Taps
BILL BRAY, 79, L/394, died March 3, 2004, at his home near Camdenton MO. After his time in the U.S. Army, he returned to Missouri and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri. In 1948, he bought a weekly newspaper and was publisher for seven years before leaving to lead the Missouri Press Association and teach community journalism. He taught journalism classes from 1953 to 1984 and was a leader of the press association for 37 years, retiring in 1989. He was the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, including the James O. Amos Award in 1982, the highest honor presented to a community newspaperman by the National Newspaper Association, the Distinguished Service Medal for Public Service by the National Association of Secretaries of State, the Honor Medal for Distinguished Service to Journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the James C. Kirkpatrick Distinguished Service Award, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Government Information Office's International Communications Service Award. He was a founding member of the Missouri Press-Bar Commission and founding secretary-treasurer of the Missouri Press Foundation in 1984. He was a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Kansas City Press Club, the Advertising Club of St. Louis, the Institute of Newspaper Controllers and Finance Officers, and the Missouri Society of Association Executives. He was among the first inductees in the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame, which is located in the William A. Bray Conference Room of the MPA building in Columbia MO. Survivors include his wife, JoAnne; two children; and six grandchildren.
REX WHITEHEAD, 78, H/394, died Nov. 24, 2003, at his home in Logan UT. He served in the 99th from March 1944 to Jan. 19, 1946. He was a founding member of the 99th Infantry Division MIAs Project, which has recovered the remains of 10 American soldiers missing in action during the Battle of the Bulge. According to his daughter, Robyn, "He liked good friends, good jazz, good books, good Swiss cheese, a good martini, and a good story." He wrote well and often, corresponding with friends, family, and newspapers. He maintained his positive attitude, trademark wit, and wry sense of humor to the end. Survivors include three daughters; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; and hundreds of friends from all walks of life.
VIRGIL C. KENNEDY, 88, 3/395, died March 14, 2004. He was the first draft in Lyman County SD, during World War II, and served more than four years as a cook in the Army. He received several commendations including the Bronze Star. After an honorable discharge he returned to Lyman County where he and his wife, Ella took up cattle ranching on the family ranch north of Vivian. He enjoyed quilting and reading. Survivors include his wife, Ella; three daughters; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
ROBERT "Skeeter" GUZA, C/372, died March 18, 2004, at his home in Richmond VA. He was a partner in S.H. Guza Co., and an active pilot who loved to fly over the Shenandoah area and take photographs. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne, three sons; and eight grandchildren.
HERSHEL STOUT, 84, died April 8, 2004, at Portland OR. He served in the Army in World War II, and moved to Portland in 1945. He was a diesel mechanic for United Truck Lines for 27 years and volunteered for Meals-On-Wheels and Loaves and Fishes. Survivors include his wife, Lucielle; two sons; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
ROBERT STUFFT, 81, D/393, of Ligonier PA, died March 18, 2004. He was a sergeant with D/393 and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was proud to have served with the 99th. He was a member of Waterford United Methodist Church, whre he served as a trustee and for 30 years as the church treasurer. He was a member of the American Legion #267, VFW #734, and the Ligonier Township Sportsmen's Club. He was a baseball coach for the Ligonier East Little League Team. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, and he was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Survivors include his wife, Alice; a son; three daughters; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
GEORGE WILHOIT JR., 78, B/393, of Huntington WV, died April 3, 2004. He was a veteran of World War II and walked across the Remagen Bridge in Germany in March 1945. He later was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He retired after jointly operating Wilhoits Religious Book Store. Survivors include a sister; and nieces and nephews.
WALTER WENGZEN, S/371, of Nanticoke PA, died Nov. 11, 2003. A tough soldier, he was known as "Hardrock" among buddies in the ammunition train of 371st FA Bn.
R.H. "DOC" MOBLEY, G/395, of Crescent OK, died Sept. 7, 2003. He was preceded in death by 11 days by his wife. Survivors include a son; three daughters; and 11 grandchildren.
GEORGE CONNELL, Q/324, of Parachute CO, died March 31, 2004.
KENNETH JUHL, L/393, of Colorado Springs CO, died Nov. 27, 2003.
CLAUDE ABEL, 84, B/394, of Boise ID, died Feb. 25, 2004. As a child, he and his family lived in Lodge Grass MT, where he excelled in athletics. He was the center for the 1935-37 Lodge Grass Indians, a team remembered as one of the finest in Montana history. He also excelled in baseball and was invited to try out for the Chicago Cubs. He was notified on his honeymoon to report to the draft board. He served with the 99th Infantry Division and was among the first to cross the Rhine River at Remagen. While in the Army he became friends with Tim Babcock, with whom he and his wife remained lifelong friends. After the war, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, then accepted a position with the Kaiser-Fraiser Automobile Company in Michigan, California, and Oregon. The first new car he owned was a 1951 Kaiser coupe that he supervised along the assembly line. Nearly 50 years later, he and his wife Pat drove the car from Boise to Portland for a Kaiser-Fraiser convention, where it won three trophies. In 1953, Claude returned to Montana to help Babcock expand a small trucking operation. He then became general manager of Babcock and Lee Trucking and helped guide its growth to become one of the largest trucking operations in Montana. When Babcock became governor of Montana, the company was sold and Claude moved to New Mexico and began work with Arizona Tank Lines. He later moved to Boise where he was managing director of the Idaho Motor Transport Association. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and working in the garden. Survivors include three sons; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
CHARLES F. KING, 81, a master sergeant in the 99th Infantry Division Headquarters, died Feb. 28, 2004, at a hospital near his home in Ambler PA. He was employed in real estate and insurance for more than 50 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member for 65 years, trustee, deacon, and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Ambler. He was a member of the Kiwanis club for more than 50 years, serving as president and secretary for many of those years. He also was a charter member of the Jaycees. He was named Ambler's Citizen of the Year in 1998. Survivors include a son; daughter; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
CAPT. ROBERT G. FOWLER, A/370, died May 20, 1997, at Jacksonville FL. Captain Fowler had been A Battery commander until December 1944. With the distinction as liaison and observation officer with the infantry, he was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars for valor and a high British decoration. In later years he traveled between homes in Jacksonville FL, Quechee VT, and the Florida Keys. He is survived by his wife, Fran Fowler.
ALBERT BRAINARD, 81, B/393, of Warren Center PA, died March 3, 2004. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country during WWII and Korea. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze, and Silver Stars. He was retired from IBM Endicott, after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Warren Center United Methodist Church, Warren Center Fire Department, and actively participated in the Northeast Bradford Memorial Post 6824. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and attending his grandson's baseball game. Survivors include his wife, Minnie; one daughter; one son; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
JAMES W. DEMPSTER, 86, Q/395, of McMinnville TN, died Aug. 16, 2003. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University in 1941, and opened his first law office for six months before accepting a position in the TVA legal department. From there he entered the U.S. Army during World War II. After three and one-half years, he returned to McMinnville to open a law office where he continued to practice until his death. He served as McMinnville city attorney since 1974, and chartered numerous utility districts in the area. He was a member of the Rotary Club, American Legion and VFW posts, local, state, and national bar associations, and a member of Central Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for more than 40 years. He is survived by a daughter and a special friend.
DALE FISHER, C/393, 80, died March 14, 2004, at his residence in St. Francisville LA. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of St. Francisville Lions Club and the American Legion post. Survivors include two daughters; a son; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
FRANCIS MAY, 3/394, of Hamilton OH, died March 23, 2004. The 99th was represented at his funeral services by Harold Lange.
EDWARD RUSINEK, J/099, of South Bend IN, died Jan. 25, 2004. According to his daughter, he was proud of his service to the United States and his membership in the 99th Infantry Division. His wife, Mary, died one week after his death.
ROBERT E. WRIGHT, E/395, died March 1, 2004. After returning to the U.S. from WWII, he went on to serve in the Korean War and then went to law school. He practiced law in Sistersville WV. Survivors include his wife, Emily; and three children.
WOODROW MONN, B/394, died March 2, 2004. He looked forward to reading the Checkerboard.
WILLIAM FLANNERY, 82, D/394, of Philadelphia PA, died Oct. 16, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Anne; two children; and seven grandchildren.
CHARLES DEAKIN, 83, A/924, of Toledo OH, died in December 2003. He was a staff sergeant, training at Camp Van Dorn and Camp Maxey. He was overseas three and one-half years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; one daughter; and a grandson.
L.HINSON GUNNING, 84, B/371, of Enid OK, died Feb. 13, 2004. He served in the Army from 1942-46, attaining the rank of first sergeant. He was an instructor at Enid Business College for 21 years, then worked in the business office of Integris Bass Baptist Hospital, guiding the hospital through the installation of the first computers. He retired in 1985. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed square dancing. He worked at First Baptist Church where he taught a class for the hearing impaired, served as a deacon, and assistant treasurer. He also was a charter member and treasurer of a local mission, Garland Road Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters; and seven grandchildren.
ELLIS NEWTON, 82, Can/394, of East McKeesport PA, died Jan. 5, 2004. He had suffered from poor health and was in and out of the hospital through most of 2003. He was proud of his service with the 99th, from Camp Van Dorn until the Battle of the Bulge, when he was captured and became a POW. He is survived by his wife, Margaret.
KARL KLING, A/924, died Jan. 27, 2003. He is survived by his wife of Elliottsburg PA.
BOBBIE SWEAT, H/393, died Nov. 11, 2003. He was in the motor pool. His wife, Wilma sent a photo of a display at the funeral home that honored him for his service to his country. A scrapbook held photos of Bob, his two brothers, and a sister who also served in World War II. Wilma lives in Owensboro KY.
GARLAND "BUDDY" KETRON, 82, A/924, of Richlands VA, died Nov. 25, 2003, following a lengthy illness. He was a retired miner with Pittston Coal Corporation. Survivors include his wife, Betty; a daughter; three sons; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
JAMES R. WILSON, 81, A/924, died Sept. 18, 2003, at the Sunnyview Nursing Home in Butler PA. He had worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad as a car inspector and on the wreck train. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, American Legion Post 683, VFW Post 7376, Freeport VFW Post 6648, and Tarentum Elks Lodge 644. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
RUDY ZEHNDER, 81, C/395, of Arvada CO, died Jan. 26, 2004, at his daughter's home in Bellvue CO. He was injured in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving a Purple Heart. He worked for the federal government in civil engineering and as a U.S. postal worker. He also was involved in dairy farming and several real estate ventures during his lifetime. Survivors include three daughters; five sons; 16 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
DOMINIC MONCUSO, 1/395, died Sept. 12, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Veronica of Parkesburg PA; three children; and five grandchildren.
ROBERT MIKESELL, H/393, died Feb. 16, 2004, at Punxatawney PA. He shared a foxhole with Sid Salins throughout the Battle of the Bulge. He is survived by his wife, Nell; two sons; and several grandchildren. Salins represented the 99th with a floral spray.
CHARLES WILLIAM JACKSON, 87, Q/MED, of Oak Hill WV, died Jan. 30, 2004. He was part of the group that trained at Camp Van Dorn. He attended several reunions and especially enjoyed the 1984 tour to Belgium and the 40th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. He was a retired coal miner. Survivors include his wife, Louise; a son; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
ARTHUR HALLDIN, 89, S/395, of Indiana PA, died Jan. 22, 2004. His business career included working as a bank credit manager. He entered World War II, serving proudly with the 99th Infantry Division as a Tec/4 and stenographer. He received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. While recuperating in England applied for and received a transfer to Eisenhower's headquarters in Paris, where he remained until he came home. After the war he worked for Indiana Savings & Trust Bank, then founded A.G. Halldin Publishing Company. He formerly printed the Checkerboard.
CHARLES SEEFELDT, 78, F/395, of St. Paul Park MN, died Aug. 3, 2003. He was an employee of the State of Minnesota for 40 years, retiring as personnel director of the Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training in 1992. He also was co-owner of Seefeldt's Gallery, a gift and collectibles store in Roseville MN, from 1979-2000. Survivors include his wife, Edith; two sons; a daughter; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
PHILIP J. BANDI, L/394, of Brockway PA, died Dec. 9, 2003, following a two-year illness.
FRED J. CONNELL, 83, C/393, died Feb. 5, 2003, at his home in Jacksonville FL. He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; and a brother.
ROBERT SINGER, 83, C/924, of Findlay OH, died Dec. 2, 2003. He was a member of DAV #43 and VFW #5645 in Findlay. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a son; a daughter; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
FRANK H. PAULIN, S/370, DIED Sept. 10, 2003.
WILBUR REGISTER, H/393, died in November 2003.
EARL W. STEIN, 81, H/393, of Rector PA, died Dec. 10, 2003. He was a retired carpenter and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. He was an active member and trustee of the Rector United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Marie; son; daughter; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
WILBERT KRESAL, 85, H/394, of Fond du Lac WI, died Jan. 6, 2004. He was employed at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Company for more than 45 years. He was a member of Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, the G&L Oldsters Club, and the Trier-Puddy American Legion Post 75. Survivors include two sons; a grandson; and two great-grandchildren.
EDWARD STARCH of the 99th Recon Troop, died Jan. 7, 2004. He is survived by his wife, June; a son; and two daughters.
PAUL D. MARTIN, 84, A/372, died July 24, 2003, at his home in Carlisle PA. He was in the battery maintenance section. After the war he became a production coordinator for Westinghouse. Survivors include his wife, June; one daughter; and two grandchildren.
GEORGE LEAP, 80, Q/372, of Dublin OH, died July 7, 2003. During the war he was the assistant to the battalion sergeant major.
JOHN ARTLEY, L/394, of Middlebury IN, died Nov. 16, 2003. He was an ex-POW. He is survive by his wife, Esther.
EUGENE C. BLACK, B/395, died Jan. 31, 2003, after a long illness. He had attended several conventions and spoke fondly of seeing old friends and discovering new ones. He was an attorney and juvenile judge for many years in Albany GA. During the war he carried a BAR and was on patrol Dec. 13 when they came under fire from a machine gun and other arms, suffering many casualties. He and others "played dead" for about six hours, then scrambled back to the company area. As a result, he got trench foot and was shipped out to spend several months in recovery. Survivors include two sons; and five grandchildren.
Other deaths
JEAN BYERS, 79, widow of Richard "Dick" Byers, C/371, died March 21, after a short illness. Survivors include a daughter; son; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
LEONA ANDERSON, 78, widow of Albert Anderson K/393, died Nov. 30, 2003. Survivors include two sons; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
