Monday, October 20, 2025

Time Machine Trip to October 1945

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

 

October 3, 1945

The Kaukauna Legion Junior team. Back row: Art Nagel, Pat Flanagan, Ken Dexheimer, Jim Lehman, Phil Haas, Ruchie Vils: front row, Fred Ponschok, Ray Gerow, Bob Berghuis, Martin Maulick, Glen Wilpolt: in front the bat boy Buba Miller and Danny Collins, manager.  

 

Over 2000 fans attending the Kaukauna Clintonville football game here Saturday saw the Ghosts defeat the Truckers 22-0. Kaukauna’s Coach Schuelke’s boys stopped everything their opponents tried. Kilgas and Verhagen ran the ball well and Verhagen’s tosses to Dexheimer resulted in scoring again, and again.   

Seaman Jerome B. Faust is spending a 30-day leave here. Jerome or Moose, as his friends call him, had been overseas since October of 1943. He wears the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon and the American theater of wars campaign ribbon. He will report to the naval armory at Chicago following his leave. 

 

Corp. Irvin Hopfensperger is spending a 34-day furlough at his home in Kaukauna. He entered service in December 1942 and was sent to Europe in October of 1944. He served with the 14th armored division and, wears the ETO Ribbon with two battle stars and the good conduct medal.

 

PVT Raymond Van Stiphout, with the 24th army corps in Korea, has been promoted to technician fifth grade.

 

Private First-Class Paul Kramer was discharged September 27 from the Army. Kramer served overseas for 19 months with the CAC engineers in the European theater of operations. He received ETO ribbon with five battle stars and one arrowhead a citation for driving a truck under fire and a good conduct ribbon.

 

Lieut. Helen Robedeau spent three days’ leave over the weekend with her parents on Dixon Street. Lieut. Robedeau, an Army nurse, is stationed at Perry Jones General Hospital, Battle Creek Michigan. 

 

Mark Rohan, who is quartermaster first-class on a sub chaser, returned home Sunday after being honorably discharged. He was in the Army 3 1/2 years, 2 1/2 years of which he spent in the Pacific area.

 

A memorial mass for Cpl. Robert Le May, who had been missing in action since November 18, 1944, was held Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock at St. Mary's Catholic Church. His wife the former Angela Van Dyke received word last week from the war Department that he is presumed dead.  Cpl. Le May entered service 1942 and served with the 101st airborne glider division and participated in D-Day operations in France.

 

First Lieut. Elroy J. Peters, Kaukauna, has been honorably discharged from the Army Air Force at Sheppard field, Texas after nearly 3 years of service. Lieut. Peters earned the ETO ribbon with four stars the Air medal with five clusters and the Purple Heart medal.

 

The loyal order of the Moose purchased the Hartjes building, 109 E. 3rd St., for a clubhouse. The building is now occupied by Hartjes Electric Company and Looks Drug Store, and it will be several months before the new owners take possession. 

 

Staff Sgt. Norbert J. Vande Yacht was honorably discharged from the Army, September 18 at Camp McCoy. He had been in the service four years and five months, 32 months of which were spent overseas with the fifth Air Force as a mechanic in the South Pacific. His decorations include the Asiatic Pacific ribbon with three battle stars, the American defense medal with one bronze star, the presidential citation and the good conduct ribbon. He will return to his former work at a garage in Hollandtown which his father owns.   

 

Yeoman Third Class Bernice Thon will leave today after spending a 12-day leave, here with relatives and friends. Yeoman Thon is stationed at Washington D.C. where she is employed in library work with the Bureau of aeronautics. 

 

October 5, 1945

 “I'm back on the old job again and like it very much,” said Edwin “Mose” Dougherty, a discharged veteran, when asked about what he was doing now in a recent interview. “Mose” obtained the rank of Master Sgt., was in the Army for four years and eight months when he received an honorable discharge July 1945. While in the infantry, Sgt. Doherty received the Asiatic Pacific ribbon, which contains two campaign stars, good conduct medal, American defense ribbon, Purple Heart, presidential unit citation and the infantry combat badge. When asked what his most interesting experience was overseas, he replied “Deep-sea fishing off the coast of Australia.”

 

Judy Garland takes a breather between scenes and Gloria De Haven is enjoying some beach time at M-G-M.

 

H. S. Cooke, Catherine Street, will observe his 90th birthday anniversary in June and is still leading a very active life. Since his retirement 12 years ago he has been spending most of his time reading and keeping up his property which consists of an entire city block. He came to Kaukauna in 1884 at the age of 28 and worked at the Patten pulp mill. He later was employed at the Outagamie mill until 1934, when he retired. He speaks of the George W. Lawe’s family which was a very prominent family in the early history of Kaukauna. George Lawe plodded Kaukauna’s north side and named the streets after his family members.

 

Willis J. Ranquette, motor machinist mate, third class, is a member of the U.S. Atlantic fleets motor torpedo boat squadron training center, located at Melville, Rhode Island.  He served 16 months in the Pacific area.

 

Ramona McGinnis was elected editor of the 1946 papyrus, Beverly Zwick, assistant editor and Dale Andrews, business manager.

 

“Clear the way! Here comes the ambulance.” This is known as a familiar call especially to those who have been serviced by the city of Kaukauna ambulance. The ambulance has been in service consistently since 1943. 

 

October 10, 1945

St. Mary's school grid team was defeated by the St. John's 11 of Little Chute on the St. John's athletic field Friday by a score of 19-0. The local team was coached by Mark Kalupa.

 

Kaukauna High School grid team scored an easy win over a weak Shawano 11 by a score of 52-0 Saturday afternoon at Shawano. There was no stopping the Kaukauna boys as they built up their chances for another conference championship.  However, there was a casualty during the first part of the third period Connie Hatchel, center, received a leg injury which will keep him out the rest of the season

 

Seaman first class Robert O. Busse and Seaman first class Thomas J. Busse have been honorably discharged under the point system from the Coast Guard and are now home. 

 

Sgt. Leo H. Vandenberg was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries occurred by artillery fire in Italy in 1945.

 

Three local youths who were returning home from the Shawano football game Saturday afternoon were injured in an accident which resulted in the death of the driver, Richard J. Conrad 17. The injured occupants were Melvin Heiting, and Lyle Fink, both 17 of Kaukauna. 

 

Staff Sgt. George Noie received his honorable discharge from Fort Sheridan Illinois after completing four years of service in the Army, two of which were spent overseas and the European theater of operations. He was attached to the 36th infantry Regiment of the third armored division. The former staff Sgt. has been awarded the following decorations, ETO ribbon with five bronze stars, the American defense ribbon, good conduct ribbon, Purple Heart with two clusters, combat infantry badge and the presidential unit citation. Noie was wounded at Normandy in June 1944, in Belgium January 1945 and in Germany March 7, 1945. Pfc. Madelyn Noie arrived home Friday evening from the Marine Corps Air Station at Mojave, Calif. to spend a 15-day furlough here. George and Madelyn are the son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Noie Depot Street.

 

October 12, 1945

Green Bay - Eyes of the Pro football world will be focused on the city Sunday when the twice victorious Packer’s tangle with Cleveland's up-and-coming rams at City Stadium in a game that may well decide the championship of the Western division of the National Football League for the 1945 campaign. Coach E. L. Curly Lambeau is hoping that his Packers can approach their offense brilliance again as they did against the Lions last week when they racked up six touchdowns in a span of nine plays and set a National Football League record. Lambeau will be relying on the ability of a 32-year-old Don Hudson and the sharp passing of Roy McKay who has come into his own this year. 

 

Second Lieut. Myron Belongea has arrived home having received an honorable discharge effective October 18 from the Army air Corps. Lieut. Belongea entered the military in July 1943 after completing high school.

 

His brother Sgt. Jerome Belongea is undergoing processing at Miami Beach Florida and expects to be home soon. He entered service in January 1942 and served 30 months in the Pacific theater. His decorations include the Asiatic theater ribbon, the European theater ribbon and the good conduct medal. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Belongea, Whitney Street.

 

E. H. Trude is the new owner of the Koch Jewelry store on east 2nd Street. Mr. Koch is leaving Kaukauna due to health reasons and moving to the southwest.

 

First Lieut. Verna Rademacher, Army air Corps nurse, who served in Europe, is spending a 45-day leave here with her parents.

 

Lots of eats and football talk as they liked it, meant a happy evening for the members of the Kaukauna high school football squad, Tuesday at Hotel Kaukauna. They were guests of the Kaukauna Lions Club at the 10th annual football banquet sponsored by the club. Walt Kiesling, assistant Packer coach, brought with him to Kaukauna several Packer newcomers. The Kaukauna boys asked about the All-Star game in which the three Packer representatives have played. A discussion about the single wing and T formations and variations of high school, college and professional football followed the speaking session 

 

The third major fire this year Kaukauna occurred Tuesday evening at the Modern Dairy plant on Crooks Avenue which resulted in damage of approximately $3000 according to Harold Link owner. The first fire of the year was January 8 at Krautkramer’s Gamble store on W. 2nd St. and the second major fire occurred August 27 at Breier’s grocery on the north side. 

 

Alois J. Probst received an honorable discharge at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served as a gunner in the military. He was awarded the American theater ribbon, the American defense ribbon and the good conduct ribbon. Probst enlisted in Milwaukee in May 1941.   

Staff Sgt. William Miller received a letter of commendation from Brig. Gen. Herren which states: “When a comrade was wounded in action in France on January 12, 1945, you left your covered position, across snow-covered terrain which was constantly being blanketed by enemy shell fire to lead him to safety. Later you guided an aided men across open terrain under artillery fire to give aid to and successfully evacuate six wounded men. Your actions were an inspiration to the other men in your company, and it is with great pride that I commend you.” Sgt. Miller entered service in February 1943. He wears the ETO ribbon with four battle stars, the combat infantry badge and the good conduct ribbon.

 

Norbert Promer, electricians mate third class, is serving on the USS Richmond in waters off northern Japan. The Richmond, a veteran of three years of North Pacific warfare.

 

The Kaukauna High School football team will go out after their third straight conference win Saturday night when they take on the strong New London Bulldogs at the Kaukauna High School athletic field. Another banner crowd is expected to witness the Kaws in action in the third home game of the season.

 

October 17, 1945

Two Kaukauna men will again set foot on United States soil after more than two years serving in the Pacific theater of operations. Technical fourth grade William J. Steffens and Pfc. William J. Van Dyke basic training together and left the United States in July of 1943 to join 43rd infantry wing victory division in the Solomon Islands. Both men were awarded the bronze arrowhead for participating in the initial assault waves to storm ashore on Luzon Island.

 

Technical Sgt. Steffens was awarded the bronze star, the Asiatic Pacific theater ribbon with three battle stars, combat infantry badge, the good conduct medal and the Philippine liberation ribbon with one bronze star.

Private Van Dyke wears the Asiatic Pacific ribbon with two battle stars, the Philippine liberation ribbon with one bronze star, the combat imagery badge and good conduct medal.

 

Staff Sgt. Robert C. Walker arrived home last week to spend a 45-day furlough with his mother. Sgt. Walker has served for 11 months in the European theater of operation with an infantry unit. He has been in service for 2 1/2 years.

 

Seaman first-class Raymond Van Linn was among the Coast Guardsmen discharged at St. Louis Missouri.

 

T/4 Jerome J. Vosters was one of 154 enlisted men who were given discharges from the Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. 

 

Seaman first-class Glenn R. Ball has served 11 months aboard his ship in the southwestern Pacific. For his part in the Philippines operation, Ball had been awarded the Philippine liberation ribbon with two bronze stars. He has been in the Navy since July 1943. 

 

Thousands of army homing pigeons are now being offered, by direct sale, to civilians currently by the office of surplus property. The pigeons may be purchased by their lots at $25 a lot. They are one to five years of age.

 

October 19, 1945

Roman Berg arrived home on Thursday of last week with an honorable discharge from the Army. The former technical Sgt. served with the quartermasters Corps in the Pacific area.

 

Green Bay - The undefeated Boston Yanks and the Green Bay Packers 1944 champions, will rub elbows Sunday in the National Football League game at State Fair Park, Milwaukee. Pub Manders, the Yanks fullback is one of the best linebackers in the loop and has always performed well against the Packers. The Packers have played before three sellout crowds in a row so far this season and, looks like a bumper crowd Sunday.

 

Sgt. Charles Keough received his discharge August 18 at more than four years in the Army. His decorations include the EOT ribbon with six battle stars, for unit citations, the American defense ribbon and the good conduct medal.

 

John Keough served in the Panama Canal Zone for 3 1/2 years was discharged August 8 at Camp McCoy. He was awarded the pre-Pearl Harbor ribbon, American theater ribbon and the good conduct medal.

First Lieut. Thomas Keough is stationed in Lincoln Nebraska where he has an instructor at the bombard navigator school. He has been in the air Corps for almost 4 years.

  

 Miss Rosemary Haessly, senior, was chosen homecoming queen by the high school students when they met in the activity rooms Monday. 11 girls were nominated by the football squad. The Queen will be crowned this evening after the bonfire when the students adjourn to the football field. Co-captains Francis Liethen and Mark Verhagen will do the honors at the coronation. 

 

Julius J. Martens, Jr., has returned to Kaukauna after being honorably discharged from the Army on October 10 in Mississippi. Mr. Martin's entered service in April 1942 and served for 3 1/2 years with the air Corps and infantry. He obtained the rank of Master Sgt. He will now assume the management of the Julius J Martens dry goods store, founded and operated by his father until the latter's death in December 1944.,

 

October 24, 1945

Climaxing his third letter winning football season is 165-pound, 6 foot, Phil Haas. Phil is a junior this year and has been seen on a Kaukauna gridiron the last three seasons. Not only is he one of the varsity gridmen, but he's also won letters in basketball, boxing and track besides being an honor student. Thus, one can easily see that Phil is one of the most versatile students ever to enter Kaukauna High School. 

 

With 13 members on the honor roll, the senior class led the entire school and scholarship the first six weeks of the school year freshman were second with seven members, followed by the sophomores with four. The juniors placed only two on the list. Seniors with a straight A: Dale Andrews, John Brenzel, Thomas Gerend, Ramona McGinnis, Virginia Smith, Norine Vandenberg and Beverly Zwick.

 

Kaukauna High School is one of three high schools in the state to be entered into the national forensics league this year according to information received by Walter Schmidt debate coach.

 

Tom Bauer, Tobacnoir Street, received his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard at Detroit Michigan. The former Seaman first-class was discharge under the point system. He had been stationed in the Philadelphia Naval yards and attached to the K-9 Corps.  His wife Ph. M3/c Dorothy Bauer, who is stationed in New Jersey, is expected home soon.

                 

            Otto Look                                          Arthur Look

Today marks the formal opening of the new Look Drug Store at E. 2nd St. the quarters having been completely rebuilt after a fire destroyed the entire odd fellows building on the night of December 27, 1944. The store opened for business Monday at the same time losing that portion of the Hartjes building on Third Street which had been using as a temporary quarters. Setting up business in a new location is not new for the Looks Drug Store as this is the sixth location since its founding in 1919 by Otto Look, father of Arthur Look, present owner and manager.

 

Coach Karl Schuelke’s Kaukauna High School eleven left no doubt in anyone's mind as to who had the top team in the Northeastern Wisconsin conference as they easily defeated the Neenah Red rockets 33-0 here Saturday night at the Kaukauna annual homecoming encounter before a crowd of about 4000 fans from Kaukauna and the entire river valley. Mark Verhagen again led Kaukauna peeling off two long touchdown runs for 55 and 84 yards. Jim Giordana shot a touchdown pass to Phil Haas that covered 40 yards and another Kaukauna score, while Dale Kilgas and Dick Brandt scored the other two Kaukauna touchdowns.

 

Ralph J. Vanevenhoven received an honorable discharge at camp McCoy under the point system. The former Staff Sgt. arrived home Monday evening.  Vanevenhoven saw action in Saipan and Okinawa and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He was attached to the 27th infantry division.

Kaukauna starting backfield will face Neenah high here Saturday night in the Kaukauna homecoming game. Phil Haas, Mark Verhagen, Dale Kilgas and Bob Hurst. 

 

October 26, 1945

Sgt. Glen L. Vandehey writes from Japan of his promotion from Sgt. to technical third grade. He is with the 88th signal Battalion and expects to be home to celebrate Christmas.

  

On Navy Day, October 27, Wisconsin citizens again reminded me that their state led the nation in the number of cities and villages honoring the Navy through Navy Day programs for the last three years. About 100,000 families of Wisconsin are Navy families having a member serving in one of the branches of the Navy. The Navy has honored Wisconsin by naming 28 ships after cities, counties and rivers in the state. The battleship USS Wisconsin is scheduled to be on the Pacific coast for display on Navy Day.

 

Sgt. Kenneth C. Hahneman is a member of the 101st Airborne Division stationed in France. At the present time he is with the 3/27 infantry in the radio repair section. He participated in Normandy invasion and the German campaigns and has been awarded the bronze star, the presidential citation and cluster, the good conduct medal and the combat infantry badge. 

 

Coxswain Melvin Verhagen arrived Friday to spend a 30-day leave with his mother before reporting to San Pedro, California where he received an honorable discharge under the point system. He was stationed on the USS South Dakota, Admiral Halsey's flagship. He had been in the Navy for three years and overseas more than two years of that time. Verhagen wears the Asian-Pacific ribbon with seven battle stars and the Pacific liberation ribbon. He was employed at the Kaukauna Times before he entered service.

 

Green Bay – The Packers will make their final home appearance of 1945 season at city Stadium Sunday afternoon when they mix with the Chicago Cardinals in a National Football League game.  Coach Lombardi of the Packers is expected to introduce some new faces against the Cardinals. Ken Snelling, a rip snorting back fielder from UCLA will probably make his bow as a ball carrier along with Russ Mosley from Alabama who was also quite some passer. Ever since 1921 the Chicago Cards and Packers have tangled on the football gridiron and in the contest here Sunday will be the 45th fracas in the pigskin feud.

 

October 31, 1945

A plucky and inspired Menasha eleven put up a stiff battle Friday evening at their homecoming game, holding the Kaws scoreless until the second half. The Ghost smashing ground and aerial attack then netted 34 points to Menasha's 6. Verhagen scored 21 points and ran for 194 yards in the game.

 

Sgt. Herbert E. Wittmann arrived home on Tuesday with an honorable discharge from the army. Sgt. Wittmann had been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, the bronze arrow with five battle stars and the combat infantry badge. He was a member of headquarters Company, third Battalion, 517th paratroop infantry. 

 

Tech. Fifth Grade Jack P. Burton has received an honorable discharge from the Army. He was a member of the 13th armored division, Black Cat, which fought under General Patton in Germany. The Black Cat tankmen captured more than 20,000 German prisoners and liberated 14,000 allied prisoners of war.

 

One of the features of the Menasha-Kaukauna football game Friday night was the appearance of the Kaw Pep band, which made its debut in grand fashion. Though small in number its personnel being only eight members, the boys played snappy renditions of football songs and provided stiff competition for the full-size Menasha band across the field. The pep band was organized last week by the student council and will play at as many out-of-town sports affairs as possible. 

  

Births

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Koch

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. George Boyd

Son to Mr. and Mrs. John Reichel 

Son and Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Beahm

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Siebers

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Landreman

Son to Mr. and Mrs. John Mueller

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Kiffe

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