Bakula, Edward C. 1894-1918

BAKULA

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register, Thur., 7 July 1921. North Buena Vista column.

One of the largest funerals ever held here was that of Private Edward Bakula, who was killed in action in France. The remains were sent here for burial. Private Bakula entered the service of his country in September 1917, enlisting from Jones County, Iowa, and has the distinction of being the first Jones County selective serviceman to be killed in action. After participating in several battles in the advance of St. Mihiel, where he fought with the 59 U.S. he met his death on September 14, 1918. His greatest ambition was to see the land for which he fought, victorious. Religious services were held in the Immaculate Conception church, Rev. H. Holthues officiating at requem mass assisted by Rev. G. Clark, and Rev. J. McCaffery, while Rev. Meyers delivered an eloquent sermon. The remains were escorted from his home to the church, and to their final resting place, by an escort of World and Civil War veterans. At the grave military honors were conducted by Dubuque Post of American Legion. Three volleys were fired after which Dubuque Troop Boy Scouts Bugler sounded taps, and the flag draped casket was lowered to its grave. Private Bakula is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bakula, North Buena Vista, Iowa, three brothers and a sister, one sister preceding him to the grave. Out of town attendants at the funeral were: Mrs. Jos. Hummel, Dr. J. L. Brooks and wife, Anton Zach, of Dubuque; Joe Wintaker and son, of Masonville, Iowa; and Private R. Markva, Deroit, Mich.; and Joe. Dean, Clayton.

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Added by S. Ferrall on 2/8/2018:

Former Dubuquer Killed in Action
Private Edward C. Bakula, formerly a resident of this city was killed in action on Sept. 14, according to information receeived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bakula, of North Beuna Vista, from the war department.

Private Bakula was 22 years old and left his home for Camp Dodge early this year He was stationed at the Iowa cantonent for three months when he was transferred to Camp Pike, Ark. In May he was sent overseas and had seen about six weeks service in the trenches when he fell a victim to German bullets. At the time of his death he was a member of Co. H., 59th engineers.

Besides the parents, Private Bakula is survived by three brothers and three sisters. All,, with the exception of one, reside at North Buena Vista.
~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, October 20, 1918, page 7

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Private Bakula Given to Grave
Hero of Battle of St. Mihiel is Given Military Funeral

The body of Private Edward C. Bakula, a member of Company H, 59th Infantry, who was killed in action on St. Mihiel front, September 14, 1918, was placed in the cemetery at Buena Vista, Ia.

The funeral was held from the parental house, in that place, Saturay morning to the Catholic church at 9 o'clock, where a requiem mass was read by the pastor.

The members of the local post of the American Legion had charge of the funeral. The color guards were Fred Schultz, Frank Kennedy and F. McInnerney. In the firing squad were James Fitzgerald, Clarence Weckendors, Leo Ludowissy, Earl Brown, Jake Wick and Joseph Hider. The pallbearers were Edward Fitzgerald, Joseph Kennicker, Andy McCauley, William Thomas, Arthur Mausch and Joseph Leik.

John Moser and Tony Hoffmann, Civil War veterans, were also at the funeral.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Sunday, July 3, 1921, page 10

Notes:

His WWI draft registration (Fold3) gives DOB 2/15/1894, residence as Anamosa, Jones co. Iowa where he was working as a hired man on a farm. Additional information & a photo of Pvt. Bakula can be found in Military records section (WWI Honor Roll) on the Clayton co. IAGenWeb site.

Clayton co. IAGenWeb
 

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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