Taps
James Wilkinson, 79, L/395, of Burlington NC, died Aug. 8, 2004. After his discharge from the army, he earned an undergraduate and law degree from Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH, and was a partner at Arter and Hadden in Cleveland. He was a member of numerous professional and community organizations. Survivors include his wife, Meriel; two daughters; a son; and five grandchildren.
Arthur Storm, 80, Q/099, of Tucson AZ, died Aug. 15, 2004. A retired mining engineer, he lived in Australia for 17 years, Argentina for three years, and worked in many other foreign countries. He traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed camping and working with computers. He is survived by his wife, Rita; two sons; a daughter; two stepsons; a stepdaughter; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Innis Bromfield, 92, of Santa Barbara CA, died July 6, 2004. He had a career in publishing and owned a successful San Francisco antique store and art gallery. He was an avid collector of paintings and antiques, was an accomplished painter himself, and loved to travel. Survivors include a sister and several nieces and nephews.
Steve Hawrylak died April 15, 2004, in Pittsburgh PA. He served with Service Battery, 924th FA Bn., and along with 54 other members, was captured Dec. 17, 1944, by Lt. Col. Peiper's spearhead of the 1st German Panzer Division.
Harold P. Mann, 82, 1/394, of Las Vegas NV, died July 16, 2004. He was a staff sergeant in 1st Bn., 394th Infantry, and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and was medically discharged after being awarded the Bronze Star and a presidential citation. He retired from Lockheed Aircraft in 1977, and moved to Las Vegas to be closer to family. In addition to being an avid sportsman, he raised champion Arabian show horses and field trial hunting dogs. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters; two grandsons; and a great-granddaughter.
George A. Leap, Q/372, of Dublin OH, died July 2, 2003. In addition to his military service, he was a 50-year member of Mansfield Lodge #35 F&AM and a member of Sons of the American Revolution. He worked as office manager of Dominion Electric Company and retired as office manager of Ohio Central Credit Union in Columbus OH. He was active in the credit union movement throughout his career and was awarded membership in the Founders Club. He is survived by two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard Gorby, 78, K/395, of East Palestine OH, died Aug. 19, 2003. He was employed for more than 30 years with Homer Laughlin China Company in West Virginia, retiring in 1987. Survivors include a son; two daughters; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Gilbert Stalker, 82, 2/393, died June 2, 2004. He was a member of VFW Post #1167 in South Bend IN., and a 50-year member of Masonic Temple 45 F&AM the 32nd Scottish Rite. He was retired from Michiana Warehouse as a salesman. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; and two sons.
Donald Schafer, 78, died June 8, 2004, in St. Petersburg FL.
Harold B. Wright, C/395, of Fairview Park OH, died suddenly June 21, 2004, in Linz, Germany. He was president of Write Shoes Inc., of Rocky River and Parma OH. Survivors include two sons; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Peter Grencewicz, 82, HQ/371st FA Bn., died and funeral services were held Nov. 24, 2004, in Independence OH. He and his wife, Mildred were regulars at annual conventions until illness made him housebound after the Dearborn convention.
Charles (Chuck) Hilkey, 80, squad leader with C/395, died Oct. 20, 2004. He was in an ASTP unit in John Tarleton College before joining the 99th Division. He later joined the Army Reserve. He was buried with full military honors in Jefferson Barracks (MO) National Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo, and five children.
Joseph Liddick, 82, H/394, of Duncannon PA, died March 14, 2004. He was a retired engineer for the former Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central, Conrail, and Amtrak. An avid hunter, he was a member of the NRA and the Duncannon Sportsman's Club. He also was a private pilot. Survivors include his wife, Doris; two sons; and four grandchildren.
Bob Murrell, T/393, of Fairmont NE, died Sept. 18, 2004. He enjoyed reading the Checkerboard. Survivors include his wife, Joyce.
Alexander Hossack, 82, Can/394, of Bradenton FL, died Oct. 9, 2004. He was captured in 1944 and was a prisoner of war until the end of the war. After returning to the States, he attended school and obtained a degree in mechanical engineering, working in that field until his retirement in 1982. He was an accomplished piper and active running enthusiast, having competed in the Boston Marathon and other marathons around the globe. He also was a scuba diver. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two sons; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Thomas Lister, 88, M/395, died July 31, 2004, in Eastman GA. Born in Ancon Panama Canal Zone, he lived in Dodge County GA for the past 60 years. He was a retired civil service employee of Warner Robins Air Force Base. His wife, Lillie, preceded him in death.
William "Billy" Clark Jr., 81, 1/395, died Feb. 17, 2004, in Fayetteville NC. As a Pfc. he drove trucks for the Army and served in the Rhineland, Ardennes, and central Europe. After WWII, he returned to his family farm in North Carolina and farmed until his retirement. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a daughter; and a granddaughter.
Frank Abraham, 80, Q/099, of Houston TX, died Sept. 30, 2004. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate his brother, a bomber pilot shot down over Austria, from a German prisoner of war camp. He remained in England and attended Trinity College and Cambridge University. After returning to the States he attended the University of Texas, receiving his BBA and LLB degrees. He returned to England and attended Oxford University as an exchange student. He was a founding member of the law firm of Hill, Brown, Kronzer and Abraham. He served as president of Houston Trial Lawyers Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; four children; and three grandchildren.
Martin Shotzberger, 81, B/393, of Elon NC, died Oct. 19, 2004. He trained with the 99th at Camp Van Dorn and Camp Maxey, then was taken as a replacement in South Africa and Italy where he was severely wounded. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Star. He earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in business administration. He earned a Ph.D. in management, marketing, and economics. During his career he provided educational, research, and management development services. He was well-known as a lecturer, writer of professional articles, and consultant in management development. Survivors include his wife, Edith; three children; and grandchildren.
Robert N. Smith, 81, B/393, of Corunna IN, died Sept. 2, 2004. He was owner operator of Bob Smith's Wrecker Service for 35 years and worked for CMW Transport for 10 years. He was a charter member of the Indiana Towing and Wrecker Association and Interstate Towing Association. Survivors include his wife, Ilene; two daughters; a son; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Clarence H. Bultemeier, 88, A/372, of Decatur IN, died Aug. 17, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Irene.
Harry Cook, A/324, of Pineville WV, died Aug. 15, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Lillian.
Robin Strickland, 83, Can/394, of Dawson GA, died June 22, 2004. He was called "Strick" by his Army buddies and friends. He was a sergeant in the 99th and was twice wounded and taken prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Survivors include his wife, Jean; a son; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
The following deaths were reported, but no further information was included.
Griffith Benson of Chillicothe MO, died in January. He was company commander of A/394.
Ralph Snuggs, C/393, died July 22, 2004.
Ralph E. Good, I/394, of Shippensburg PA, died in 2004.
Roy Rutherford, I/394, of Big Stone Gap VA, died in 2004.
Other deaths
Rita Shook, 78, wife of Eugene A. Shook, B/393, died March 20, 2004. They attended many conventions and she was responsible for planning the women's program in Columbus OH, in 1954. Survivors include her husband; three daughters; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
