Russell Steenhoek 1923-1945

STEENHOEK

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/10/2021 at 07:56:07

12 July 1945 - The Anamosa Journal

Memorial service for Russell LaVerne Steenhoek, G.M. 3/C, 21, who was killed in a Naval battle off Okinawa in the south Pacific May 4, 1945, was held Sunday at the Amber Presbyterian church. Rev. C. E. Burdine was in charge of the service, at which the Arthur McCullough post of the American Legion in Anamosa assisted.

Miss Elizabeth Hartman sang, "Over the Stars There is Rest."

Russell, son of William and Anna Herr Steenhoek was born in Jones county Oct. 11, 1923. He graduated from the Anamosa high school with the class of 1940, after which he was employed on the Joe Byerly farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy June 7, 1942.

He took his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval training station after which for some nine months he received advanced gunnery training at Washington, D.C., when he was assigned to the U.S.S. Birmingham and continued with his ship until the time of his death.

His first engagement was in Sicily, June 10, 1943, and he saw action at the following places: Tarawa, Wake, Bougainville, Shortland Sanco Pt.; Luzon, Okinawa, also in the rescue of the carrier Princeton, Philippine sea battles and at Iwo Jima.

June 25, 1938, Russell was baptized and received into membership in the Amber Presbyterian church.

Surviving are his parents and a brother, Richard.