks. He soon met his wife to be, Rosemary Rentle, and married December 16, 1941. They entered into a partnership at a local dinner house, the Rex Club in Burney. They had been married almost 40 years.
Upon retiring in 1981, Wally and Rosemary moved to Brookings, Oregon. Wally became restless and started a commercial fishing business on the boat he bought called the "Refuge."
Wally is survived by his wife Rosemary of Harbor, Oregon, Rosemary's children: Laura Novoa, David Teasley and Pamela McBroome; Wally children: Rosemary Smith and David Link. He left behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wally finally climbed on the big Roan Mare and threw his last loop, riding into those beautiful mountains one last time. At Wally's request there will be no services.
Noted South Bay lawyer James Beach Little died with his sons at his side on December 1st, 2023 while in hospice care in Cupertino, California. He was 93 years old. He had practiced law for over sixty years in Santa Clara County, retiring at the age of 91.
Jim, as he known among his many friends, was born November 30th, 1930 in Owensboro, Kentucky to parents Marian Austin and Woodbridge Little. He grew up in nearby Evansville, Indiana during the Great Depression and World War II. Jim was a voracious reader and exceptional student. As a high school senior he was selected to represent the state of Indiana at Boys State, an honor that allowed him to meet and shake hands with President Truman at the White House. The experience was transformative and led to a scholarship to attend Harvard University.
While at Harvard Jim participated the campus ROTC program. After graduating in 1953, Jim served in the U.S. Navy for three years. As an officer on the destroyer class ship the U.S.S. Brownson, Jim visited multiple continents. The adventure, so far beyond his Midwest roots, instilled in Jim a lifelong passion for travel and discovery. A chance stopover in San Francisco inspired Jim to attend law school at Stanford University (JD 1959). Although a practicing lawyer, he continued service in the naval reserves for another thirteen years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Settling in Santa Clara County, Jim was a fixture in local law circles. He enjoyed his chosen profession for many reasons. He valued the intellectual stimulation through legal theory and practice. He had endless opportunities to observe diverse aspects of the human condition and meet unique individuals. Most importantly, being a lawyer allowed Jim to help and positively impact the lives of others. For decades Jim was an active member of the Rotary Club of San Jose, serving in many roles including chairing the International Committee to support humanitarian work in other countries.
A natural raconteur with a sly sense of humor, Jim was a man of vast and varied interests. From the Grand Old Opry to grand opera, camping in Yosemite to attending the World Cup, Jim took in as much of life’s richness as he could and happily shared his many enthusiasms with others. He had a gift for friendship, maintaining strong bonds with former classmates, shipmates, and professional colleagues over many years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, stepchildren Charles and Alden, and step grandchildren Babs, Nathan, Trevor, and Zoe. He is also survived by his former wife Suzanne, their children Robert, Douglas, and Stephen, and grandson Julian. Jim is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Woody and stepdaughter Barby Jane.
Memorial services for Jim Little will be held on Friday, April 19th at 12 p.m. at Darling & Fischer, Campbell Memorial Chapel, 231 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell, California. Jim was loved, admired, and will always be missed.
Indiana State Commander Frank Littleton of Lafayette, Indiana, died at 10:20 a.m. December 31, 2004, after a two-year bout with lung cancer. He was a Navy veteran who also served as the first commander of Korean War Veterans Association Central Indiana Chapter 259.
Sidney Lofthus, 71, of Silverdale died November 6, 2001, at Washington Veterans Home in Retsil. He was born September 13, 1930, in Highlanding, Minnesota, to Oscar and Signe (Brekke) Lofthus. He attended school in Bagley, Minnesota.
He served in the Army as a medic during the Korean War. He worked at Haselwood Buick from the early 1960s until he retired. Sidney enjoyed music and playing the guitar.
Survivors include three sons, Scott of Lacey, Sidney Jr. and Randy, both of Silverdale; four brothers, Thelman of Bagley, Julian of Polson, Mont., Mel of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Obert of Plains, Mont.; four sisters, Edna Siegert of Bremerton, Violet Berentsen of Seabeck, Gloria Amunrud of Spokane and Arlene Kegley of Poulsbo; and one granddaughter, Brittany. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Andor and Melvin.
A memorial service was held November 13, 2001, at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home. Interment was at Washington Veteran's Cemetery.
Johnny C. Lopez, 81, of Eloy, Arizona, and a retired Pinal County constable, died at home on November 4, 2013, surrounded by his family. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel, with rosary recited at 7. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Helen of the Cross Catholic Church by the Rev. Alonzo Garcia. Burial will be in Eloy Memorial Park.
Mr. Lopez was born on June 24, 1932, in the old mining town of Sonora in eastern Pinal County and was a son of Micaela "Mickey" Sierra and Reynaldo Cruz. He later had a stepfather, Michael Lopez. He was raised in Eloy and attended Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, where he excelled in sports. He also played American Legion softball and baseball and graduated in 1952. He attended the future Arizona State University for half a semester before he was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War. During the war he served as Battery Clerk for Headquarters Battery, 933d AAA Battalion (AW) (MBL).
After getting his honorable discharge he helped manage and co-owned Mickey's Cafe and coached youth softball and baseball in Eloy. He first was elected constable in 1966 and served for 40 years. The cafe closed in 1996. He later managed Santa Cruz Village Apartments for more than 12 years before completely retiring in 2012. He was a hardworking, happy and easygoing man who loved his family very much. He was always willing to help friends, family and anyone in need.
Survivors include two daughters, Maricela "Chela" Guillen of Eloy and Maribel Diaz of Casa Grande; four sons, Johnny Lopez Jr. of California, John Lopez III and Michael Lopez of Tucson and Juan Pedro "Johnny" Lopez of Eloy; a brother, Manuel Gonzales of Phoenix; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Pete, Xavier "Gabe" and George Gonzales.
James R. "Bobble" Lopp, 79, of Coatesville, passed away October 28, 2013, at home. He was born in Thomasville, South Carolina, to the late Eugene Lopp Sr. and Sarah S. Richardson Lopp and the husband of Gayle Wool Lopp.
A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1956. James had been employed with the City of Coatesville for 10 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 151 and the VFW 2404 in Coatesville. A three-sport athlete, he was inducted into the Coatesville Hall of Fame in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Wool Lopp of Williamsport; children, Jamel Lopp, Travis Montgomery, Susan Jones, Cheryl Jones and Jessica Heller, all of Coatesville, Eric Lopp of New York, and Shaun Lopp and Christine Lopp, both of Downingtown; one sister, Nancy Lopp Cheung of Coatesville; 21 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Burial with military honors will be held in the Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester.
January 22, 1929 - January 10, 2017 - LTC Richard John Lorette (USAF Ret.) of Massanutten, Virginia, died January 10, 2017, at 87 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jan; his three daughters, Joanne Sperandio Lorette, Patricia A. Phillips (Bradley), and Jeannemarie Lorette Levy (Gary); eight adult grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and sister, Shirley Osborn of Mesa, Arizona. He was preceded in death by another daughter, Judith Lorette Russell.
He graduated in 1950 from the US Military Academy at West Point, served combat tours in Korea and Southeast Asia, and was a Navigator in the USAF during his 23 years in the military. He was the recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the first in Korea and the second in Vietnam. He taught at the Air Force Institute of Technology after earning his Doctorate in Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. He retired from military service and taught at several universities for the next 15 years, including SUNY Binghamton, University of South California, and Loyola University.
Having lived in Massanutten since 1987, he was active in the Massanutten Lions Club and the Elkton United Methodist Church choir. He helped create a number of local charities to support Lions activities as well as some charities that support children and local schools. Golf was his favorite sport, and he played often.
A memorial service will be at Elkton United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Burial will be at West Point at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lions of Massanutten Foundation, Inc. (LOMFI President, PO Box 373, McGaheysville, Virginia 22840) or to Friends of the East Rockingham Communities, Inc. (FERCC Treasurer, 242 Kensington, Elkton, Virginia 22827).
Victor Francis Ludnick, age 80, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away April 15, 2013 at HPH Hospice Care Center in Brooksville, Florida. His wife and daughter were with him until he passed peacefully. He was born on April 13, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of John and Fern (Van Nosdeln) Ludnick.
Victor is survived by his loving wife of 59 1/2 years, Rose; daughter Vicky Walters and husband Ron; granddaughter Kristen Walters; grandson Mike Walters; and granddaughter Jen Regner. He is predeceased by his son John Ludnick who died in 1989. He is also survived by a sister and brother -in-law, Linda and Doug Taylor; a niece, Sydney and her husband, Eric Hubley; brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Barbara Smallwood; and niece Jennica and nephew, Woody all of Pensacola, Florida.
Vic was a veteran of the Korean War and was a Life Member of the VFW Hernando Beach Lodge and American Legion Post #186. He was a member of The Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1676, as well as the Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582.
Vic enjoyed travel, gardening, fishing, hunting, trap shooting, golf and shooting pool in his spare time. He loved cooking and enjoyed the shows on the Food Network, and enjoyed cooking for others. He won many awards for trap shooting when he lived in Maryland. Vic loved the water and in his lifetime owned two boats. He was a mason and a contractor by trade, having owned his own business at one time. He realized a life long dream at the age of 79 by owning a racehorse named "Beat Your Bluff".
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Monday, April 29 from 11:00-11:30 with the service from 11:30-12:30 at 280 Mariner Boulevard. Interment will follow at Florida National in Bushnell, Florida at 1:30. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hernando/Pasco Hospice.
H. Thomas Luetkemeyer, 94, of Belleville, Illinois, born July 31, 1928, in Belleville, died on Tuesday, February 28 2023, at Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, Illinois.
Thomas served in the United States Army and is a Korean War Army Veteran. He was a longtime member and participant of the Shriners and a Mason. Thomas had a passion for collecting, fixing, and selling Allis Chalmer tractors.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty L. Luetkemeyer, whom he married on May 8, 1954, and who died on January 1, 1999; his parents, Henry and Pearl, nee Cookson, Luetkemeyer; and a brother, Robert Luetkemeyer.
He is survived by his son, Thomas J. (Nita) Luetkemeyer; a grandson, Joshua Luetkemeyer; a sister, Dorris Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Freeburg Care Center. Funeral service were held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, with Pastor Doug Stewart officiating. Burial with military honors were held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Herbert Richard "Lefty" Luster, 80, of Casa Grande, Arizona, died peacefully on January 11, 2012, at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Northwest in Tucson, with his family by his side.
Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. The funeral will follow at 7, with Rick Luster officiating. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix.
Mr. Luster was born on June 21, 1931, in Hearne, Texas, and was a son of Herbert C. and Margaret Luster. He served with the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade in the Korean War and was wounded in August 1950, losing his right arm and receiving the Purple Heart Medal. He ran track at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and Mississippi College in Clinton but graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
He ran the mile and tied with another runner in the Olympic Trials, losing out in a coin toss. He was a teacher and coach for 15 years and then a pastor for 10 years.
Survivors include his wife, Romaine, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage on Dec. 24; three sons, Rick Luster of Casa Grande, Daniel R. Luster of Page and William R. Luster of Elizabeth, Colo.; two daughters, Rachel McDonald of Peoria and Laura Hintze of Tucson; two brothers, Hal Luster of Carrollton, Texas, and Lynn Zickefoose of Connecticut; two sisters, Louise McArthur of Monticello, Ark., and Rita Reed of Benton, Ark.; 16 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Richard G. and Caleb Luster, and a sister, Barbara Ichniowski.
James Henry Lynch of Little Rock, Arkansas, died February 12, 2008. He was born in Washington, D.C. on July 31, 1914. He was the grandson, son, nephew, and brother of West Point graduates. His father, George A. Lynch was graduated from West Point in 1903 and later held the distinction as a major general of serving as the last Chief of Infantry for the United States Army.
Jim attended schools in Washington, graduating from Western High School at age 16 and taking his freshman year at George Washington University and the University of the Philippines in Manila. His sophomore year was at Columbia University after which he entered West Point, graduating with the Class of 1938. His first posting was to the 29th Infantry regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he met Dee Butler, whom he married in 1939. Jim spent 30 years in the Army. He was stationed overseas in Germany (twice), Turkey, France, and in Korea. He fought in the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross twice. For their actions, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Distinguished Unit Citation were awarded to his battalion.
In 1990 the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas established a combat leaders' memorial to recognize one leader from each of the major conflicts in US history. Such names as Anthony Wayne (Revolutionary War), Winfield Scott (War of 1812), and Leonard Wood (Spanish American War) are remembered. James H. Lynch was selected as representative of field grade commanders from the Korean War. His photograph and an appropriate narrative are on display at the College.
His stations in the United States were in Georgia (3 times), Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York, Oklahoma, the Pentagon, and Ft. Monroe, Virginia, his last station before retiring in 1968. He and Dee moved to Augusta, Georgia. He often said what a fortunate decision it was for both of them. They came to have many friends and many meaningful activities. He worked with the Red Cross Board and enjoyed the fellowship of the Kiwanis Club. As a cadet at West Point he had been captain of the cadet golf team, so naturally, he returned to golf in his retirement and played many happy hours at the West Lake Country Club.
In 1992 the City of Augusta honored him for his accomplishments in the Korean War with a memorial on the Heroes Overlook at Riverwalk. At the age of 92, Jim and Dee moved to Little Rock and enjoyed their 68th wedding anniversary before Dee passed away in July, 2007. James Henry Lynch died on February 12, 2008, and is buried next to Dee at Mt. Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is survived by his son, James Patrick Lynch and his wife, Jolynn, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter, Sherry and her husband, George Worthen of Little Rock: and grandchildren, Bryan Lynch, Emile and Ellen Worthen. He has joined the Long Grey Line. A private graveside service was held at Mt. Holly Cemetery. Memorials in his name may be made to Mt. Holly Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 250118, Little Rock, 72215 or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, 72206.
Willie E. Lystad, 80, of Bottineau, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, June 12, 2008.
Willie was born March 18, 1928, to Hans Christian "Christ" and Alice (Bakken) Lystad, south of Gardena in Willow Creek Township of McHenry County. He was raised and educated in the Bottineau area.
In January of 1949, Willie joined the Army. He served overseas in Korea from October 1950 to September 1951 and was a member of the 25th Armored Reconnaissance Company. While in Korea, he earned a Bronze Star with a "V" for Valor. Following his honorable discharge he was a member of the National Guard until June of 1958. He resigned from the National Guard so that he could spend more time on his business and with his family. His rank was master sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge from the Guard.
During the first part of Willie's life, he worked on his uncle Arthur Bakken's farm near Maddock, and also in the Vinje clothing store in Bottineau. In 1956, Willie became half owner of the Westland service station in downtown Bottineau. In 1972, Willie became full owner and continued running this business for many years until he purchased the propane and fuel oil bulk plant on the north side of town. During the summer months, Willie also raised wheat and cattle on the family farm. Willie retired in 1992 but continued to farm for many more years.
Willie married Joyce Emerson on February 8, 1953, at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau and they made their home north of Bottineau. Willie was a proud member of the First Lutheran Church, the Veteran of Foreign Wars post in Bottineau, and the Color Guard. At First Lutheran, Willie ushered for funerals and volunteered in the office by helping with the monthly newsletter. Willie also delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. Willie loved to read and owned all of Louis L'Amour's books. Willie also loved nature and spending time at his farm.
Willie is survived by his wife, Joyce Lystad; and three daughters, Patrice (John) Donahue, Fargo, Susan (Merle) Boucher, Rolette, and Kaye (Douglas) Lystad Kirk, Fargo. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Heidi (Dave) Boelke, Fargo; Megan Wittmier, Maple Grove, MN, Emiline and Andre Boucher, Rolette; and three great-grandchildren, Christian and Kate Boelke, Fargo, and Jordyn Boucher, Rolette. He is also survived by a brother, Kenneth Lystad, of Stanley; and sister, Marie (Carl) Sanderson, Bismarck. Willie was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Lyle.
Funeral service: Monday, June 16, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Bottineau. Interment: Monday, June 16, at Oak Creek Cemetery, Bottineau. Visitation: Today from 1 to 9 p.m. at Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau.