Mazeppa Area Historical Happenings
​Compiled by Helen Reiland and Mike Holtorf
The Mazeppa Journal, Phillip’s Publishing
January 26, 1945
In the Service
Vincent J. Clemens, 18, Mazeppa, Minnesota, joined the United State Maritime Service Wednesday at the regional enrolling office in room 110, Federal Court House, Minneapolis 1, Minn.
Pvt. Clarence Schafer left last Wednesday for Fort Meade, Md. after spending a furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hub Schafer.
Bliss E. Reeve, CM. 2/c son of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Reeve, is a member of Squadron 10, a service group commanded by Commodore Worral R. Carter, U.S.N., which was recently commended for its part in servicing ships of the U.S. Navy far out in the forward area.
Snow-covered ground and “January thaw” temperatures looked pretty good to Motor Machinist’s Mate 3/c Bernard Heaney, who arrived here Monday evening to spend 30 days on delayed orders with his mother, Mrs. Helen Heaney and brother Tommy. During the past 12 months Bernard has service aboard an LST (landing ship, tanks) in England, Normandy, Northern France, North Africa, Italy, Southern France, the Riviera and Corsica. Naturally during that time he picked up many interesting souvenirs that were of great interest to his friends here. The most spectacular was a Nazi flag, which he obtained in southern France. The flag, which is now on display at Almeter’s garage for all who are interested in seeing it, is fashioned from a beautiful fabric. Back ground of the flag is red, with the swastika in black and white in the center. He also brought back a Turkish fez from Oran and many other articles.
During his year’s absence, he saw Norbert Sand in England, his brother Donald, and just missed seeing Walter Behm in Italy. He participated in both the Normandy and Southern France invasions and found the latter the worst for his outfit. At the end of his stay here he will report to Norfolk, Va.
Local News
Mrs. Kenneth Blood and daughter Paulette of Houston, Texas are expected here Tuesday. They will make their home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Almeter. Lt. Blood is serving with Army Air Forces.
Miss Audrey Lother of Zumbrota spent from Wednesday until Sunday with Miss Gladys Ehlers.
Mrs. Emil Kuehl and Norman visited Emil Kuehl at the Red Wing Hospital. Emil underwent surgery Tuesday at the hospital.
Weddings
Miss Mary L. Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Murray of Pine Island, became the bride of Private Allen Siems, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Siems of Mazeppa. The newlyweds left on a brief honeymoon, after which Private Siems will return to Fort Ord, Cal., where he is stationed with the army and the bride will remain here.
Miss Willa Barghusen of Rochester became the bride of Donald Gruhlke of Mazeppa at the Lincoln church near Zumbro Falls January 20th. The gift of the groom to the bride was a rose set bracelet. The gift of the bride to the maid of honor was a set pin. After a short wedding trip the couple will make their home at Mazeppa. The groom is a graduate of Mazeppa High 1939 and the bride of Red Wing High, 1940.
February 2, 1945
In the Service
     LOCAL MAN’S REGIMENT TAKES 3000 FOOT PEAK IN ITALY. WITH THE FIFTH ARMY, Italy, Otis Ondler is a member of the 337th “Wolverine” regiment which recently took 3000 foot Mount Pratone in the Gothic Line, digging German soldiers out of elaborate concrete pillboxes and earth works on its forested slopes. The 337th Infantry Regiment is the 85th “Custer” Division, part of the Fifth Army in Italy.
       FORMER MAZEPPA YOUTH DIES IN BATTLE: Private Ralph Nehring, 19 year-old former Mazeppa youth was killed in action in France January 9. Private Nehring, son of George Nehring of Pine Island, entered the service in December, 1943, and was sent overseas last November.
Anthony Perrotte has received an honorable discharge from the army for reason of health.
T/5 Vincent Tri left for Fort Snelling Wednesday, after having spent a 30 day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Tri. He was granted a furlough after having served for two years and 11 months in the Pacific.
Mrs. Maude Redding has received word that her son Sgt. James Redding has been wounded in action. James is a paratrooper and has been serving in the European theatre.
Mrs. Reider Tommeraas received word Wednesday from the Adjutant General that the International Red Cross states her husband; Tech. Sgt. Reider J. Tommeraas is a prisoner of the German Government.
    To Report at Fort Snelling February 2, 1945 for physical: Donald N. Majerus, Raymond S. Schober, Milford E. Klindworth, Clarence H. Mehrkens, and Harold W. Von Bargen- Mazeppa and Wilmer Luhmann, Leonard J. Marquette, Harold Wiebusch- Zumbro Falls.
Mazeppa Livewires 4-H Club
     Arnold Poncelet gave a talk on the selection and care of a beef or dairy calf. Vernetta Smith gave a good preparation demonstration.