Lauck, William J. 1894 – 1918

LAUCK, SCHMIDT, RIMRODT

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/10/2013 at 09:43:57

Source: Elma New Era November 21, 1918, Page 1

WILLIAM J. LAUCK DIED IN FRANCE

Mr. and Mrs. August Lauck received a telegram Thursday announcing that it is officially reported that their son William J. Lauck died in France on November 1. Death was due to spinal meningitis. Thus another Howard county boy made the supreme sacrifice in defense of his country and will be enrolled on the nation’s list of honored heroes. The sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved.

Source: Cresco Times December 5, 1918

SKETCH OF WM. J. LAUCK, A HOWARD COUNTY HERO

Thursday November 21st Mr. and Mrs. August Lauck were saddened by a telegram apprising them of the death of their son Willie, which occurred on November 1st. Memorial services were conducted at the Lutheran church near Maple Leaf November 28th.

William J. Lauck, son of Mr. Aug. Lauck and Cathrine (nee Schmidt) was born near Elma July 30, 1894. On April 4th 1909 he was confirmed at the Lutheran church near Maple Leaf. Under the wise guidance of his parents and the wholesome influence of God’s word he became a man of firm purpose, industrious habits and christian character. Cleanliness, good order, kindness, obedience, love of his church and country were traits of character by which he will be remembered, and on account of which he will be greatly missed. In his earthly calling he had the qualities of a good manager.

Willie was called to the colors July 26th, 1918 and ordered to Camp Gordon, Ga., where he became a member of Co. E. 5th Inf. Rpl. Regt. About six weeks later the forepart of September, we find him on the way to France. On September 30th he wrote that he had arrived in France and was feeling o. k. and promised he would write soon again. However, the lover of home, who had written every day from Camp Gordon, ceased writing all at once. He must have been taken ill soon after September 30, not recovering enough to send a message during his four weeks illness, which ended with death, caused by spinal meningitis, November 1st.

Deceased attained the age of 24 years, 3 months and 1 day. He leaves to mourn, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Lauck, two brothers, Albert and August; four sisters, Mrs. Henry Rimrodt, the Misses Mabel, Elisa and a baby sister, Rosanna Lauck.

Heavenward our pathway tends;
Here on earth we are but strangers
Till our pathway in Canan ends.
Safely passed this world of dangers
Here we but as pilgrims rove,
For our home is there above.

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.

Maple Leaf Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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