Perrin Basil Fritch was a laborer and carpenter.
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
September 20, 2011Harold Bones' Greve, 100, passed away September 18, 2011, at Alaska Regional Hospital with his daughter, Ariel Strait by his side. Harold was born on March 9th, 1911, in Manchester, South Dakota. He grew up the 2nd youngest of 11 children and worked in his fathers meat market. After graduating from Crossby Ironton High school in Deerwood, MN, in 1929, he attended John Fletch College in University Park, IA. After college he taught high school science and math as well as coached basketball.
In 1937, Harold married his college sweet heart Fay Edith Fritch. A few years later he begun to study and teach radio fundamentals for the civil service. This eventually led him to settle in Aurora, CO, where he taught radio and sidewinder missile repair at Lowery Air Force Base.
In the late 50's Harold drove his family up the Alcan for his first visit to Alaska, putting him in the state during the bonfire celebration of statehood. Harold retired from teaching in 1977 and moved with Fay to Bailey, CO where they enjoyed breathtaking views of the Rockies.
In 1996, Fay passed away after 59 years of marriage. Soon thereafter, Harold moved to Anchorage to join his daughter and grandchildren. Harold was known for his quick wit, his love for his family and his willingness to serve the Lord. In Anchorage, he worked part time at Brewster's Department Store from 1997 until it closed in 2005. He then volunteered weekly, handing out food to the needy at New Hope of Alaska. In 2008 he was honored as one of Alaska's volunteers of the year. Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Fay; seven sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his sister, Edna Dewey, 104 years old; his daughter and son-in-law, Ariel and Dennis Strait; grandsons Trevor and Sterling Strait and their wives; and great-granddaughter Alia.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Kenneth P Keoppel
Birth Year: 1915
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Iowa
State of Residence: Iowa
County or City: Mahaska
Enlistment Date: 24 Sep 1943
Enlistment State: Iowa
Enlistment City: Camp Dodge Herrold
Branch: No branch assignment
Grade: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: Post-graduate
Civil Occupation: Teachers (secondary school) and principals
Marital Status: Married
The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon)
December 2, 2000A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4, 2000, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church for Beulah F. Laursen, who died Nov. 24 at age 82.
Mrs. Laursen was born Dec. 7, 1917, in Birney, Mont. Her maiden name was Fritch. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. She was a homemaker who lived in Tacoma; Portland; Minneapolis; Boston; Phoenix, Ariz.; and San Bruno, Calif. She settled in Arcata, Calif., in 1976 and returned to Portland in 1993. She was a member of the church. She served on the National Council of the American Lutheran Church. In 1939, she married Elmer Laursen.
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Carol Pease; sons, John, Dana and Scott; brother, Mark Fritch; sisters, Bethel Battleson and Fern Keoppel; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
January 11, 2002A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, in St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Portland for Elmer Laursen, who died Nov. 22, 2001, at age 84.
Mr. Laursen was born Dec. 31, 1916, in Tacoma. He was a clerk for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland during World War II. He graduated from Concordia College in Minnesota, received a bachelor's degree from Luther Theological Seminary in Minnesota and a master's and doctorate from Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. He was a hospital chaplain for the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, retiring in 1976. He returned to Portland in 1993. In 1939, he married Beulah Fritch; she died in 2000.
Survivors include his daughter, Carol Pease; sons, John, Dana and Scott; sister, Norma Watson; brother, Richard; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Ocala Star-Banner (Florida)
January 2, 1991OCALA -- Glenn Best Fritch, 71, of Ocala, died Monday, Dec. 31, 1990, at his residence.
A native of Moorhead, Minn., he came here from Miami 20 years ago. He was an executive with Sears Roebuck and Co. for 20 years before becoming a real estate broker. He owned and operated Best Realty in Ocala.
He was a member of St. Johns Methodist Church of Cotton Plant and an officer in the U.S. Amry Air Corp. during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Fritch, Ocala; daughters, Kimberly Vantreese, Marietta, Ga., and Lori Harshman, Ocala; son, Glenn Terry Fritch, Ocala; sisters, Fay Greve, Bailey, Colo., Fern Keoppel, Nampa, Idaho, Beulah Laursen, Arcata, Calif., and Beth Battleson, Columbus, Ind.; brother, Mark B. Fritch of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
George S. Best was a station agent for the North Pacific Railroad in Minnesota, and a logging contractor in Oregon.
The Dalles Chronicle (The Dalles, Oregon)
January 25, 2012Dorothy (Dot) Kruger, 92, died Jan. 16, 2012 at the age of 92. She was a resident of The Dalles, Ore., until moving to Gresham, Ore., in spring 2010.
She was born Jan. 11, 1920 in Burtrum, Minn., to George and Elvina Best.
She was the third of five children. Her family moved from Minnesota to Philomath, Ore., when she was 8 years old. She graduated from Philomath High School two years early in 1936 with honors.
She marr ied Wally Kruger March 7, 1937.
They resided in Corvallis and in 1944 moved to Portland.
They moved their family from Portland to The Dalles in 1955. There they opened Westgate Market in 1954 which they owned and operated until selling the business in 1978.
She was a member of The Dalles Country Club for many years. She was an avid golfer and bridge player, and participated in many other activities. She belonged to UCC Congregational Church of The Dalles where she sang in the choir for many years.
She was an excellent piano player. She loved working in her yard and being outdoors.
She also enjoyed all sports and was a great fan Dorothy Kruger of the Portland Trailblazers.
She is survived by her daughter, Joan Black, Portland; and her son, Larry Kruger, Federal Way, Wash.; and his wife Gwen.
She had three granddaughters, Tracey Osborn, Tina Hanlon, Robyn Black and six great-grandchildren from the Portland area. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Lois Best, Philomath; and Margaret Kruger, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wally Kruger and her four siblings.
Corvallis Gazette-Times (Oregon)
September 12, 2008George Stanley Best of Philomath went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sept. 10, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Four generations of the Best family will be remembering and celebrating his life. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois Marie Wooster Best, and their four children, George Steven Best and his wife, Kathryn, of Beaverton; Judy Marie Best Boykin and her husband, Luke, of Niceville, Fla.; John William Best and his wife, Catherine, of Philomath; and Cynthia Ann Best Pfaltzgraff and her husband, James, of Portland. Nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren complete the family. Mr. Best also leaves one sister, Dorothy Elaine Best Kruger of The Dalles, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He entered life March 24, 1923, in Burtrum, Minn., to parents George Shaw Best and Elvina Eunetta Johnson Best. He was the fifth out of six children born to the family. Going before him were brothers John Shaw Best, who died as an infant, and Robert Otis Best, and sisters Ella Eunetta Best Hawkins and Gwendolyn Mae Best Replogle.
George was proud of his ancestry and the lessons passed down to him. His Best lineage traces back to Ireland and includes many who fought for the freedoms of our country in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. It also includes pioneering people always moving west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Dakota Territory, Minnesota, Washington and finally Oregon. His mother's family came from Sweden and he was quick to remind you that he was a "Swede," complete with blue eyes.
George began school in Burtrum, Minn., and continued his primary-school education at Westwood Community School, conveniently located next to the family's property. He had the pleasure of having his eldest sister, Ella, as his teacher for several years. He went on to graduate from Philomath High School in 1940. He began working as a timber faller after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather working in the timber industry.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a tail gunner on the B-24 Liberator bomber "Chippiedall." He saw action over Europe and one of his vivid memories was his mission over the Ploesti, Romania, oil refineries. He was proud of his air medal and being credited with shooting down a German FW-190 fighter.
George married Lois Wooster on Jan. 19, 1947, in the College E.U.B. Church. Their first home was at Chitwood near Eddyville on the Newport Highway. They later moved to Philomath to a house built by his father-in-law, John Wooster, and raised their family of four children in that home. In 1977, they moved to their home on the Alsea Highway - a house George built with help from other family members. He was very proud of that house.
George worked in the woods, as they say, and had a love for the land. He had his own sawmill, "Best Hardwoods," located on the property he came to as a boy. It later became the site of his "shop," a favorite place. He worked with his brother Bob building logging roads and bridges. He retired from working for others, but never truly retired. He always had projects to do and things to get done.
George was a man of many skills, hobbies and interests, all of which he enjoyed and would share with everyone. He had a generous heart and was always eager to help others. If you needed something done, he would most likely be able to help you do it. He could repair just about everything, and would at least try. Nothing was more important than helping others. He was always interested in the many hobbies and passions of his children and grandchildren.
He became an expert at shooting skeet and trap. His knowledge of guns was respected by many and he delighted in teaching his grandchildren to shoot. He even witnessed a great-grandchild shoot a BB gun for the first time. Family gatherings always seemed to include some shooting in the backyard.
Horseshoe pitching, croquet, tennis, bowling, badminton, archery, black-powder guns, hunting, fishing - he did them all. He was a competitor and gave 100 percent to whatever he did. He enjoyed gold panning and antique tractors with his son. He also enjoyed golfing at the Marysville Course. His last round of golf was with his daughter and grandson. Riding in his golf cart was a treat for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Not every Grandpa has a Harley-Davidson golf cart.
He loved to build things and work with wood and was always ready and willing to share his talents with others. He seemed to know how to build anything; just give him some time in his favorite place - his shop. The Westwood Community Church was a recipient of his generous nature, and he spent many hours working on the building and grounds of the church. For him it was a labor of love.
A love passed down to him in childhood by his parents was the love of music. He tried his hand at many instruments, including guitar, banjo, clarinet, saxophone, harmonica, piano and finally his organ. He was delighted to see his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren experience music and share it with him. It always bought a smile to his face.
The skills and lessons George passed on to the generations which follow him will be treasured by all. He made memories for all his family and friends to hold close to their hearts. He had a love for God and his faith was important to him. He studied his Bible and taught Sunday School at Westwood Community Church. He made it known to all what the real purpose in life was. He was ready to be with his Lord and has now passed on to his final reward. He has been born into Eternity.
Thomas McErlane was a police patrolman and a truck driver.
Philadelphia Daily News (Pennsylvania)
August 17, 1994Thomas J. McErlane, a retired contractor, died Sunday. He was 69 and lived in Wallingford, Delaware County.
McErlane was a self-employed carpenter and contractor for 46 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Local 1073 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Formerly of Philadelphia, he was a graduate of Central High School.
Survivors include his wife, the former Elizabeth Darhun; two sons, Thomas J. Jr. and John C.; and a grandson.
41147. Gabriel Thomas McErlane
Gabriel McErlane was a police officer.
41149. Henry J. Harry McErlane
Philadelphia Evening Bulletin
February 1967Retiring Bridge Police Chief Recalls Horses, Coin Toss, a Yellow Dog
By Henry R. DarlingOnly one man ever led a foot parade across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. And he didn't even get halfway.
His name is Harry J. McErlane, and he retired this month as chief of bridge police after 41 years with the Delaware River Port Authority.
The parade was on July 1, 1926 - the day the bridge opened. "There were thousands of people waiting at both ends," he said. "I was supposed to lead the group coming from Camden and to keep them orderly. Other bridge police were to bring the Philadelphians. We were to meet in the middle. But it didn't work out that way. Halfway up, the crowd broke and everybody started to run."
Yellow Dog was First
The Philadelphia parade never even got started. A woman crashed the police lines about noon, and everybody followed her up the roadway. No one remembers who got to the center first. Newspaper reports indicated it was a little yellow dog.McErlane said only pedestrians were allowed on the bridge the first day. An estimated 100,000 persons crossed it in the first seven hours.
The span was opened to auto traffic at midnight. And the first police call came at 5 A. M. A taxicab stopped in the middle of the bridge. Two couples got out and started to do the Charleston. Amazed motorists notified police, and the dancers were dispersed.
In those days, it was called the Delaware River Bridge and the operating authority was the Delaware River Joint Commission.
Lost Toss of a Coin
"The police wore brown uniforms with leggings and white Sam Browne belts," McErlane said. "There were only ten toll booths, and the booths didn't have roofs. The toll collectors were exposed to rain, snow, heat and dust. They carried gunshaped devices into which the motorists had to push his 25-cent toll."McErlane (pronounced "MAC-Erlane") was promoted to sergeant in 1939 and lieutenant in 1957. With a little bit of luck, he would have made lieutenant three years earllier. When the vacancy for lieutenant came up in 1954, McErlane and another sergeant, George Haegle, were equally qualified. The late Joseph K. Costello former executive director of the port authority, flipped a silver dollar and Haegle won the toss. "It was all right with me," said McErlane. "We had agreed it was the only fair way to do it."
At the Pistol Range
He was named captain of bridge police in 1960 and, the following year, transferred to the Walt Whitman Bridge and promoted to chief of police. That was his post at retirement, Feb. 12.An expert pistol shot, he spent many hours practicing on the bridge police target range under the Philadelphia "anchorage"- the cavernous area under the approach roadway at the west end of the bridge.
Although a policeman, he worked closely with the bridge toll collectors. "Horse-and-wagons were allowed across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge until a few years ago," he said. "Whenever a horse and wagon showed up at the booths, the collectors would call us and we'd escort the wagon across."
What Trailer?
"Sometimes the horses would be afraid to cross the expansion joints. They could look down through the joints in the roadway and see the water below. Once a horse got scared and jumped over the curb. Other times, we'd have to turn them around and lead them off the bridge." McErlane said many horse-and-wagons used to cross between Camden and Philadelphia. The last one was in 1960.One summer day, he was filling in for a collector when a man drove up in a station wagon, gear piled high on the roof. The driver handed McErlane a dollar and said: "Take out for the trailer on the back." "What trailer?" said McErlane. The driver got out and looked. There was no trailer. It had broken loose near Atco, N.J. Police found it later in a field.
No Free Passes
McErlane lives at 5247 Sylvester st. with his wife, Rose, and a son, Harry. He has two married daughters, Mrs. John Cotney and Mrs. John Conlow. He said he would spend his retirement summers commuting between his home here and his summer home in Margate. But he'll pay his 50-cent bridge toll just like everybody else. "There are no free passes on the bridges," he said. "Until a couple of years ago, even fire engines had to pay the toll."
Christian A. Hansen was a carpenter, builder, and president of a lumber company.
Las Vegas Sun (Nevada)
May 22, 2001Paul Slightam, 93, of Henderson died Sunday in Henderson. He was born Nov. 23, 1907, in Quincy, Mich. A resident for two years, he was a retired plant manager for a manufacturing firm.
He is survived by one daughter, Nancy Madden of Henderson; one son, Robert Slightam of Crete, Ill.; one sister, Marian Kanzler of Yuba City, Calif.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Andy Hansen was a school building / commercial contractor
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Casualty List, Illinois, US Navy, 1946 (World War II), wounded, p. 77:
Hansen, Andrew, Pfc, USMC; Parents, Mr. & Mrs. Christian A. Hansen, 7930 Luella Ave, Chicago
Daily Citizen (Beaver Dam, Wisconsin)
July 20, 2012Donald G. Hansen, 85, of Beaver Dam, died Friday, July 20, 2012, at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.
Donald George Hansen was born on July 17, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Christian and Harriet (Brabbs) Hansen. He attended school in Chicago and graduated from Minong High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from June 15, 1945, to August 12, 1946. While in the Navy, Don sang in the Blue Jacket Choir. After his service in the Navy, Don attended Wayland Academy for two years. On May 5, 1951, Don was united in marriage with Ramona J. Kreger at St. John's English Church in Beaver Dam. He worked for Kraft Foods for 38 years and was also very active in the community. He drove a school bus for 15 years, he served as a crossing guard for seven years, he was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and he coached youth baseball. Don was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam where he was an usher, belonged to the retirees, played dart ball, and was a forefather of the Lutheran Teen Athletic Association. Don was also a lifetime member of the DAV. He enjoyed traveling to most of the United States and several other countries. Don will be remembered for his accordion playing, his imitation of Donald Duck, and his favorite saying, "The Lord is with me."
Survivors include his wife, Ramona Hansen of Beaver Dam; four sons, Dane, Kim, Ross, and Kurt; six grandchildren, Nathaniel and Nicholas Druecke, Adam and Erin Hansen, Brianna Hansen, and Spencer Schoenberger; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially close ones, Eric (Stella) Schoenberger, Ellie Martin, and Doris Westenmeyer. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his only daughter, Heidi Schoenberger; his sisters, Virginia Smith and LaVerne Slightam; his brother, Andrew Hansen; and an infant brother.
William Brabbs served in the US Navy, on the USS Thatcher during World War I. (The ship was sent to Great Britain under the lend-lease agreement during World War II.)
William Brabbs was a sportsman, athlete and an excellent golfer.
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Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), 10 Jun 1919:
Here on a VisitChief Machinist's Mate, William Brabbs, of the U.S.S. Thatcher, has returned to his ship after a leave of absence of several days spent renewing old acquaintances in the West End. Young Brabbs, who is a former resident of 228 Flower street, left this city following the death of his father and mother. He went to Chicago to live with his grandparents. He later enlisted and his visit of yesterday was the result of his longing to "see Chester once more."
Brabbs boat was one of a number stationed along the course over which the trans-Atlantic flight took place. His particular location was in the vicinity of the Azores. In speaking of the trip, he stated that he experienced the roughest weather since he has been sailing the high seas. During one of the storms the U.S.S. Thatcher was carried eighty miles from her course in 24 hours, while at another time the vessel listed 57 degrees.
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The Hammond Times (Indiana), 24 Oct 1944:Brabbs- William G. Brabbs, age 53, of 409 Lilac St., Marktown. Died at St. Catherine's Hospital at 1:55 p.m. Monday, October 23, following a heart attack. Burial St Mary Cemetery, Chicago. Survivors are his wife Elizabeth; 3 daughters Betty, Shirley and Patricia, all of Indiana Harbor; 2 sons Pfc. William in the Marines in the Pacific and John of Indiana Harbor; 2 sisters Mrs. Christian Hansen and Mrs. Florence Harkenrider, both of Chicago, and 1 brother, Frank, also of Chicago.
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Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company Employee Newspaper (East Chicago, Indiana) November 1944:Bill Brabbs' Death Shocks Many Friends by Babs Hylek
William G. Brabbs, Machinist at Main Machine Shop, died from a heart attack Oct. 23.
Mr. Brabbs was born Sept. 3, 1891, in Chester, Pa., and resided in Marktown many years. He had been associated with the company since 1920.
"Bill" as he was known to a host of friends, received First Aid Training in a U.S. Navy deep sea diving school in World War I. Along with his machinist work, he was doing an excellent job of instructing plant people in first aid training in conjunction with Safety Dept. program.
Bill was a suggestor, having received awards for suggestions put into operation. He was a blood donor, bought bonds regularly and assisted the late Harry Young in shaping and presenting Employee Minstrels.
He was Scoutmaster of Troop Four, Twin City Council, member Executive Board of Scouts, medical chief and first aid instructor OCD, 8th Area, and a Charter member of Illiana Post No. 388, The American Legion.
Brabbs was esteemed by his fellow-workers and was everlastingly doing something to help people in the plant and in community life. At the time he was stricken, he was engaged in promoting a Boy Scout activity... a man to be missed and remembered by many children, men and women.
Leaves Wife, 5 Children
Survivors are his wife, former Elizabeth Henneberger; three daughters, Betty, 19, Shirley, 10, and Patricia, 8; two sons, Pfc. William, 21, former Pipe Shop employee, a Marine now in Southwest Pacific, John, 14; two sisters, Mrs. Christian Hansen and Mrs. Florence Harkenrider; one brother, Frank, all of Chicago.
68753. William George Brabbs Jr.
William Brabbs was a 1941 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, Indiana.
Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman.
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The Times (Munster, Indiana)
January 4, 2000William G. Brabbs, 76, of Valparaiso, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Donna (Stephen) Webb of Clayton, North Carolina and Nancy Brabbs of Crown Point; God-daughter Linda DeWitt of South Haven, IN; two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" (Emery "Jim") Bardoczi of Hammond and Patricia "Pat" Caston of Hammond; brother John Brabbs of Worcester, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris.
Mr. Brabbs was a WWII U.S. Marine Corps veteran serving with the Second Air Drome Battalion 17th AA Battalion. A member of American Legion Post 502 of South Haven.
Retired in 1979 from Harris Bank in Chicago after 33 years as a banker.
The Times, Hammond (Indiana)
September 16, 1976Doris J. Brabbs, Age 39, of 446 Nantucket Rd., Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, September 14, 1976 at Billings Hospital in Chicago. Survivors: Husband, William; one son, David Philcox; two daughters, Donna Jean and Nancy Ann, all of Valparaiso; father, Fred Goetzen; one sister, Mrs. Gloria Seitz, both of Chicago; one brother Fred Goetzen of Cicero, Il.
Mrs. Brabbs was a former East Chicago Resident; she had been employed at Harris Bank in Chicago; and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church of South Haven.
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts)
December 9, 2005WORCESTER John A. Brabbs Sr., 75, retired Worcester Police Detective passed away Tuesday December 6th in the Ucommons Long-term Care Center after a brief illness.
John is survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years Ann (Jewell) Brabbs; his four children, Michael A. and his wife Mary Brabbs of Sterling, William H. Brabbs and his partner Thomas J. Spann of Philadelphia, Ann J and her husband Ernest James of Worcester, Thomas J. and his wife Tina Brabbs of Auburn; two sisters, Elizabeth Bardoczi and Patricia Caston both of Hammond Indiana; eight grandchildren, Michael Jr., Christine, Kathleen, Amanda, Jennifer, Ernest Jr., Benjamin, and Samantha, many nieces and nephews. A son John J. Brabbs Jr died in 1967, a brother, William Brabbs and a sister Shirley Sliwa predeceased him. He was born in Chicago, a son of William and Elizabeth (Henneberger) Brabbs.
John was a Worcester Police Officer more than 30 years retiring as a detective in 1994.
He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Church, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 378, the Main South Post American Legion and its Gold League, the Worcester Police Relief and Worcester Credit Unions. He was an avid golfer and member of several area golf leagues.
Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts)
January 1, 2006WORCESTER Ann (Jewell) Brabbs, 73, of 10 Palfrey Street, formerly of 111 Locust Avenue, died peacefully with her family around her, at the home of her daughter, on Thursday, December 29, 2005. Her loving husband and best friend, John A. Brabbs, Sr., pre-deceased her on December 6.
She leaves three sons, Michael A. Brabbs and his wife, Mary of Sterling, William H. Brabbs, and his partner, Thomas J. Spann of Philadelphia, and Thomas J. Brabbs, and his wife, Tina of Auburn; a daughter, Ann J. James, and her husband, Ernest, with whom she lived; eight grandchildren, Michael, Jr., Christine, Kathleen, Amanda, Jennifer, Ernest, Jr., Benjamin, and Samantha. A son, John A. Brabbs, Jr., pre-deceased her in 1967. She was also preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. Ann was born in Worcester, the daughter of Robert and Gertrude (Holley) Jewell, and lived here all her life. She was a member of Saint Margaret Mary Church.
1952 graduate of Bishop Noll High School, Hammond, Lake, Indiana
Shirley Brabbs was an employee of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, general office, under President James C. Petrillo, 1954-1958.
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The Times (Hammond, Indiana)
April 6, 1981Shirley Sliwa, age 46, of Hessville, passed away Sunday, April 5, 1981 at her home. Survivors: husband Clemens; three sons, Tom, Joe and Michael Sliwa, all at home; one daughter, Sue Sliwa at home; mother, Elizabeth Brabbs of East Chicago; two brothers, William Brabbs of South Haven, Indiana, John Brabbs of Worcester, Massachusetts; two sisters, Betty (Jim) Bardoczi and Pat (Bill) Caston, both of Hessville; several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Sliwa was a resident of Hessville since 1960, and formerly lived in East Chicago. She was employed as a cafeteria aide at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Rosary Society; a member of the OLPH and Morton High School Athletic Associations; a member of the PTA of Morton Senior High School; and a member of Home and School OLPH
Gerald S. Evans was a truck driver.
William Caston was an electrician for a steel mill.
Masonic Lodge member
Louis Harkenrider was an electric welder at a steel mill.
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Service in the U.S. Army during WWI:
Rank: Cook
Unit: 15th Ambulance Company, 2nd Sanitary Train
Major Unit: 2nd Indiana Division
Enlistment Date: July 9, 1917
Discharge Date: August 16, 1919
Serial Number: 5554
Type of Discharge: Honorable
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The Huntington Herald (Indiana)
June 29, 1918WINS MENTION FOR BRAVERY UNDER FIRE
Joseph Harkenrider of 1624 North Jefferson street is proud of his nephew, Private Louis Harkenrider, of Griffiths [sic] Ind., whose display of courage in the fighting about Belleau wood on the Marne front has won him special mention in a dispatch to the Chicago Daily News. Private Harkenrider is a member of an ambulance company, and according to the special dispatch "went out through a heavy barrage, dressed several wounded, brought in a private who was severely wounded and, loading him and others on an ambulance, drove away."
The young man was born in Huntington but his parents moved away soon after he was born, and he is not known in Huntington except to relatives.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MIssouri)
August 21, 1918Aids Wounded Soldier.
"Corp. Eugene W. Wear, marines, and Private Louis H. Harkenrider, ambulance company: 'On June 6, 1918, in the vicinity of Chateau-Thierry, went out into an open field under heavy shell and machine gun fire and succeeded in Bandaging and carrying back to our lines a wounded comrade.'
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The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Indiana)
September 14, 1918Louis Harkenrider, formerly of Griffith, Ind., now an ambulance driver with the American E. F., in France, has just about reached the goal of his ambition. That's the way we would feel about it anyway. For Louis has received the distinguished service cross from General Pershing. The cross comes as a reward for valiant services under heavy fire and disregard of personal danger. The young man stuck to his duties, carrying wounded soldiers back to the dressing station under heavy artillery fire, and while engaged in this way received wounds which put him in the hospital. It was while he was in the hospital that General Pershing came to him and bestowed upon him the coveted medal.
He also sent home to his father, Marshal John Harkenrider, a German Helmet. The helmet weighs two pounds and two ounces and is made of heavy leather on the outside, padded with lighter leather. Harkenrider has been in service for over a year. He has many relatives in this city.
68759. Thomas George Harkenrider
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
Name: Thomas Harkenrider
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 3 Jul 1926
Death Date: 28 Nov 1980
SSN: 359164265
Branch 1: M
Enlistment Date 1:8 Aug 1950
Release Date 1: 14 Jul 1951
1949 graduate of St Francis de Sales High School, Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
68761. Leo Francis Harkenrider
The Times (Munster, Indiana)
August 12, 2012Leo F. Harkenrider, age 77, of Thornton, IL passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2012.
Beloved husband of the late BettyJean Harkenrider (nee Steinway). Devoted father of Lucille (David Gallion) Harkenrider, Scott Harkenrider, Julie (Thomas) Gabe, and the late Cathy (Joseph A.) Nowak. Proud grandfather of Jason Nowak, Michael, James and Scott Harkenrider Jr., Bryan, Thomas, and Ryan Gabe. Dear brother of the late Edward (Clarine), the late Thomas (Pat) Harkenrider, and the late Lucille (Albert) Dust. Brother-in-law of Joyce (late Chester) Sapyta. Kind uncle of several nieces and nephews. Loving pets: Oreo and Molly.Preceded in death by his parents: Louis and Florence Harkenrider.
Frank G. Brabbs was a heater in a steel mill.
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U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963
Frank Brabbs, US Navy, SK2, Enlisted 29 Jul 1918, discharged 17 Mar 1922
Born 11 Nov 1899; died 07 Apr 1956
The San Diego Union-Tribune (California)
August 14, 2004May 24, 1921-Aug. 5, 2004
Edwin J. Bergquist, 83, of San Diego died Aug. 5. He was born in Chicago and was a retired employee of the city of San Diego. He was retired from the Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the El Cajon Ham Radio Club.
Survivors include two daughters; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006
Name: Richard Leo Brabbs
Service Info.: SKG3 US NAVY WORLD WAR II, KOREA
Birth Date: 1 Mar 1929
Death Date: 30 Jan 1992
Service Start Date:9 Mar 1946
Interment Date: 28 Feb 1992
Cemetery: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
Cemetery Address:P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166
Buried At: Section A-A Site C-143a
Clare Stevens was a fireman for Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Rex Crabtree was a farmer, rancher, plasterer for home construction, and business agent for the plasterers union in Santa Cruz, California.
Oka T. Butler was a foreman in a bakery; and a clerk in a hardware .
Saginaw News (Michigan)
October 12, 2007Thiel, Eleanor Frances Oakley, Michigan Age 90, died Wednesday, October 10, 2007 in Saginaw, MI. Eleanor was born November 11, 1916 the daughter of the late Oka and Georgia (Zemer) Butler.
She was joined in marriage to Russell Thiel on June 10, 1942 in Clare, Michigan. Eleanor was a graduate of Central Michigan University and had taught in Saginaw County, Montrose and retired from the Chesaning School District.
She leaves to cherish her memory, husband Russell; daughter, Jenove "Jenny" Zehner; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
The Argus-Press (Owosso, Micigan)
June 13, 2008Russell F. Thiel, age 92, of Brady Township, passed away at his home, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.
Mr. Thiel had been the Brady Township treasurer and was a farmer all his life.
Russell was born Nov. 15, 1915, in Brady Township, the son of William F. and Esther (Korth) Thiel.
His wife, Eleanor, passed away last October.
Those left to mourn him include: daughter Jenove "Jenny" Zehner of Chesaning; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister, Elburn Thiel of Chesaning, Adelbert "Chub" (Marie) Thiel of Chesaning and Oka Mose of St. Charles; also many nieces and nephews.
Military: Enlisted 11 Aug 1942 in Akron, Ohio; Resided 1940 in ..., Mahoning, Ohio
Pvt. One year of college; stocks clerk; married
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Dept. of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
Seth Butler: US Army, enlisted 25 Aug 1942, discharged 27 Nov 1945