ENGEL, Kenneth D. 1923-1943

ENGEL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 6/5/2017 at 19:16:30

Reinbeck Sailor Is Found Dead In Florida River

Kenneth Engel, Who Enlisted In Navy In December, 1941, Meets Tragic Death

Kenneth Engel, 19 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Engel of Reinbeck, was found dead in a river in Florida. Kenneth was in the Navy and was in the naval air force stationed at Jacksonville, Florida. Parents of the young man were notified on Friday of the tragedy through the following message received from the commanding Officer of the Jacksonville Naval Air Station:

"Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Kenneth Dale Engel, seaman second class, U.S.N., was found floating in the St. John's river in the vicinity of Shouds Bridge, at or about 7 p.m., April 22, 1943. Kenneth apparently drowned, however an investigation is being conducted. Any arrangement you wish will be made for his burial. Please wire commanding officer, naval hospital, Jacksonville, Fla., whether you desire body interred in navy or national cemetery or sent home. Escort of one person to accompany remains home will be furnished. Commanding officer, naval air station."

The family have received no further information which would help to clear up the tragic death of their son. The parents instructed naval officials at Jacksonville to send the body to their home in Reinbeck and it is expected to arrive there today. Arrangements for the funeral will not be made until after the body arrives.

Kenneth Engel had lived in Reinbeck all of his life. He was a senior in the Reinbeck high school when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December, 1941. He would have been graduated from the Reinbeck school last June if he had continued his schoolwork. Aside from his parents, he is survived by one sister, Dorothy, and one brother, Billy, both of whom are attending the Reinbeck high school.

Later: The body is expected to arrive in Reinbeck Thursday, and funeral services will be held Friday, at 2:30 p.m. at the Congregational church.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 29 April 1943, pg 1