Bandstand Flag Notice
November 2024
Verlan Dale Uitermarkt
December 22, 1934 - June 8, 2024
The United States Army
Verlan was a 1953 graduate of Pella High School. His first job was as a welder at Vermeer Manufacturing. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 10, 1957. The military sent Verlan to Germany, where he served as a tank mechanic. He was discharged on April 1, 1959.
Upon his return, he and his wife, Marjean, moved to their home west of Lacey, Iowa. It became the “homeplace,” where he lived for 64 years. For years, Verlan farmed with Bill and Gary DeGoey, and after he retired, he helped Tom and Jackson Drost with their farming operation. He was a member of Central Church, the V.F.W., the American Legion, and the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Posse. He was recently honored for 50 years of service with the Sheriff’s Posse. He is survived by his daughters, Mindy and Cindi, and their families.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
October 2024
Clarence Albert McKee
July 26, 1933 - September 6, 2024
The United States Army and the Iowa Army Reserves
Clarence began his life in rural Montezuma, Iowa, but started school in Washington State, where his parents lived for a time. The family later returned to Iowa, and he attended school in Poweshiek and Mahaska County, where he attended Madison Township School. Clarence helped his family on the farms after completing his education. On May 26, 1953, he married Gail Luetta Silvers at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their home near Montezuma, and Clarence was soon drafted into the Army. During his two years in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Ft. Carson, Colorado.
After his discharge, the couple returned to Iowa and settled in Oskaloosa, where Clarence went to work for Pepsi. He later worked for Mathew Lumber Company and then Clow Valve Company. Clarence retired from Clow in 1979 and opened McKee Coin Shop in July 1980. He ran his coin shop in Oskaloosa for 44 years and operated coin shops in Ottumwa, Keokuk, and Knoxville. He was a member of the Iowa Numismatist Association and the Iowa Numismatist Association for over 50 years.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
September 2024
January 9, 1949 – August 1, 2024
The United States Navy – retired 1973-1996
Weapons Specialist E-6
Donald Lester McSparen was born in Ottumwa, Iowa. After studying at Ottumwa Schools, he studied truck driving at Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, Illinois. He worked as a truck driver until 1973 when he enlisted in the Navy. His basic training was in San Diego. While in the Navy, he served on the U.S.S. America, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. He traveled around the world eight times on the three carriers and was assigned to the V.F.A. Attack Squadron, the “Warhawks.” While serving at Kirkland Air Force Base in 1977, he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen McGregor. They married September 1, 1978, in Albuquerque, NM. Donald’s career in the Navy required many moves; they resided in Berlin, NM; Alameda, CA; Lemoore, CA; Norfolk, VA; and Adak, Alaska; and numerous other locations. Due to a service-related injury, Don was granted leave in 1993, and the family moved to Oskaloosa. He officially retired from the Navy on October 8, 1997.
Don was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W., the D.A.V., and the Fleet Reserve Association.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
August 2024
Ronald Keith Allgood
May 12, 1940 - July 17, 2024
The United States Army National Guard
Ron entered the Army on November 15, 1963; he served six months at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri before being transferred to the Army National Guard. He completed his term of service with the National Guard in 1968 while living in Oskaloosa. He was a 54-year member of the American Legion and served on the Legion Honor Guard.
In 1960, Ron began his 53-year career with Hawkeye Lumber, retiring in 2013 as the yard manager.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
July 2024
Walter L. Brown
Aug. 8, 1921 – Mar. 22, 2023
The United States Army
Walter attended school in Oskaloosa and enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 13, 1940. He was a tank commander with the 113th Calvary Recon Squadron (Red Horse). He served in five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe & Germany. He received the Silver Star Medal for heroic action in Germany, the 3rd highest medal awarded, and the Purple Heart Medal because of wounds sustained in Germany.
After his discharge, on October 29, 1945, he briefly worked at General Mills in Oskaloosa. Walter found his calling as a carpenter when he worked as an apprentice for John Englehoven. Throughout his career as a carpenter in Oskaloosa, Walter worked with Mackey & Fansher, Ben Dupree, Jim Wolf, and Harold Kelderman. He later worked out of Des Moines and around the mid-west remodeling and building banks. He retired on August 28, 1983. He is a 55-year member of the Carpenters Union Local 106 out of Des Moines and a lifetime VFW member.
Look for Walter's Banner on the Oskaloosa City Square
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
June 2024
Steven L. Swank
Oct. 2, 1947 – Feb. 21, 2023
The United States Army
Steve, known then as Curly graduated from Pella High in 1965 and immediately joined the army, but not before getting the crops in with his dad. He served in Germany and Vietnam, working on trucks and tanks. He was discharged on January 22, 1970. He was so proud to be a veteran and was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. 2017 Steve was chosen to travel to Washington, D.C., on the Honor Flight.
Trucking was a big part of his life; he began driving trucks at a young age on the farm. In 1975, Steve leased a truck to DRS Transport and, in doing so, had a career there until his retirement in 2018. Upon retirement, Steve worked part-time, driving for Pella Corp.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
May 2024
Charles L. Mick
August 29, 1927 – March 26, 2024
The United States Navy
Chuck graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1945, enlisted in the Navy, and began his active duty on October 24, 1945, at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He served as a Yeoman and was discharged August 7, 1946 and returned to Oskaloosa.
Chuck attended AIB in Des Moines for two years. Following his education, he was employed by his stepfather, N.H. Krizer on Krizer Seed Farm. Chuck and Jackie moved to their farm on Highway 163 in 1963, where he raised seed corn for Pierson Seed Corn Company. In 2000, he and Jacquie turned the farm over to their son, Randy, and they moved into Oskaloosa.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
April 2024
Phillip R. Heberer
November 27, 1948 – April 7, 2023
The United States Air Force
After graduating from Oskaloosa in 1967, Phil
enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on a delayed enlistment and entered the service
on Oct 16, 1967. He spent over 23 years
in the Air Force serving as a Russian Voice-Intercept Processing Specialist, an
Administrative Specialist, and an Orthotist Appliance Specialist. In July 1974, Phil cross-trained again in the
Orthopedic Appliance Specialist field. He retired from the service in April 1990 as
Chief Master Sergeant. He worked as a
civilian Orthotist with Advanced Orthotics for several years in Fort Worth, TX. Then, he taught orthotics for the Air Force
technical training course in San Antonio, TX, as a Civil Service GS-10/Licensed
Orthotist from 1995-1998. He retired
from full-time work and became a freelance computer consultant and repair
technician.
Throughout his life, Phil was an active volunteer in various non-profit
community and professional organizations and churches that he attended.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
March 2024
Tom C. Holmberg
October 5, 1936 – May 27, 2023
The United States Marine Corps
After graduating from Iowa State Teachers College High School in 1954 and one year at ISTC as a freshman, Tom Carl went on active duty with the USMC after being in the Marine Corps Reserves for over a year. Before he went on active duty, and as luck or Providence would have it, the Korean War was mainly over. So even with several months of duty in the Far East, Japan, Okinawa Formosa, Taiwan, The Philippines, etc., Tom Carl never saw actual combat duty. When Tom Carl returned to the US, he followed in his father’s footsteps, attended the University of Missouri, and finished his degree at the University of Iowa.
One of Tom’s first jobs was in north central Wisconsin, and he went to school for his master’s at the U of Minnesota.
Tom Carl later brought his family back to Iowa. Since graduation, his profession has been Industrial Relations Personnel, Labor Relations, Human Resources, etc.
Tom Carl retired after about 30 years with his last company and immediately took a job as a groundskeeper (yard boy) for his former employer. After about ten more years, he retired from that job which he truly enjoyed.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
February 2024
John Pendleton Steel Jr.
September 24, 1943 - October 10, 2023
The United States Army and Army Reserves
While in college at Colorado State University, John served in ROTC; after graduating, he enlisted in the Army on October 24, 1966. He served in the Army Signal Corps in Panama and Nicaragua and was discharged as a Captain on December 25, 1969 at Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone.
Following his discharge, he and his wife, Cynthia made their home in Colorado Springs for a few years and then moved to Greeley, where the family lived for 35 years. For most of his career, John served as CFO of Salud Family Health Center in Greeley. He retired in 2014. John moved to Oskaloosa in 2020 to be close to his son Scott and his family.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
January 2024
Charles D. Lowry
Nov. 3, 1938 – Jun 24, 2022
The United States Army and Army Reserves
Chuck was a delivery truck driver for Reisman Wholesale when he was drafted into the Army in 1961. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and the Army assigned him to heavy equipment operations; he remained state-side for his term of service. After his discharge, he returned to Oskaloosa, was soon hired by Ideal Manufacturing, and served in the Army Reserves for two years. While working for Ideal, Chuck also drove for O. B. & T on his days off. In 1967, he joined the Oskaloosa Fire Department; at that time, the department also provided ambulance service to the community. Chuck enjoyed the many lasting friendships he developed while serving the community.
After his retirement in 1993, he restored many cars and trucks and was an excellent woodworker, crafting numerous family heirlooms. He was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W., and the Rolling Oldies Car Club.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
December 2023
Dr. Sidney Allen Smith
April 18, 1927 – October 20, 2022
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during December honors Sidney Smith.
Sid was awarded his Fremont High School diploma early and entered the U.S. Navy on April 13, 1945. He served as a medic at the U.S. Navy Training Station in Farragut, Idaho. He was discharged on November 25, 1946, and then enrolled in pre-med at the University of Iowa. On September 14, 1952, while in medical school, Sidney married his hometown love, Marilee Gillespie. He completed his medical education in 1953 and served a one-year residency in Sacramento, California. Sid and Marilee returned to Oskaloosa in 1954. Later, he and Dr. Robert Collison founded Family Medical Center, growing it into a multiple specialty practice. Sid will be remembered by many in Oskaloosa as an excellent physician. He retired in 1989 after 35 years of serving the Mahaska County area.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
November
Frederick Owen Bridges
November 12, 1932 - April 26, 2019
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during November honors Fred Bridges.
Following graduation from Lacey Consolidated High School in 1950, Fred entered the Navy Reserve Delayed Training Program. After turning 18, he was sworn into active duty on the 24th of December 1950. Upon finishing basic training and Class A School, he was ordered on board the carrier, the U.S.S. Saipan CVL-48. In August 1942, the carrier was ordered into the Korean War. He served in that area until May 1954. In 1955, Fred received orders to the Frasron 119 Squadron at Sangley Point, Philippines for a two-year tour. And then received orders to ATU-206 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL; there he served six months temporary duty with the Blue Angles and also served at Whiting Field, Naval Air Station in NW Florida.
He received orders in 1959 to Heavy Attack Squadron One at N.A.S. Sandford, FL. In 1960, he received Aircrew Flight Training and received his Aircrewman Wings. During the six-year tour with VAH-1, he was deployed on five different carriers including three deployments to the Mediterranean during the Cold War Era, Bay of Pigs in 1961 and, Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. In 1966 he was on board the U.S.S. Independence CVA-62 to Vietnam.
In November 1966, he received orders to Naval Air Tech Training Center in Memphis, TN. He taught Class-A School for two years. While in Memphis, he completed two years of mechanical engineering courses off campus at Memphis State University. In November 1968, he received orders to the super-carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65, serving as the Aircraft Dept. Maintenance Chief. From March through October, 1970, Fred received temporary additional duty at the Naval Air Facility at Chu Lai, South Vietnam, serving as Aircraft Maintenance Chief. In April 1971, Chief Bridges retired with 22 years of Naval Service.
After retiring from active duty, Fred returned to Oskaloosa and continued to serve in the Naval Reserves for eight years, attached to the Naval Reserve Center in Des Moines.
He worked at PAMCO for 18 years and then took a job with Mahaska County Soil Conservation. He retired from Mahaska Co. Soil Conservation at age 65. He remained active in retirement by working at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds.
In addition to his distinguished military career, Fred remained active. He served as Mahaska County Veteran’s Affairs Commissioner for many years as an officer with the Fleet Reserve Association, the American Legion, and V.F.W. He was a member of the Honor Guard for over 45 years and Chief Officer in Charge for over 25 years and presented countless flags to families of fallen veterans.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
October 2023
Daniel R. Mitchell
November 21, 1949 - December 16, 2022
United States Army SP5 Vietnam
Daniel Ray Mitchell was born in Albia, Iowa. After his parents moved to Des Moines, he attended school in Altoona and completed his education there. September 7, 1968, he married Judy Smith of Albia in Knoxville, Iowa. They made their first home in Des Moines. Daniel joined the Army on August 18, 1969. He attended heavy equipment school at Fort Leonard, MO. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1971, at the rank of E-5, a Vietnam War veteran.
In 1971, after returning from the military, Daniel and Judy moved to Oskaloosa; Daniel was hired at Clow Valve Company, where he worked for seven years. In 1977, Daniel went to work at Pella Corp; he worked there for 30 ½ years, building sliding doors, and retired in 2007.
September 2023
Willis Wilson Wills
September 13, 1914 – March 13, 1996
United States Army
Willis was inducted into the Army on July 11, 1944, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He served in the Rhineland and Central Europe as a truck driver. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, an Overseas Service Bar, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on February 5, 1946.
Willis returned to his wife and children, Matilda, Donna, and Wesley, in Oskaloosa and was hired in the foundry at Clow Valve Company. Willis was a member of the D.A.V. and served as the organization’s chaplain, traveling to Veteran’s Hospitals to visit his fellow veterans.
August 2023
Lars Christian Legvold
October 31, 1950 – October 24, 2022
United States Army
Lars was a 1969 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and then attended William Penn College. He was drafted by the U.S. Army and was inducted on February 24, 1971. He served for almost two years, with ten months of that service overseas as a heavy vehicle driver in Germany. He was discharged on December 22, 1972.
After returning to Iowa, Lars worked at Hy-Vee Supermarket, Ideal Manufacturing, Clow Valve Company, Lynn’s Poultry, Mich Coal Company, Bloom Builders, and the V.A. Hospital before he found his niche with the City of Oskaloosa in 1988. In the 22 years, he worked for the street maintenance department, his favorite job with the city was running the street sweeper. He was a skilled snow-plow operator, too, and was the Snow Plow Rodeo Champion for three years when he represented Oskaloosa in Des Moines in the state-wide competition. Lars also served as a volunteer firefighter.
July 2023
Robert G. Phillips
July 6, 1923 - January 1, 2007
WWII and the Korean Conflict
United States Navy
Robert “Bob” was raised in Oskaloosa. Following graduation from Oskaloosa High School in 1943, he and four other high school friends enlisted in the Navy in June 1943. They were all shipped to Farragut, ID, for basic training before being deployed to different assignments. He served in the Navy during World War II where he was on a Picket Boat on the Brisbane River in Australia, a Landing Ship Tank (LST) off the New Guinea coast, and on the USS Topeka (CL-67), a light cruiser in the South Pacific. After the Japanese surrender, he was on a destroyer patrolling the coast of Japan as part of the occupational forces until being discharged in April 1946. When he returned home, he remained in the reserves and went to electronics school in Chicago on a G.I. bill.
Bob worked for Stitely Radio Electric until he was notified to report for duty to serve in the Korean War in August 1951, where he worked on a supply ship off the shores of Japan and Korea until he was released in November 1951.
After returning to Oskaloosa, he began his 30-year career
with Northwestern Bell, and in March of 1954, he married Pauline Rogers, who he
met while training in Des Moines. They lived in Oskaloosa, were happily married
for 53 years, and had two children, Jack and Carol.
June 2023
Lloyd Keith Phillips
September 1, 1934 - June 18, 2021
The Cold War
United States Army
Loyd was a 1952 West Union High School graduate and then attended Upper Iowa University for two years. He enlisted in the Army in Des Moines on June 15, 1954. Lloyd served in the Signal Corps in Japan. He was discharged on March 14, 1956, and then entered the Iowa Army Reserves.
Upon his return from the Army, Lloyd married Nancy Marie Ross in Mechanicsville, Iowa. Lloyd continued his education at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where he was a 1963 graduate. Lloyd and Nancy made their home in Oskaloosa, where Lloyd opened Phillips Optometry. He retired in 2007.
May 2023
Bobby Dean Adams
April 18, 1929 - January 5, 2019
Korean War
Naval Reserves and U.S.Navy
After his discharge, he returned to Solar Aircraft and worked there until the plant closed in 1959. Living in Indianola at the time, Bob went to work as an agent for Warren County Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1960, he was promoted and transferred to Mahaska County to manage the agency in Oskaloosa. He remained with the company for three years and, in 1963, bought the Gamble’s Store in Oskaloosa. Bob owned and operated Gambles until 1981.
April 2023
Delbert O. Brackney
October 24, 1926 - October 18, 2021
The United States Army Sergeant
After graduating Oskaloosa High School in 1944, Delbert enlisted in the Army on February 2, 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He served in communications until his discharge on November 15, 1946, at Camp Campbell, Kentucky.
He returned to Oskaloosa, and joined his father at Brackney’s Tin Shop. Delbert eventually transitioned his father’s tin business to Brackney Heating and A.C. He owned and operated the shop until his retirement in 1991. After retiring, Delbert became involved in local politics and served as a city councilman from 1992 through 2001.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
March 2023
Arthur S. Rogers
September 14, 1895 – March 4, 1971
World War I
Battery C 55 ARTY Coast Artillery Corp
Arthur S. Rogers, son of Millard and Eva (Myers) Rogers, was born September 14, 1895, in Oskaloosa.
Reprinted from the July 15, 1930 edition of the Oskaloosa Herald.
UNCLE SAM WILL HONOR A.S. ROGERS
Singlehanded defends Bridge Against German Attack, 341 Prisoners.
Twelve long years have passed, but Uncle Sam has not forgotten how Arthur S. Rogers, 1111 First Avenue West, Oskaloosa, then a Private in Company C of the 5th United States Infantry, 2nd Division, singlehanded repulsed an attack of German forces while his regiment flanked the Heinies, captured 341 prisoners, and opened a pontoon bridge across the Marne for an American advance.
Arthur Rogers is to receive a medal of honor at Des Moines at 10:30 a.m., August 1, for his exploit, according to an announcement by the war department Monday. The citation reads: “That on July 7, 1918, at the battle of the Marne, with courage you stayed by your machine gun after the crew had all been killed, you held back a company of Germans with a withering fire so the 5th Infantry could advance on their objective, and by your valor, and courage the 5th Infantry gained their objective and captured 341 prisoners.”
Rogers was the sole survivor of a machine gun crew of seven on the American side of the bridge. He maintained a sweeping fire from an old Lewis gun, driving back each rush of the Germans and holding the bridge against overwhelming odds at a crucial moment in the first major American engagement. Lying prone on the ground, Rogers swept the opposite bank with telling effect, feeding the gun with his feet as he played a deadly fire on the attackers.
Corporal Prow and Private Estes, Lorey, Logsdon, Brosowski, and Larson of the machine gun squad lay dead around him, victims of the German fire. Behind him were the bleeding and dead of the 5th Infantry, caught by the murderous spray of German bullets. “Keep up the fire,” signaled his company commander as officers sought to reform the shattered regiment and launched a flank attack. So effective was Rogers’ gallant stand that the remnants of his outfit not only cleared the bridge but took 341 prisoners.
The bridge had been hastily built at 3 a.m., once destroyed by a German attack, rebuilt by the American engineers, and was again the object of a stubborn German offensive. Then came the American counterattack with its disastrous results. Company C lost heavily and finally retired behind the old chateau, leaving the machine gunners, the lone protectors of the bridge. Sharpshooters and German machine gunners mowed down the American crew with deadly accuracy. Only Rogers remained as the sole defender. His valor is a matter of official war records. The days of fighting that followed were bitter ones for Rogers. A bit of shrapnel tore an ugly wound in his forehead, and scarcely recovered, a German rifle butt in the hands of a Heinie hidden in the undergrowth was rammed into his head.
Arthur returned to Oskaloosa but never fully recovered from the injuries he received at the hand of the German Soldier. At that time, wounded soldiers returned to their communities and were at the mercy of those who would care for them.
Arthur’s valor and sacrifice made the winning WWI possible. Unfortunately it took another World War to defeat facism. Our freedom is always dependent on individual sacrifices.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
February 2023
Dale “Jim” W. Dilley
Aug. 7, 1918 – October 1, 1985
The United States Army Tech 4
Dale “Jim” Dilley entered the Army on May 11, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was assigned to the 1st Special Service Force, an elite group of Americans and Canadians sent to remote Fort William Henry Harrison outside Helena, Montana, to train for extreme combat. Their first combat encounter was at the Aleutian Islands, fighting the Japanese; these combat specialists invaded Italy and Southern France, driving out the German Forces. While fighting in Italy in 1944, Dale was shot in the knee. Their force was given the name “The Devil’s Brigade” by the German troops. Several books, movies, and articles have been written about “The Devil’s Brigade” and its contributions to the victory over fascism. Read more about the contributions of Dilley and his fellow soldiers at https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/. Among many decorations and citations, Jim received a Silver Battle Star, a Bronze Battle Star, a Purple Heart, and posthumously, The Medal of Honor.
Following his discharge on October 31, 1945, Dale returned to Oskaloosa and worked as a milk truck driver for Meadow Gold Milk.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
January 2023
LeRoy Oliverson
January 7, 1924 – October 26, 1988
The United States Air Force
W. LeRoy Oliverson was inducted into the Army on July 13, 1943, and entered on August 3, 1943, at Camp Dodge, Iowa. Sergeant Oliverson served as a cook with the 52nd Bombardment Squadron in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater with the Army Air Corps. Following his discharge on March 1, 1946, LeRoy returned to Oskaloosa and began working as a cook at the El Chapo Night Club above the Wilcox-Garland Furniture Store. But continued in the Air Force Reserves. He was called back to active duty when the Korean Conflict began. LeRoy was reinstated to active duty when the Korean Conflict broke out. He continued to serve in the military until a disability required his discharge on Feb. 9, 1965, after 25 years of military service.
LeRoy returned to Oskaloosa and went to work for his friend, John Muhl, at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Plant.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
December 2022
Garold Franklin Heslinga
March 19, 1917 – October 28, 1996
The United States Army
Sergeant
Garold was a 1941 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and then studied pre-law at William Penn College and George Washington University in Washington D.C. He entered the U.S. Army on March 2, 1943, and spent the first nine months of his service in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) at Michigan State College and studied the Italian language and culture. On August 27, 1944, Garold shipped out for the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre, where he served for over 17 months. He was part of the New Guinea, Leyte, and Mindanao PI campaigns and was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. Upon his discharge, Garold enrolled in Drake University Law School and graduated in 1948. He practiced general law in Oskaloosa for 67 years, retiring in 2015.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
November 2022
Dr. Robert M. Collison, MD
March 19, 1917 – October 28, 1996
The United States Navy - Marines Corp
Lieutenant
Bob Collison was a long-time physician and surgeon in Oskaloosa. He was born in 1917 on a farm near Arcadia, Iowa. He earned a degree in animal science at Iowa State and farmed with his brothers before turning to medicine in 1940.
After war was declared, he accelerated his medical training. He entered the Navy in 1944, serving 21 months as a medical officer and lieutenant attached to the 2nd Marine Division. His regiment was part of the Battle of Okinawa and was in training in Saipan for invasion of Japan when surrender came. His battalion sailed into Nagasaki harbor in the last days of September 1945 to establish and keep order in the Occupation of Japan in post-bomb Nagasaki, Sasebo, and Fukuoka. Medically, Dr. Collison handled combat and emergency medicine for the Marines. As part of the Marines’ demilitarization and order-keeping missions, he also had responsibilities for handling the medical aftermath of the atomic bomb and communicable disease risks among Japanese civilians.
After the war, he trained further in surgery in Cedar Rapids before moving to Oskaloosa in 1947. In the 1960s, he and Sidney Smith, M.D., founded Family Medical Center, growing it into a multiple specialty practice. Dr. Collison was also a successful agribusinessman, partnering with investor John Muhl and tenant farmers, and was a long-time director at Iowa Trust and Savings. He and his wife Margaret Davis Collison, whom he married in 1943 while training in medicine in St. Louis, were the parents of 11 children. He and his family were long-time parishioners of St Mary’s and supporters of civic and educational causes in Oskaloosa and Iowa.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
October 2022
Hubert L. Parker
September 12, 1927 - August 9, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during October is in honor of Hubert L. Parker.
After completing high school, Hubert attended Iowa State University and then returned to help his father on the family farm near Bussey. He was inducted into the Army on August 10, 1951. Of the two years he served, he was stationed in Korea for 16 months and served with the 121st Transportation Truck Company. Upon his discharge on July 10, 1953, he was awarded three Bronze Campaign Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.
Upon his return to Iowa, Hubert returned to farming. When not busy farming, he was a board member for Twin Cedars High School, the State and County Conservation Boards, the Mahaska County Rural Water Board, SIEDA, the Agency on Aging, and the Mahaska County Farm Bureau Board. He was also a Trustee for Jefferson Township, a Mahaska County Supervisor, a member of the American Legion, an avid outdoorsman, and a lifelong supporter of Union Liberty Church.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
September 2022
Garon Laverne Cady
September 12, 1941 - November 11, 2020
The United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during September is in honor of Garon Cady.
After Garon’s education, he entered the Navy on September 22, 1959. He served four years, 37 months in Foreign or Sea service. He was stationed in Gaum for a time and served as a medic, aiding the military and local people. He was discharged from active duty and transferred to the Naval Reserves on September 10, 1963.
Garon returned to Iowa, the Albia area, and soon met and married Alberta Alice Denato on March 27, 1964. They lived in Albia for a brief time before purchasing their farm near Eddyville. Garon truly enjoyed farming and working in the great outdoors; he also used his skills as a pipe fitter at the VA Hospital in Knoxville.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
August 2022
Roger Wayne Broerman
July 13, 1931 - April 18, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during August is in honor of Roger Broerman.
Roger was raised in rural Oskaloosa. After high school, he helped his father on the family farm until he entered the Army on February 14, 1952. Of the two years he served, he spent almost a year of that time in Germany. Upon discharge, he was awarded the Occupational Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Upon his return to Iowa, He married his sweetheart, Shirley
Kapple, on February 14, 1954. They shared 67 years of a loving marriage, a
partnership and passion for farming, mutual priorities of faith and family, and
four children: Mike, Greg, LeeAnn, and David.
He shared his passion for farming by serving on several boards: Farm Service,
Farm Bureau, Mahaska Ruritan, Township Trustee, Nelson Pioneer Farm, and as a
4-H leader.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
July 2022
Donald A. Molyneux
July 17, 1919 - November 3, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Donald A. Molyneux.
Don was raised in rural Mahaska County, near What Cheer. He attended What Cheer High School, graduated at 16, and then enrolled in Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines, IA.
Don was selected in the first draft of the United States Army, for World War II, in 1939. He moved to Fort Knox, KY, to complete his basic training. Don served during World War II with General Patton and General Eisenhower and was stationed in Italy and North Africa from November 1940 to October 1945 in the armored division. Among his numerous Decorations, medals and citations her received the Silver Battle Star, the Bronze Star Medal and three Bronze Service Stars.
Don retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. After an honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves. Don began working for the National Cash Register Company in Racine, WI, as a field representative. He stayed with the company for 40 years.
Don was committed to community service. He served 38 years of exemplary service to the Thiensville, WI community as both Village Trustee and twice as President. Don received numerous awards, which include: Citizen of the Year – 1999, Thiensville-Mequon Town Center Committee Award-2005, United States Senate Recognition for Community Service – 2006, Donald A. Molyneux Park in Thiensville, WI – 2004, Ambassador of Thiensville, WI to Tomisoto, Japan – 2003, and Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors Commendation – 2006. He was also a member of the Thiensville-Mequon Lions Club and The Faith Chapter of the Masons. Don was blessed to fly with his fellow service members and take an Honor Flight on May 2, 2010. It was a 747 Honor Flight from Milwaukee to Washington D.C. In September 2019, Don and LaVerne, his wife, moved to Oskaloosa to be closer to family.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
June 2022
Kenneth Gene Van Hulzen
August 23, 1933 - August 4, 2015
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during June is in honor of Kenneth Van Hulzen.
Ken entered the Army on October 19, 1954, in Oskaloosa. While in the military, he was stationed in Post-WW II Germany for almost 18 months. Upon returning to the states, he was honorably discharged on September 13, 1956, and transferred to the Army Reserves. Ken served an additional six years with the Reserves until his honorable discharge on October 31, 1962.
Ken enrolled at Iowa State University to study agriculture after his 1956 discharge. After two years, he returned to Rose Hill to farm with his father. He farmed on the family farm for ten years before joining his father in the oil business. He expanded the business to include the West End Phillip 66 gas station, the first self-service station in Oskaloosa. He later built a car wash adjacent to the station. He purchased Van Hulzen Oil from his father and expanded the uptown business with the Oskaloosa Service Center, a five-bay automotive repair business.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
April 2022
Garlyn Allen Engelhoven
Jan. 21, 1929 – Oct. 22, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during April is in honor of Garlyn Engelhoven
Garlyn was inducted into the Army on December 15, 1954. He was stationed near Tacoma, Washington, where he served for two years. After his discharge, Garlyn and Irene returned to Iowa for three years and then moved to Colorado, where Samsonite Luggage employed Garlyn. Later, he was hired by the US Postal Service and delivered the Rocky Mountain News at night. Garlyn and Irene lived in Colorado for 20 years before returning to Iowa in 1980. They initially settled on an acreage near Tracy and later moved into Oskaloosa. After returning to Iowa, Garlyn was again hired by the Post Service; he served the post office for 32 years.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
March 2022
March 2022
Daniel Warren Kalbach
December 27, 1939 - November 10, 2021
The United States Navy Reserves
The flag flying over the bandstand during March is in honor of Dan Kalbach.
Dan was serving in the Navy Reserves when he was ordered into active service on June 18, 1964, at San Bernadino, California. Of the 54 months he served, he served 14 months in Vietnam. He was discharged on Dec. 16, 1966, from the USS Dixie.
In 1967, he moved to Oskaloosa to operate the family lumberyard business. He ran the business for many years and then owned and operated ACE Hardware Store. Dan never lost his love of engineering, and when he closed the store, he started working for S&K Racing, a company that produced devices and vehicles for remote control racing. Dan later held several positions with the City of Oskaloosa, including working with the street department and concluding as a building inspector.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
February 2022
Homer C. Ferguson
December 10, 1924 - August 13, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during February is in honor of Homer Ferguson.
Homer started his service in late 1943, serving in the 111th Infantry Regiment. He was trained as a diesel mechanic and was then assigned to the 3607 Andsquance Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company. His service took him to the South Pacific to islands of Saipan, Peleliu group, and Tinian. He had photos of the planes carrying the atomic bombs taking off from Tinian and many photos of the islands during the war. He served as mechanic and bugler during his service, which ended in 1946.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
January 2022
Melvin William Winegar
November 21, 1945 - August 13, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during January is in honor of Melvin Winegar.
Melvin joined the US Army on September 8, 1965 and served as an aircraft mechanic in Vietnam for almost 11 months. After his discharge, August 22, 1967, his love for aviation continued and eventually led to him becoming the manager for the Oskaloosa Municipal Airport, where he served for 25 years. Mel continued with his love for all things mechanical at Pella Corporation, where he worked as a maintenance technician before retiring in 2017.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
December 2021
Richard Lee Bartlow
Feb. 10, 1942 – May 2, 1968
The United States Marine Corps.
The flag flying over the bandstand during December is in honor of Richard Bartlow.
A 1960 graduate of Oskaloosa High School, Richard enlisted in the Marines on October 4, 1960. He had been in Vietnam only a few months when he was killed by hostile rifle fire.
His family included his wife, Sherry (Moore) Bartlow; three children: Tammie Lee, Anthony Lynn, and Tina Louise; his mother, Mrs. Betty Mae Rhodes of Oskaloosa and two sisters, Mrs. John DeCou of Des Moines and Mrs. John Cambra of Sacramento, CA.
His funeral was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 1968, at Powers Funeral Home. He was buried at Forest Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Marine Corps and Oskaloosa Veteran organizations.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
November 2021
Edward Leroy Fynaardt
May 25, 1933 – May 2, 1973
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during November is in honor of Edward Fynaardt.
Ed enlisted in Army on April 15, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa. After his basic training, he was sent for Automotive Maintenance Training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He was then sent to Korea; he worked in vehicle maintenance and served as an ambulance driver for the 17 months he was in Korea for the two years he served. Following his discharge on May 23, 1955, he was released to the Iowa National Guard to complete his eight years of service. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
Upon his return to Iowa, he resumed farming with his father, Eldert Fynaardt. He also raised hogs and cattle and did custom fieldwork for Barnes City Co-Op, applying anhydrous ammonia. Ed never missed a chance to go to farm auctions. He was frequently seen at the surrounding area sale barns, especially in the fall; he looked for calves for his children’s 4-H projects. He loved attending and camping at the local Southern Iowa Fair and the Iowa State Fair. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his children participate in school activities. Ed participated in tractor pulls with his Super M and his 656 International Tractors. Saturday nights were spent with family and neighbors playing cards.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
October 2021
Michael Lee Grim
February 27, 1944 - September 29, 2020
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during October is in honor of Michael Lee Grim.
Mike began Army basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas, in February 1967; and completed his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in helicopter maintenance at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. After a short time at home, Mike left for Vietnam in July 1967. When he arrived in Saigon, he was assigned to a Chinook helicopter company in the First Air Cavalry Division. His destination was Ahn Khe in the central highlands. After about five months, his company moved north to Red Beach on the coast. His company later moved north to Quang Tre Province, where they supported Marines near the border with North Vietnam. Mike served as clerk of maintenance during his time in Vietnam. He returned home in July 1968.
He finished his service commitment in Ft. Carson, Colorado, where his job was fitting Huey helicopters with high-tech armaments in preparation for shipment to Vietnam. He completed his service commitment on Valentine’s Day, 1969.
Mike enjoyed a long career in banking, beginning with Iowa State Bank (Des Moines) and the last 14 years with the Eddyville branch of First Iowa State Bank (Albia).
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
September 2021
Danny Lee Swim
September 26, 1948 - May 14, 2021
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during September is in honor of Danny Lee Swim.
Danny entered the Army on January 21, 1969. He received his basic training and Flight Operations Coordinator education at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Danny was then sent to Vietnam, where he served as a Flight Operations Coordinator. Upon his discharge, August 24, 1970, he was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Danny returned to Oskaloosa after his discharge and soon went to work at Pella Corp, where he worked for 30 years.
Look for his banner on the Oskaloosa City Square near the bandstand.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
August 2021
Marvin D. Rolffs
August 7, 1939 - January 3, 2019
The United States Army and Army Reserves
The flag flying over the bandstand during August is in honor of Marvin Rolffs.
Marvin entered the Army in 1962. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he had six months of training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for Arty Track vehicle maintenance. He was awarded the Sharp Shooter badge for Rifle.
He went on to serve in the Army Reserves in Iowa until his discharge in 1968.
Marvin’s first civilian job was with Louie Anders, and then he and Tom Kelderman opened a garage in 1965. He later opened his own garage, Rolffs Auto Service, operating it for 40 years, retiring in 2012.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
June and July 2021
Dennis Clark Hamilton
May 4, 1946 - January 5, 1968
The United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during June is in honor of Dennis Clark Hamilton of Barnes City.
On January 5, 1968, a team composed of Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, IA; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, PA.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs Jr., of San Antonio, TX; Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher, of Hamden, CT.; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, WA, crewed a UH-1D helicopter that was inserting a patrol into Savannakhet Province, Laos. As the aircraft approached the landing zone, it was struck by enemy ground fire, causing it to nose over and crash. There were no survivors. All attempts to reach the site over the next several days were repulsed by enemy fire. Between 1995 and 2006, numerous U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, all led by the Joint POWMIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted more than five investigations, including interviews with Vietnamese citizens who said they witnessed the crash. Between 2002 and 2006, JPAC led three excavations of the site, recovering remains and other material evidence, including identification tags for Schultz, Hamilton, and Briggs. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons to identify the remains. Dennis's remains were recovered on November 15, 2002, and identified on November 13, 2006.
The group remains of this crew were buried on August 14, 2007, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Dennis is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 33e, Line 49.
Those left to honor his memory were his parents, Charles and Hazel Hamilton of Barnes City; his brother, Rodney Hamilton; and sisters: Joyce Beyer and Sara Hoover.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
May 2021
C. Lee Ademeit
June 21, 1944 – April 10, 2021
The United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during May is in honor of Lee Ademeit.
Lee enlisted in the Navy on August 8, 1962, in Des Moines and was then sent to San Diego, where he entered boot camp and then Radioman School. In June 1963, Lee was transferred to the communication center in Guam. There he served as a radioman, operating a teletype and the Morris Code; it was there that he was granted top-secret clearance. After 1 ½ years in Guam, he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Hornet. During his time aboard the Hornet, he cruised to Seattle, the West Pacific, Vietnam, San Diego, Honolulu, Sasebo Japan, Olongapo Philippines, Hong Kong, the Sea of Japan, and the South China Sea off the Vietnam Coast. He was able to take his R & R in Sidney, Australia, while aboard the Hornet. He returned to Long Beach, California, in March 1966 and was honorably discharged on September 6, 1966.
Following his return to Iowa, he went to work at AT&T in Davenport, Iowa. In 1967, he married Janet Smith and also changed jobs, going to work for Dictaphone Corp. in Davenport. In 1974, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, where Lee served as Branch Service Manager at the company’s Cedar Rapids location. Dictaphone relocated Lee to Des Moines in 1977 and promoted him to Assistant District Service Manager, and they made their home in Indianola. He retired from Dictaphone in April 1995. Lee and Janet returned to the Oskaloosa area, and Lee went to work for Wal-Mart as Department Manager in Electronics. He retired from Wal-Mart in 2006.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
April 2021
Carlos Ryther
March 9, 1933 - August 15, 2020
The United States Marine Corps
The flag flying over the bandstand during April is in honor of Carlos Ryther.
Carlos enlisted in the Marines on January 4, 1952, at St. Louis, Missouri. He did his basic training at Camp Pendleton, California. He served two years of active duty and then eight years in the reserves. Following his discharge, Carlos moved back to Avalon, farmed with his father, and then took a job as a salesperson for Lambert Glove Company in Chillicothe. Later, in 1954, his position with Lamberts took him to Oskaloosa. While living there, he changed jobs and began driving a truck for Oskaloosa Bottling Company. This was the first of many truck-driving jobs that Carlos held over the years. He also drove for DRS, Hy-Vee, and Foodliner. Carlos retired from Foodliner in 2009.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
March 2021
James L. Harsh
March 21, 1923 – November 29, 2020
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during March is in honor of James l. Harsh.
Jim was drafted into the Army on February 23, 1943; he served half of his three years at Camp Pendleton, Virginia, with the 46th Coast Artillery Regiment. He served the remaining half of his service time with the 783rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion as a cook and mess sergeant. Upon his discharge in 1946 and return to Iowa, Jim went to work for Hyde-Vredenburg Supply Store (now Hy-Vee). In 1950, he moved to Oskaloosa, and he accepted a position as a wholesale meat salesman for Swift and Company. In 1956, the coffee shop at the Downing Hotel was available to lease, so Jim accepted the job. He managed the coffee shop until 1964 when he took a job with Oskaloosa Food Products as plant manager. Jim remained in that position until his retirement in 1987 but continued to work for the company part-time until 2002.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
February 2021
Marvin D. Snider
August 10, 1929 - June 21, 2020
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during February is in honor of Marvin Snider.
Marvin enlisted in the army on Sept. 30, 1946, in Fort Crook, Nebraska. He served as a water supply technician in Japan with Battery A of the 1st FA Battalion in Japan after the surrender of the Japanese. He was discharged on July 28, 1948, at Stoneman, California and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.
After he returned to Iowa, he went back to work at Cargill in Washington. Marvin worked at several jobs and farmed until going to work as a mechanic at Buck Walter’s Motors in Washington, Iowa, a career that lasted 29 years. After he retired in 1994, he moved to Nevada, Missouri to be near family. During his time in Nevada, Marvin worked part-time for Wilkinson Pharmacy. He resided there for the next 15 years and moved to Oskaloosa in 2010.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
January 2021
LuVerne Archie Braden
Apr. 24, 1931 – Sept. 30, 2020
United States Marine Corp.
The flag flying over the bandstand during January is in honor of LuVerne Braden.
LuVerne enlisted in the Marines, January 16, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa. He served with the 3rd Marine Reserve District until May 30, 1952. After returning to Oskaloosa, LuVerne served with the Marine Reserves until April 25, 1960.
He worked at Maytag in Newton for eight years before moving to Marion, Iowa, where he worked with Sears & Roebuck Company. He worked at Sears for 17 years and returned to Oskaloosa in 1976. He was then hired by Pella Corp and worked for them another 17 years, retiring in 1993.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
December 2020
Robert Dale Medlin
May 27, 1941 – October 12, 2020
United States Navy.
The flag flying over the bandstand during December is in honor of Robert Medlin.
Bob enlisted in the Navy, August 4, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa. He served on the U.S.S. Parsons ED 949, off the Vietnam coast and was discharged on July 24, 1963. Bob moved to Oskaloosa after returning to Iowa and worked in heavy construction until 1980 when Pella Corp hired him. He worked on the assembly line and made custom windows and doors during his employment for 17 years. He retired in 1997 due to health reasons. Bob was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
November 2020
George A. Turner
July 24, 1922 – Dec. 17, 2011
After completing his education at Albia High School, George enlisted in the Army on February 22, 1943. He served as a medical technician aboard a troopship in the Pacific Theater. He participated in the New Guinea, Central Pacific, Southern Philippines, and Luzon Campaigns. Upon his discharge on October 16, 1945, he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, three Overseas Service Stripes, and four Bronze Service Stars. Upon his return to Oskaloosa, he worked at Clow and later for Oskaloosa Engineering. He retired in 1984.
Duane A. Turner
Jan. 25, 1947 - Jun 8, 2018
Duane graduated with the Oskaloosa High School class of '65 and joined the US Air Force on April 11, 1966. He served mainly at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. After his discharge on February 10, 1970, he stayed in California and worked as a sheet metal journeyman with Local 162; he also served as business manager/president for that organization.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
October 2020
Gregory C. Kime
October 12, 1933 – February 8, 2020
Private First Class - United States Marine Corps
The flag flying over the bandstand during October is in honor of Gregory C. Kime.
Greg Kime was a1940 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 10, 1942. His basic training was at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California. He was deployed to the South Pacific during WWII and served Aukland, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Pearl Habor. He participated in action against the enemy at Bougainville and Guam. He was discharged on January 16, 1945.
Upon his return to Iowa, he joined the Oskaloosa Fire Department and later took up farming and also worked as a part-time mail carrier. In 1955, the family moved to California, and Greg was employed full-time by the U.S. Postal Service in Torrance and Simi Valley. They returned to Fremont in 1979.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
September 2020
Garry L. Bair
December 6, 1940 - May 27, 2019
United States Army Iowa National Guard
The flag flying over the bandstand during September is in honor of Garry Bair.
Garry enlisted in the National Guard on July 16, 1963. He was a member of Second and Third Armed Cavalry Platoon, Troop C, First Squadron, 194th Cavalry, and served as a tank commander. He was discharged on July 15, 1969. While serving in the guard, Garry also served in the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. In May 1968, Garry was honored to be part of the team that delivered military honors for the first Mahaska County resident killed in the Vietnam War, Staff Sergeant Richard Bartlow.
Garry continued working in the heating and air conditioning industry after his discharge, and in 1984, he opened his shop, Garry Bair Heating & Mechanical Inc. Together, Garry and his wife, Georgia, operated the business for 30 years. He was the recipient of numerous Lennox Awards throughout his career and retired in December of 2013.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
August 2020
Danny Ferree
December 19, 1945 - February 17, 2020
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during August is in honor of Danny Ferree.
Danny enlisted in the U.S. Military on August 20, 1968, and served until August 10, 1970. While serving, he worked as a welder in an engineering battalion. Upon his discharge, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, two Overseas Bars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal among several other honors.
After returning from the military, Danny worked as a welder at Pamco for four years and then served as a police officer in Oskaloosa for four years. In 1982, Danny and Dick Crook opened D & D Body Shop. They operated the business until 1985 when he was hired at Vermeer Manufacturing as a welder. He remained at Vermeer's until his retirement in 2010.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
July 2020
Glen Alan Vos
Nov. 21, 1929 – Nov. 11, 2017
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Glen Vos.
After graduation from Oskaloosa High School in 1947 and attending Central and Vennard Colleges, Glen enlisted in the Army National Guard. He retired as a Major and Company Commander in Oskaloosa and Ottumwa after 29 years of service. Glen was united in marriage with Rita Foxall on December 24, 1950. Early on, he worked at John Morrell in Ottumwa and later at the post office in Oskaloosa as the Superintendant of Post Office Operations. He retired from the post office after more than 30 years.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
June 2020
William Woodrow Norton
May 28, 1952 - March 28, 2014
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during June is in honor of Bill Norton.
Bill was inducted into the Army on October 12, 1972 in Des Moines, Iowa. He served most of his obligation in Germany. He was discharged October 10, 1974.
In 1977 Bill married Jeanie Cary. Bill and Jeanie where married for 36 years having 2 children.
In 1988, Bill and his family moved to Oskaloosa. Bill worked for Clow for 3 years then moved to Oskaloosa engineering for a couple of years. Bill enjoyed country living and in 1993 made the move to a country home. Bill liked to garden, hunt and spend time with his children Nathan and Shawna. In 1997 Bill began a career with Vermeer Manufacturing. Bill loved to spend time with family and done lots of grilling or smoking meat for anyone to enjoy.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
May 2020
Clayborn Carriker
June 26, 1924 - April 24, 2019
United States Army Air Force
The flag flying over the bandstand during May is in honor of Clay Carriker.
He was a 1942 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and entered the military with 16 of his classmates on October 13 of that same year.
Clay was in the Army-Air Force and flew 17 combat sorties over German-occupied Europe in a B-24 Liberator, bombing primarily in Germany. Upon his discharge, in October 1945, he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with five Bronze Stars and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
After his military service, Clay put together a logging crew and cut trees in the forests of Washington State. A few years later, he returned to Oskaloosa and opened a filling station in New Sharon, where he sold fuel, service, and used cars. Shortly thereafter, he became the sales/service manager for the Oskaloosa Studebaker dealership owned by Lee and Earl Green. The Greens later purchased the Ford dealership from the Lamberson family. Clay became their sales manager, and eventually, Clay purchased Green’s Ford and built his own new dealership on South 17th Street.
April 2020
Gordon “Tony” Whitlatch
April 4, 1921 - February 4, 2018
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during April is in honor of Gordon “Tony” Whitlatch.
Tony joined the Navy in August 1938 at the age of 17. Tony retired after 20 years of service in May 1958. He served in both the Pacific and European theaters during WWII and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Tennessee during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. During the remainder of his naval career, Tony served on several other ships including the U.S.S. Breckinridge; U.S.S. Tarawa; and the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. During his many tours of duty, Tony circumnavigated the globe twice. In addition to serving his country, Gordon also retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1983.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
March 2020
Henry “Hank” Norton
January 25, 1951 - November 21, 2019
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during March is in honor of Henry “Hank” Norton.
After Hank graduated from Bloomfield High school in 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, June 24 of that year. Hank served on the U.S.S. Durham, which transported troops out of Vietnam; he was part of six of those missions. During his four years of service, he served on foreign soil or at sea for three years, eight months and 18 days. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was discharged on June 15, 1973 and transferred to the Naval Reserves, where he served until April 28th, 1975.
Hank returned to Iowa and worked for Modern Floor Covering, from which he retired in 2017. He was a past member of the American Legion.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
February 2020
Gary Dean DeWitt
April 20, 1952 – December 5, 2019
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during February is in honor of Mess Management Specialist Master Chief Gary Dean DeWitt.
Gary DeWitt was a 1970 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and worked for a brief time at Pella Corp. before he joined the Navy in 1971. He began his active duty, May 11, 1972, when he attended CS “A” school in San Diego, California.
Upon completion of “A” school, he reported for duty at U.S. Naval Communications Station Harold E. Holt (Exmouth, Western Australia) in October 1972. He transferred to Fighter Squadron 211, embarked aboard USS Hancock (CV 19) in December 1974. He was then reassigned to the USS Oriskany (CV 34), Homeported in Alameda, California, from October 1975 to April 1976.
In April 1976, he reported to Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi as the Officer’s Club Manager until April 1978. In May 1978, he transferred to the USS Paul (FF1080) Homeport in Mayport, Florida.
After the USS Paul, he was assigned to the USS Midway (CV 41), where he served from December 1981 to February 1984. He then transferred to the USS Cochrane (DDG 21) and served on board until February 1986. The USS Midway and the USS Cochrane were both homeports out of Yokosuka, Japan.
After his assignments in Yokosuka, Japan he reported to Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, D.C. as the detailer for the Mess Management Specialist until July 1990.
He then served onboard the USS Moosbrugger (DD 980) as the ship’s Command Master Chief from September 1990 to January 1993. He reported aboard the USS Guam (LPH 9) in February 1993, where he served as the ship’s Command Master Chief until the ship’s decommissioning in August 1998. His last assignment was with the TPU Norfolk, Virginia.
Master Chief DeWitt earned both the enlisted surface and aviation warfare specialist designations. He has also been awarded the Navy Commendation Medals with a gold star, the Navy Achievement Medal with a gold star, the Good Conduct Medal with a silver service star, the Navy Expeditionary Medal with a bronze star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with two bronze service stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze service star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Armed Forces Service Medal with a bronze service star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a “V” device, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) and various other campaign and service awards.
After retirement from the Navy, Gary settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his family. He served in the Merchant Marines for five years after his naval career, retiring a second time in 2004.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
January 2020
H. Edgar Grafke, Jr.
December 25, 1932 - April 12, 2019
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during December is in honor of Edgar Grafke Jr.
After earning his B.A. degree in art education from Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, Edgar entered the Navy, June 7, 1955, at the US Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas.
He earned the rank of Yeoman Second Class during his three years of service at the Naval Air Station in Olathe and was awarded the good conduct medal upon his discharged, June 6, 1958.
While teaching art in Kansas City, Edgar earned his master’s degree at Kansas University in 1966. In 1968, Edgar accepted a position teaching art at William Penn College and moved his family to Oskaloosa, Iowa. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also coached tennis and cross country, served as the college’s videographer and faculty sponsor of Alpha Eta Omega Sorority, and helped develop the Jones Collection at William Penn. Ed not only immersed himself in the college but also became an active member of the Oskaloosa community, sharing his gifts and talents as he could: he designed the Mahaska County Flag and the Mahaska County Conservation Board Logo. He served on the Art-on-the Square Committee, the judging of the artists, and for many years demonstrated his pottery skills during the event. After his retirement in 1999, he spent numerous summers mowing Forest Cemetery.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
December 2019
Joe William Beal Sr.
January 19, 1935 – February 6, 2017
United States Air Force
The flag flying over the bandstand during December is in honor of Joe William Beal Sr.
Joe enlisted in the Air Force, February 29, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa. He served as a tail gunner on a B-29 Bomber during the Korean War. On one of his flights, his plane was engaged by the enemy and six of the eleven crew members were killed; Joe was injured by shrapnel in his back during this fight.
Following his discharge, February 24, 1957, he worked for a brief time at Pella Rolscreen, before taking a job as a fireman with the Oskaloosa Fire Department. Joe remained there until 1965 when he was hired as a Deputy State Fire Marshall and later transferred to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (presently known as the Department of Criminal Investigation). November 14, 1979, he was installed as Mahaska County Sheriff, a position he held until his retirement, January 20, 1993. He was a member of the DAV Post #21, VFW Post #2237, American Legion Post #34, the Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge #644, National Sheriff’s Association, Iowa State Sheriff and Deputies Association, and the Air Force Gunners Association. Following his retirement, Joe served as a VA shuttle driver, transporting patients to appointments.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
November 2019
William Dewaine Greenhalgh
July 18, 1937 - August 19, 2019
United States Marine Corps.
The flag flying over the bandstand during November is in honor of Bill Greenhalgh.
Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps, June 20, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, and trained as a Field Artillery Batteryman. Although Bill never served overseas, his wife Mary recalls that his service was during the height of the Cold War. From their house on the base, they could see a constant stream of armored vehicles leaving to be shipped overseas. The men were also told to get their wills updated and their affairs in order. Bill was discharged, April 6, 1959, and awarded a Good Conduct Medal.
Bill and Mary returned to Oskaloosa, and Bill worked at Iowa Valve and then doing carpentry work in the Pella area. In 1960, the family moved to Phoenix, and in 1962, they moved to California; Bill worked in carpentry in both locations. In 1973, they returned to Oskaloosa, and he owned and operated Bill’s Carpentry for fifteen years. He finished his career with Musco working for them from 1988 to 2003.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.
October 2019
Lawrence W. Everett
November 2, 1920, June 28, 2019
United States Army Air Corps.
The flag flying over the bandstand during October is in honor of Lawrence Everett.
A Lacey High School 1938 graduate, Lawrence worked on the farm until beginning a two-year agriculture program at Iowa State College in 1940. While there he was in ROTC. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in September 1942 and was called to active duty February 23, 1943. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and served as a bombardier in a B-24. His crew received their B-24 in July at Hamilton Field (San Francisco). They left California and flew to Omaha, then, having telephoned Lawrence’s parents, circled their farm in Iowa twice, and dropped a note that was later found by a neighbor. They continued to Newfoundland, Iceland, and then on to England. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 458th Bomber Group, 753rd and then 755th Squadron, lead crew. He flew 29 missions and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal with 3 clusters, Air Lead Crew Commendation, and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The DFC was awarded for exceptional performance as Lead Bombardier on many missions over occupied territory and Germany. On one mission he recognized a navigation error of the wing lead bomber and convinced his bomber group commander of the error, resulting in saving that bomber group from intense anti-aircraft fire. Their crew was made the wing lead bomber the following mission, and their squadron dropped 83% of its bombs in a 500 ft. circle on the target. He returned to the U.S. for short assignments after V.E. Day and was inactivated in October 1945. He was promoted to Captain while in the inactive reserves.
Upon returning to Iowa, Lawrence enrolled at Iowa State College in the Farm Operation B.S. program and completed his degree in 1948. He and his new bride, Beverly, then moved to a farm owned by Lawrence’s mother near Lacey. They later moved to a nearby acreage and expanded their operation.
Throughout his lifetime, Lawrence was active with 4-H, the North Mahaska School Board, Lacey Methodist Church Board, Farm Bureau which included being the Mahaska County Farm Bureau President and a director on the State Farm Bureau Board. He also belonged to the Mahaska County Land Fill Commission, Mahaska County Hospital Board of Trustees (23 years), Ruritan, and the Oskaloosa Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link
September 2019
Frederick Owen Bridges
November 12, 1932 - April 26, 2019
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during September is in honor of Fred Bridges.
Following graduation from Lacey Consolidated High School in 1950, Fred entered the Navy Reserve Delayed Training Program. After turning 18, he was sworn into active duty on the 24th of December 1950. Upon finishing basic training and Class A School, he was ordered onboard the carrier, the U.S.S. Saipan CVL-48. In August 1942, the carrier was ordered into the Korean War. He served in that area until May 1954. In 1955, Fred received orders to the Frasron 119 Squadron at Sangley Point, Philippines for a two-year tour. And then he received orders to ATU-206 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL; there he served six months temporary duty with the Blue Angles and also served at Whiting Field, Naval Air Station in NW Florida.
He received orders in 1959 to Heavy Attack Squadron One at N.A.S. Sandford, FL. In 1960, he received Aircrew Flight Training and received his Aircrewman Wings. During the six-year tour with VAH-1, he was deployed on five different carriers including three deployments to the Mediterranean during the Cold War Era, Bay of Pigs in 1961 and, Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. In 1966 he was on board the U.S.S. Independence CVA-62 to Vietnam.
November 1966, he received orders to Naval Air Tech Training Center in Memphis, TN. He taught Class-A School for two years. While in Memphis, he completed two years of mechanical engineering courses off-campus at Memphis State University. In November 1968, he received orders to the super-carrier, the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65, serving as the Aircraft Dept. Maintenance Chief. From March through October 1970, Fred received temporary additional duty at the Naval Air Facility at Chu Lai, South Vietnam, serving as Aircraft Maintenance Chief. In April 1971, Chief Bridges retired with 22 years of Naval Service.
August 2019
Robert R. Lynn
July 11, 1925 - December 26, 2018
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during August is in honor of Bob Lynn.
Bob enlisted in the Navy, April 11, 1943, and was stationed for 33 weeks at Central College in Fayette, MO for his early officer training. He then spent 18 weeks in Memphis, TN where he was in the Naval Air Technical Training Center. Cadet training followed for five weeks at Jacksonville, FL; he was commissioned on April 30, 1946, and discharged May 12, 1946.
Upon returning home, he enrolled at Iowa State College, graduating in 1949. After his graduation from Iowa State, he returned to Oskaloosa and joined the family poultry business. In 1975 the business was sold to ConAgra and Bob developed the business into a poultry sales branch covering seven states, and a refrigerated truck fleet serving 48 states.
Bob was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts and shortly after coming back to Oskaloosa became Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 71. He served in many other capacities with the Boy Scouts, locally and statewide, being recognized with the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service.
He was known for the numerous organizations he participated in for his beloved community. Some of Bob’s work included the Oskaloosa Park Board, Water Board, Future View, Past President of Rotary, Daily Trust Fund and served as the mayor of Oskaloosa from 1982-1985. He was recognized as citizen of the year in 1991. He was also active in community development as part of the Fox Run Development as well as building several small starter homes and renovating the Rock Island Depot.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
July 2018
Otto “Junior” Van Roekel
January 17, 1938 - September 8, 2018
United States Army Reserves
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Junior Van Roekel.
Junior entered into the Army, April 29, 1961, and had 6 months of basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He then returned to Iowa where he served another five years and four months in the Army Reserves.
His first job was with Wake Feed Mill where he worked for several years. He was later hired by Binns and Stevens and worked as a foreman for 26 years. In 1991, he went to work for Oskaloosa Food Products as the transportation supervisor/foreman. He retired from full-time employment in 2012 but continued to work part-time at Osky Foods until a month prior to his death.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
June 2019
Robert Lee Elder
Jan. 27, 1940 – Nov. 26, 2017
United States Navy
The flag flying over the bandstand during June is in honor of Robert Lee Elder.
Robert enlisted in the Air Force Dec. 14, 1962, Omaha, Nebraska. He served as an airplane mechanic and was stationed in the South Pacific. After Robert was discharged December 13, 1968, he worked as a course developer for AT&T and lived in many places around the Midwest including, Emporia, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa and Olathe, Kansas. In 1992, the family moved to Oskaloosa. While in Oskaloosa Robert worked for the Oskaloosa Herald. He also worked as a V.A. Coordinator, Emergency Manager for Mahaska County and as Director for the “We Care” food pantry.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
May 2019
Earl E. Macksey
October 26, 1919 – January 3, 2018
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during May is in honor of Earl Macksey.
Earl Ellis Macksey, son of Thomas Dennis and Lena Belle Tessman Macksey, was born October 26, 1919, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Earl was a 1937 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. March 1, 1942, he began his career with the United States Postal Service. He served exactly one month with the Postal Service before being drafted into the U.S. Army, April 1, 1942. Given his aptitudes, Earl was sent to Bombardier School in Childress, Texas where he graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Group and deployed to the European Theater on August 25, 1944, where he was stationed in Chelveston, England. Earl was dual-rated as both a Bombardier and Navigator of the B-17 heavy bomber often referred to as the “Flying Fortress.” His decorations included the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in aerial combat. He transferred to the Army Air Corp., October 29, 1942, and served in Europe with the 305th Bomb Group and the 364th Bomb Squadron.
January 1, 1945, on his 30th
mission over Germany, while targeting Magdeburg, Germany, in which he was a
bombardier/navigator, his plane, a B-17, was shot down and he was taken
prisoner-of-war. Five of the ten crew members were lost that day. Among them was Oskaloosa native Jay S. Baas,
the Co-Pilot. Jay is interred at
Arlington National Cemetery. Earl was
one of the crewmen able to parachute from the stricken aircraft and was
captured. He was held at Stalag 1, north of Berlin, near Barth, Germany by the
Baltic Sea and held for four months. He revealed that he was treated decently
by the Germans. However, it was found that Earl was given very little food,
suffered physical and emotional abuse, and was living in frigid conditions. But
true to Earl’s nature, he never complained. Following his discharge, Dec. 19,
1945, he stayed in the Army Reserves for a total of 20 years and was discharged
as a Major. Earl also resumed his employment with the Postal Service after his
overseas service. He worked as a clerk at the Oskaloosa Post Office for 39
years and retired in January 1981.
Earl’s sister, Rose, and future wife, Joan Marie Boyle, were roommates at
Marycrest College in Davenport. They would meet in the chapel to pray for
Earl’s release from the P.O.W. camp and Earl’s safety.
While visiting his sister, Rose, at Marycrest, he met his future wife, Joan
Marie Boyle. They married, June 16, 1947, at St. Patrick’s Church in Iowa City.
They were blessed with six children with two sets of twins. Earl was a member
of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the American Legion.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
March 2019
Donald “Dick” Dusenbery
Sept. 14, 1928 – March 13, 2018
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during March is in honor of Donald Dick Dusenbery.
Dick was drafted into the U.S. Army, November 29, 1950. A veteran of combat, he served as a corporal in the 25th Infantry Division 725 Ordnance, in Korea for almost one year. Upon his discharge, August 29, 1952, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal with one Overseas Service Bar.
He returned to Iowa and soon was employed by the Kaser Corporation as a prospector, drilling core holes for rock and sediment samples. Dick worked 40 years for Kaser Corp. traveling the entire state and retired in 1992.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
February 2019
Marvin “Gene” Nunnikhoven
Sept. 12, 1930 – Feb. 27, 2018
United States Army
The flag flying over the bandstand during February is in honor of Marvin Eugene Nunnikhoven.
Gene enlisted in the Army, Nov. 21, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was assigned to Military Police Escort Group Company M. He served overseas in Korea for 17 months of the 23 months that he served. Upon his discharge, October 28, 1953, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the ROK Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Medal with three Bronze Service Stars.
Following his discharge, Gene resumed farming. He farmed west of Oskaloosa until 1987, when he and his wife, Dorothy, moved into Oskaloosa. He was a member of the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post #89 in Pella of over 50 years.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
January 2019
Robert Lee Briney
Sept. 9, 1945 – August 3, 2018
United States Navy
Chief Steel Worker SW3
The flag flying over the bandstand during January is in honor of Robert Lee Briney.
Robert enlisted in the Navy, April 4, 1966, in Oskaloosa. He was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven. As part of the Seabees, of the three years he served, 25 months were at sea or on foreign soil. Upon his discharge, April 15, 1969, he was awarded the Naval Defense Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Service Medal and two Vietnam Service Medals.
Following his discharge, Robert worked in the trucking industry for most of his life. He owned and operated Briney Trucking mainly hauling for Lynn’s Poultry and later for Con-Agra and J.R.R.W. He retired in 2013.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
December 2018
Lester Francis Hull
Dec. 1, 1928 – Apr. 12, 2006
United States Army
Technician 5th Grade
The flag flying over the bandstand during December is in honor of Lester Francis Hull.
Lester was inducted into the Army, January 15, 1951, in Oskaloosa. He served in Korea and Japan for 13 of the 21 months he served. Upon discharge, October 15, 1952, He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, the Japanese Occupation Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Upon his return to Iowa, Lester worked in the New Sharon Post Office for many years. He was a member of the Coffin-Miller American Legion Post #446.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
November 2018
Hugh V. Faulkner
February 28, 1928 – November 4, 2017
United States Army
Private First Class
Hugh grew up on a farm near New Sharon and was a 1945 graduate of Lacey High School. After his first year at Central College, he enlisted in the Army, at age 18. Sept. 12, 1946, Hugh entered the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. After his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was sent to Japan for occupation duty on the island of Kyushu. For almost 13 months, he served in the 19th Infantry Regiment, a Regimental Intelligence Office that was a part of the 24th Division of the U.S. 8th Army. He returned to the states and was granted an honorable discharge on December 29, 1947.
He attended Central College for one more year and then transferred to the University of Iowa. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1951. After graduation, he worked for Banker’s Life (now Principle Life Insurance Company) in Des Moines, Proctor & Gamble, and eventually GM Finance. He started law school at the University of Iowa in 1954. Upon graduation in 1957, with his Juris Doctor Degree, he began working for the Attorney General, Norman Erbe, as an Assistant Attorney General. Soon after, Hugh married Everil Minard in 1958. In 1959, he relocated to Ames to work for the Attorney General at the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he could experience more trial work.
In 1961, he joined the law firm of Bray & McCoy and became a partner in 1962 (the firm later became McCoy, Faulkner, & Broerman). He was appointed Mahaska County Attorney to fill a vacancy in 1961 and then elected two times afterward, serving as County Attorney from 1969 through 1975. He loved practicing law, scarcely missing a day of work until health issues forced him to retire in late 2016.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
October 2018
Dale F. Clayworth
July 18, 1930 – August 26, 2010
United States Army
Military Police
The flag flying over the bandstand during October is in honor of Dale Frederick Clayworth.
Dale grew up on a farm West of Lacey and was a 1948 graduate of Lacey High School. April 17, 1051, Dale entered the U.S. Army in Des Moines. Of the two years he served he spent one year and two months in Korea. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal upon his discharge, April 4, 1953.
Ben began his career in Real Estate with his uncle, Jack Rockwell. He went on to own and operate his own real estate and insurance business for over 40 years in New Sharon.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
September 2018
Benjamin Allen Zugg
May 1, 1947 – April 3, 2018
United States Army and Iowa National Guard
Military Police
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Benjamin Allen Zugg.
Ben grew up in Thornburg and graduated from Tri-County High School in 1965. He was drafted into Army that same year. He served with the military police. Following his discharge in August 1967, Ben continued to service with Iowa National Guard until July of 1972.
Ben began his career with Clow Valve in 1968. He worked in the machine shop as a tool and die maker. Ben served as president for 30 years of the Local Lodge #1498 International Association of Machinist & Aerospace Workers. He also served as secretary/treasurer of the district union.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
August 2018
Roger Dean Stringfellow
March 12, 1920 - July 8, 2005
United States Navy
Motor Machinist Mate First Class
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Roger Dean Stringfellow.
Rodger Stringfellow grew up on the family farm at Rose Hill. He entered the U.S. Navy on October 3, 1942, in Des Moines. He did his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois, attended Motor Machinist Mate School at Navy Pier in Chicago, and then had training at the Diesel Naval Training School in Cleveland. He went to the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia and from there to Algeria.
Rodger Stringfellow was a crew member aboard a 36-foot landing craft (LCVP – Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel or Higgins boat) stationed on an LST (Landing Ship Tank). The landing craft landed assault infantry on invasion days. Stringfellow made first wave landings at Sicily (July 1943), Salerno Italy (September 1943), Anzio Italy (January 1944), and southern France (August 1944). He spent 19 months in the Mediterranean area.
After returning to the U.S. Stringfellow left on an LST that traveled through the Panama Canal, stopped at Seattle, and then went to the Far East. He took part in the Philippines liberation and the Okinawa operation. Immediately after the war ended with Japan, he entered the harbor of Yokohama, Japan and saw the great destruction from aerial bombing. He was thankful for the use of the atomic bombs to end the war with Japan as he felt that the invasion of Japan would have led to staggering American losses, and his group would have been in on the first wave of the invasion. He spent 8 months in the Asiatic theater, returned to the U.S., and was discharged at Minneapolis October 15, 1945.
Rodger Stringfellow earned the European Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, the Asiatic Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
He returned to the family farm at Rose Hill where he farmed until passing away in July 2005.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.July 2018
Robert Lee Elder
Jan. 27, 1940 – Nov. 26, 2017
United States Air Force
A2C E-3
The flag flying over the bandstand during July is in honor of Robert Lee Elder.
A graduated of Shenandoah High School with the class of 1958, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force, Dec. 14, 1962, in Omaha, NE. He was stationed in the South Pacific and at one point had a chance encounter with a cousin who was working on the airplane on which Robert was flying.
After Robert was discharged, Sept. 19, 1966, he worked as a Course Developer for AT&T and lived in many places around the Midwest including, Emporia, Kansas, Des Moines, Iowa and Olathe, Kansas. He went on to earn his Bachelors in General Studies from Drake University and his B.A. in English from Emporia State University. In 1992, his family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa. While in Oskaloosa, Robert worked for the Oskaloosa Herald. He also worked as a V.A. Coordinator, Emergency Manager for Mahaska County and as Director for the “We Care” food pantry.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
June 2018
Leonard Dean Cooper
Jun. 7, 1946 – Oct. 18, 1969
United States Marine Corps Private First Class
The flag flying over the bandstand during June is in honor of Leonard Dean Cooper
Born in Monroe County to Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Cooper, Leonard entered the Marines following his education. He was deployed to Vietnam in August 1969. October 18, 1969, his company was returning from a road building detail in Quang Nam Province when his jeep hit an anti-personnel mind and he was killed. He was survived by his wife, Susan; daughters: Michelle and Mary Jo; and his mother and step-father, Mr. & Mrs. W.R. Whitis.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
May 2018
Abraham Henry Nunnikhoven
Feb. 14, 1926 – Feb. 19, 2018
United States Army Technician 5th Grade
The flag flying over the bandstand during May is in honor of Abraham Henry Nunnikhoven.
Abe was inducted into the Army, April 12, 1945, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He departed for the Pacific Theater October 15, 1945. He served as an automotive mechanic in post-war Japan and returned home on November 13, 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the Victory Medal.
Upon his return to Oskaloosa, Abe resumed farming with his father. He farmed several places in Mahaska County before purchasing his first farm west of Cedar in 1954. He later purchased a farm five miles southeast of Oskaloosa that became known as the home place.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkamfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
April 2018
Lyle Glenn Panno
October 6, 1918 - March 24, 2017
United States Army
Sergeant
The flag flying over the bandstand during April is in honor of Lyle Glenn Panno.
Lyle was inducted into the Army, March 19, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He departed for the Pacific Theater July 8, 1944. He served in the Anti-aircraft Artillery Search Battalion and took part in the battles in the Northern Solomons Islands and Luzon. He was award the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Ribbon, and Asiatic – Pacific Theater Service Ribbon.
Following his discharged, Jan. 27, 1946, Lyle moved to Fargo N.D. where he attended Auto School and later taught there. After leaving the school, Lyle continued working in the auto industry and later worked for a plumbing company in Madelia, MN. Lyle worked construction for a few years and later served ten years with the Minnesota Highway Department. Lyle and Myrna moved to Oskaloosa in 1973 and he went to work at Rollscreen in Pella. Lyle retired Dec. 23, 1983.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com contact Us Link.
March 2018
Jim Lee McDonough
December 20, 1933 - January 18, 2018
United States Navy
Seaman
The flag flying over the bandstand during March is in honor of Jim Lee McDonough.
Jim was inducted into the Navy, March 21, 1956, in Des Moines, Iowa. Of the 19 months he served, he was stationed on an aircraft carrier, the USS Kearsarge for seven months. He was discharged October 17, 1957 and transferred into the Navy Reserves.
Following his discharge, Jim returned to Oskaloosa and became involved in the livestock auction business. He went on to become an owner of Oskaloosa Livestock Auction, Inc. and worked there for 30 years.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
February 2018
Name: Donald D. Dye
Birth and Death Dates: May 20, 1925 – June 8, 2014
Branch of Service: United States Army 109th Infantry Regiment
Highest Rank attained: Private First Class
Donald was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1943 at
Camp Dodge, Iowa. After his training, he
was sent to Europe in September of 1944.
He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and received significant
injuries while overseas. Because his identification
was lost, and he was rescued as a John Doe from the battlefield, he wasn’t
decorated for his sacrifices until later in life. He was discharged from the Camp Carson,
Colorado Hospital Center, June 29, 1945.
He was eventually awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Ribbon,
Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Bronze Star
and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following his discharge, Don returned to Oskaloosa and worked as a tool and die maker and precision machinist at G&L Industries for most of his life; he retired in 1990. Don was honored to be part of an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.in 2009.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
January 2018
LeRoy Wesley
Bone
May 10, 1923 – April 2, 1983
U.S. Army Air Force, 728th Bombardment Squadron
Sergeant
The flag flying over the bandstand during the month of January is in honor of LeRoy Wesley Bone.
Bone was employed at the Rohr Aircraft Company in Chula Vista, California, when he entered the Army Air Force in October 1943. He received training at Buckley Field, Denver, CO; Kingman, AZ; and Lincoln, NE before the combat crew was assembled and trained in Rapid City, SD.
At the age of 21, he arrived in England and was stationed at the 8th Bombardment Station in August 1944. He served as a right waist gunner, took aerial photos with a 7-mm camera, was responsible for maintenance of guns, loading of ammunition, and bombs on Flatbush Floogie, a B-17 Flying Fortress of the 452nd Bombardment Group. Over the next several months, he flew 18 missions and his division was cited by the President for historic England-to-Africa Shuttle bombing of Messerschmitt aircraft factories. Flying in what is considered the toughest theatre of aerial warfare.
He was awarded the Air Medal on November 25, 1944, for “meritorious achievement” while taking part in 8th Air Force bombing attacks on vital German industrial targets and on Nazi military strong points, in support of advances by Allies ground forces. The award states, “The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this Enlisted Man upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”
December 13, 1944, he was award his first Oak Leaf Clusters, again for “meritorious achievements” and again on January 5th he was awarded a second Oak Leaf Cluster, again for “meritorious achievements.”
He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received on December 31, 1944, over Germany and sent to England to recuperate. He returned to the United States, July 16, 1945, and was discharged from O’Reilly General Hospital, Springfield, MO, January 16, 1945.
LeRoy returned to Oskaloosa where he continued to recover from his wounds. When he was able, he began working for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 21. He traveled a territory near Oskaloosa and visited other disabled veterans, helping to insure that they received the care and benefits they deserved. LeRoy also served as President of DAV Chapter 21 for many years. Later in life, he sold cars for Bone and VanZee Motors and for a brief time sold boats for Don Lloyd.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Garland-VanArkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
December 2017
Wendell E. Roach
May 6, 1930 - August 26, 1950
U.S. National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Army
Private, Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment, 7th Battalion
The flag flying over the bandstand during the month of December is in honor of Wendell Eugene Roach.
Pvt. Roach was born in Tracy and spent most of his life in Oskaloosa. He attended Oskaloosa High School and following his education operated a star mail route for Roy Warrick. He served in the National Guard for a year, the Marine Corps for a year and was discharged in February 1950.
Roach enlisted in the Army, May 8, 1950, and left for active duty at Fort Riley, KS where he took basic training. From there he was sent to Camp Stoneman, CA, for overseas shipment. After arriving in Hawaii, Roach attended a service school until he left for Korea on Aug. 12.
He arrived in Korea on Aug. 21 and wrote to his grandparents telling them not to worry. The letter arrived here on August 28 Ð two days after he was killed in action. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Roach and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Ellis.
He was laid to rest in Forest Cemetery, August 29, 1950, with full military honors.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Garland-VanArkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
November 2017
Glen Boughton
March 29, 1932 - January 11, 2016
U.S. Army
Corporal
The flag flying over the bandstand during November is in honor of Glen Melburn Boughton.
After high school, Glen helped his father farm near Lacey, Iowa. He entered the military, July 15, 1952, and was stationed with the Army in Germany working with artillery. After almost 18 months in Germany, he was honorably discharged, June 21, 1954.
Upon his return to Iowa in January 1954, he resumed working with his father on the family farm. In 1968, he moved to the New Sharon area and took a job at the Taintor Co-op Elevator. He also did custom spraying for farmers in the area. Later, Glen became a real estate agent with Century 21. He also worked as a car salesman for Van Zee Motors for a number of years before purchasing the business. He renamed it “The Auto Plaza” and operated it with his son, Paul, until the time of his retirement.
If you are interested in
flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at
Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com
Contact Us link.
October 2017
Name: Ernest Lee Allgood
Birth and Death Dates: 10/12/1933 - 11/04/2016
Branch of Service: U.S. Navy
Highest Rank attained: E-5
The flag flying over the bandstand during the month of October is in honor of Ernest “Red” Allgood.
While at Oskaloosa High School, Ernie worked with plumbing, heating, and mechanical contractors. Soon after graduation in 1952 he enlisted in the Navy. He served for twelve years, from 1952 to 1964. During those years he was assigned to several ships including the USS Missouri, USS Walker, USS Bryce Canyon, USS Northampton and the USS Everal. While in the Navy he served in the boiler room, furthering his knowledge of in heating, plumbing, and mechanical areas.
Ernie resumed his career with H.G. Brown after his return from the Navy and worked for them until 1978. At that time he was hired as a superintendent for L.A. Fulton and Sons Plumbing and Heating Contractors out of Urbandale, Iowa. Ernie traveled around the state to hospitals, schools and other institutions supervising repairs and new construction. He was well thought of by his employers and his co-workers; he knew his trade well and always gave his all to his work. He retired in 1998.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or use the contact us link.