Military Monday - Les Parker Bronze Star citation

The following is a transcription of the Bronze Star Medal citation received by Les Parker for actions during World War II. The Bronze Star Medal is the 4th highest individual military award. The "V" device is given solely to denote "participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy."

Les Parker was the brother of my grandfather, Leo Parker.

Sunday's Obituary - Diane Brassfield-Meng

Diane Dawn Brassfield, late 1970s

Toronto - Diane Dawn Brassfield-Meng, age 54, passed away Friday, November 15, 2013 at the Scarborough Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Diane was born at 7:27 AM on April 17, 1959 at McCrary-Rost Hospital in Lake City, Calhoun, Iowa to Elvis and Dorothy Brassfield. She was baptized on June 21, 1959 at Trinity Methodist Church, also in Lake City, by Rev. William H. Green.

She grew up in Lake City, Iowa, moving with her family to the Town of Portland, Dodge County, near Reeseville, Wisconsin in February 1964 and then Jefferson, Wisconsin in February 1972. Diane was confirmed April 29, 1973 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, Jefferson, Wisconsin. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Jefferson in June 1977. After this, she lived in Whitewater, WI, Naperville, IL, Madison, Sun Prairie and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin where she attended college and held various jobs as an administrative assistant.

Diane was married on September 26, 1998 to Philip E. Meng in New Sharon, Maine where they lived for several years before returning to Jefferson and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Diane and Philip were divorced in 2010. Diane moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to live with her friend Dan around that same time period. After several months of illness, she died at the Scarborough Hospital in Toronto on November 15, 2013.

Diane is survived by her mother and three brothers in Wisconsin, her friends in Toronto, Canada and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Elvis J. Brassfield.

She was cremated and her ashes were interred at Union Cemetery, Jefferson, Wisconsin on May 23, 2014. 

Diane was known online as diane1759 and diane.brassfield.1

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Wordless Wednesday - Les and Leo Parker

Les and Leo Parker

This is a photo from World War II of Les Parker and his brother, my grandfather, Leo Parker. Les was in the US Army Infantry, in Europe. Leo was in the USAAF, Pacific Theater as an engine repairman for B-29 bombers.

Military Monday - Les Parker

Logo of the 90th Infantry Division, "Tough 'Ombres", US Army, World War II

Les Parker (1924-2013) was the brother of my Grandfather, Leo Parker (1923-2013). The following is from the World War II Memorial database:

Activity during WWII
Served with the 90th Division, 359th Infantry, company a in Europe. Recipient of the combat infantryman badge, American theater ribbon, 3 bronze battle stars, European-African-Middle Eastern theater ribbon and the Purple Heart. Awarded the Bronze Star for displaying undaunted courage in the face of the enemy upon crossing the Moselle river near Hunting, France on November 11, 1944. Served in Normandy, Germany, Ardennes, France and the battle of the bulge. On March 14, 1945, he was wounded in action at Morshausen, Germany. Hospitalized at Crile Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio for 15 months and honorably discharged on July, 5, 1946.

Sunday's Obituary - Les Parker

Les Parker, World War II

This is the obituary for my Grandfather Leo Parker's brother, Les Parker.

Leslie "Les" A. Parker
Aug 27, 1924 - Nov 17, 2013

Racine- Leslie Alexander Parker, age 89, passed away at his home early Sunday morning, November 17, 2013. Les was born to Lloyd and Norma (nee: Alexander) Parker on August 27, 1924 in Westfield, Wisconsin. He attended local schools and graduated from Westfield High School in 1942. Les entered the U.S. Army on March 23, 1943, took his training with the 78th Infantry Division, and later joined the Texas / Oklahoma “Tough Hombres” 90th Infantry Division. His combat service took him through Normandy, France, Germany, the Ardennes Forest, Luxemburg, the Battle of the Bulge, Belgium and ended in Morshausen, Germany with injuries. Medals received were the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Purple Heart, and various campaign awards. Les was honorably discharged on July 5, 1946 at Springfield, Missouri.

Les married Shirley Mae Muske on June 19, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dakota, Wisconsin. The union was blessed with two children, Sheri and Steven. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 33 ½ years and retired in December 1979. Les and Shirley enjoyed traveling – visited forty-nine states, eight European countries and nine Canadian provinces and territories. With a profound Christian faith, they were members of several congregations over the years where Les served as a church elder, usher and financial secretary. In more recent years, they were proud members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Union Grove. Les and Shirley also delivered “Meals on Wheels” in Janesville and sermon tapes to shut-ins in Sun Prairie.

Les was a member of the Westfield American Legion Post for 26 years; life member of the Disabled American Veterans; life member of the VFW Post 1621 – Janesville; member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees; and member of the 90th Division Association.

Les is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Parker; children, Steve Parker of Roscoe, IL and Sheri Ellis of Harrisville, W.V.; grandchildren, Kelly and Becky; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Natalie; nephews, Paul Parker of Westfield, Peter Parker of Beaver Dam, and Phillip Parker of Pardeeville; niece, Pam Brassfield of Johnson Creek; brother-in-law, Jerry (Dona) Muske of Sun Prairie; friends, Fred and Connie Westrich of Franksville; many other dear relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by his brother, Leo Parker, who died in March of this year.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (2908 S. Colony Avenue in Union Grove) on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Peters officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 12 noon -1 pm. Les will be laid to rest, with military honors, on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 11 am at Eastlawn Cemetery (2200 Milwaukee Rd. in Beloit). Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church – Union Grove “Gift / Trust Fund”.

Shirley would like to thank Dr. Michael Mullane & his staff; Hospice Alliance; and everyone at Home Harbor for their care and compassion. Special thanks also to Pam, Phillip, Paul, Peter, and Fred & Connie for their love and concern.

Courtesy: http://www.draeger-langendorf.com/obituaries/?obitid=267026

Funeral Card Friday - Les Parker

Front and Back

Inside

This is the funeral card for Leslie Alexander Parker, the brother of my grandfather, Leo Parker.

Celebrating 89 Wonderful Years
Leslie Alexander Parker
"Les"
August 27, 1924 - November 17, 2013

Funeral Service
Thursday, November 21, 2013
One O'clock in the Afternoon
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Officiant
Rev. David Peters

Interment with Military Honors
Eastlawn Cemetery in Beloit
Friday, November 22, 2013 at 11:00 am

Treasure Chest Thursday - Ira and Lois Wood in the Civil War

This is a scan of an old photograph that belonged to my grandparents. The hand written caption reads:

Ira Wood and wife Lois Firman Wood
In Hospital at Civil War
She cared for him down in Tennessee

Ira and Lois (Firman) Wood were my 3rd great grandparents. They were the parents of Anna Belle Wood, wife of Valois Parker, who were the parents of Lloyd Ira Wood, the father of my grandfather, Leo Parker.

According to Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865, Ira Wood was drafted November 25, 1863, and he served in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, Company F.

Treasure Chest Thursday - For Sale - Westfield Theatre

This is a scan of the classified ad to sell the Westfield Theatre. It was published in The Central Union, Westfield, Wisconsin, March 10, 1955. I'm not sure what the back story on this is, but my grandparents saved the newspaper from this date and this is the only thing that I could find that was related to the family. Leo Parker was my grandfather and Alma (Polsfuss) Schauer was my great grandmother. My great grandfather, Arnold Schauer, died in September 1954 and was a business man in Westfield, so perhaps it's related to his death.

Wordless Wednesday - Leo Parker Attendance Award

 

This is a certificate for perfect attendance given to my grandfather, Leo Parker. I think it's kind of an interesting piece of history.

Sports Center Saturday - Westfield Football 1938

This is a photo of the Westfield, WI High School Football team, 1938. My grandfather Leo Parker was number 51, in the 2nd row from the back, 3rd person from the left.

Wordless Wednesday - Leo Parker Letter Award for Band

This is a Letter Award for Band for my Grandfather, Leo Parker. I'm told he played the Tuba.

Treasure Chest Thursday - WWI Order of Induction for Lloyd Parker

 

This is an order of induction for my Great Grandfather, Lloyd Ira Parker (1895 - 1961) for World War I. I have transcribed it after the jump. He was apparently drafted by this notice in June 1918, and the War ended in November 1918.

One problem is that this notice conflicts with the Westfield American Legion book, "Service Record: World War I and II Westfield and Community" which states that he enlisted in the US Army Medical Corps on April 17, 1918. Then received training at Fort Riley, Kansas where he was discharged July 3, 1918 as a Private having served 3 months. Perhaps he was aware that he was likely to be drafted and enlisted prior to being drafted and this notice was sent to him even though he was already in the Army. Or perhaps the book has the dates wrong. The truth is likely lost to history.

Memorial Day 2013

The Liberty Memorial at the National WWI museum in Kansas City courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember the sacrifice of soldiers and sailors that died in service to their country. Here is a listing of some of the relatives I would like to remember this Memorial Day.

Sorry, but this is pretty much a re-post of last year since I don't have any additional information on about relatives that died in service to their country. Click read more to see the list...

Sport Center Saturday - 1938-1939 Westfield, WI High School Basketball team

This is a photo of the 1938-1939 Westfield, Wisconsin High School basketball team. My grandpa, Leo Parker is in the back row, 3rd from right, or the first person in uniform on the right. The ball in the middle says "Champs 1938-1939". I understand this to mean they were the champions of their conference, which consisted of other high schools in the area. His 1940 yearbook includes opposing teams listed as: Adams-Friendship, Berlin, Cambria, Montello, Oxford, Pardeeville, Plainfield, Stevens Point Squires, Port Edwards and Wautoma.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Leo Parker Retirement letter

This is a scan of the letter my grandfather, Leo V. Parker, received at the time of his retirement from the United States Postal Service. A transcription is after the jump...

Wedding Wednesday - Leo and June Parker

This is a photo of my grandparents, Leo and June (Schauer) Parker, cutting the cake at their wedding in Westfield, Wisconsin. They were married on December 7, 1946 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Westfield, WI by Rev. E.F. Messerschmidt.

Sports Center Saturday - 1947 Westfield ball club

This is a photograph of the 1947 Westfield, WI baseball club. My grandfather, Leo Parker is in the back row, 2nd from the left.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Leo Parker - Service Award for USPS retirement

This is a scan of a service award that my grandfather received at his retirement from the United States Postal Service. He served as a rural letter carrier in Westfield, Wisconsin until 1990.

Transcription after the jump...

Treasure Chest Thursday - Confirmation certificate of Hulda Schulke-Polsfuss

This is the confirmation certificate of Hulda Schulke (later Polsfuss) (1866-1946), my 2nd great grandmother. She was the mother of Alma (Polsfuss) Schauer, mother of June (Schauer) Parker. It is in very poor condition, but the scan turned out better than I expected. It has a fair amount of moisture damage and (Rev?) Krueger's first name is washed out except for part of the letter E. I suppose it's not bad for being 134 years old. According to my notes, Hulda was born in the Posen state of Prussia, now Poland, in 1866. According to census forms, she entered the US around 1869 and was naturalized in 1876. This document is interesting in that I didn't have a birth day or month for her and my Grandmother, her granddaughter, was also born on June 10th.

The text reads:

Hulda Augusta Schulke geboren den 10ten June 1866 confirmirt den 9ten November 1879 in der St. Paul's Kirche im Newton, Marquette, Wis
Ed Theel
E[rnst?] Krueger

Click read more to see a larger version of the text.

Sunday's Obituary - Leo Parker

This is the obituary of Leo V. Parker, my grandfather. I have omitted living persons for privacy reasons, though it was published by the funeral home in full.

Leo V. Parker of Westfield
September 1, 1923 - March 23, 2013

Leo V. Parker, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and wonderful friend of many went to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 23, 2013. He was born on September 1, 1923 in Westfield, son of the late Lloyd and Norma (Alexander) Parker. Leo proudly served his country in the United States Army-Air Force. He married June J. Schauer on December 7, 1946. Leo worked as a mail carrier for 42 years. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a member of American Legion Post #244 of Westfield for 65 years. Leo was always present for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school and sporting activities. He was an avid Cubs fan.

Survivors include his four children, [living persons omitted]; 11 grandchildren, [living persons omitted]; 17 great grandchildren, [living persons omitted]; one brother, [living person omitted]; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Leo was preceded in death by his wife, June on April 17, 2009.

A funeral service for Leo will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield with Rev. Gary H. Schultz officiating. Interment will be in Westfield East Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #244. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home, Westfield and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran Church or American Legion Post #244. 

Ref: Obituary

Treasure Chest Thursday - 50 year certificate of continuous membership

 

This is a scan of the certificate of continuous membership in the American Legion that was given to my Grandfather, Leo Parker on October 5, 1995 in his 50th year in the American Legion. He was a long time member of the Metz-Mosher American Legion Post 244 in Westfield, WI.

Treasure Chest Thursday - 60 year certificate of continuous membership

This is a scan of the certificate of continuous membership in the American Legion that was given to my Grandfather, Leo Parker on March 15, 2005 in his 60th year in the American Legion. He was a long time member of the Metz-Mosher American Legion Post 244 in Westfield, WI.