VIRCHOW, Robert R 1920-1981

VIRCHOW, ANDERSON, BINGHAM, BOYD

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 6/29/2012 at 13:40:26

Robert R. Virchow
April 11, 1920 – April 5, 1981

#1:

OBITUARY:

ROBERT VIRCHOW DIED IN WATERLOO

Funeral services for a former Osage man, Robert R. Virchow, 60, of Waterloo, were held on April 8, 1981, at the Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church there. Mr. Virchow died on April 5, 1981 at a Waterloo hospital.

Robert R. Virchow was born April 11, 1920, in Osage, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Alma Anderson Virchow. He married Maryls Boyd Bingham on May 26, 19__?? He was a veteran of World War II and was employed for many years at the John Deere Tractor Works.

Surviving are his wife; his mother, Mrs. Alma Clark of Waterloo; one son, Richard Virchow of Gaston, Oregon; one step-son, Bradley Bingham of Waterloo; one daughter, Mrs. David Battin of Portland, Oregon; two step-daughters, Julie and Sheila Bingham, at home; and one grandchild.

Source: Mitchell County Press-News, 15 APR 1981
(Credit: K. Kittleson)
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#2:

NEWS STORY--

FORMER OSAGE MAN, FAMILY, ENJOYING LIFE IN SOUTH SEAS

Osage, Ia. – On the Isle of Canton a flu epidemic has begun, writes Robert Virchow to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Virchow, of Cedar Falls.

Robert, 30, who was born in Osage, and accompanied his parents to Cedar Falls at three years of age, is engrossed in his work, and if it weren’t for baby Donna, now three, probably wouldn’t be contemplating coming back to the States for some time.

As there are no schools on this island, Mr. and Mrs. Virchow will need to return to the States when Donna’s school age materializes.

Canton is one of the Phoenix Islands, a small low-lying coral island, on the direct route from Honolulu to New Zealand.

In 1938, the U.S. and Great Britain entered into joint contract to use the island as an air base and here’s where Bob comes in for he is a mechanic hired by the CAA and when planes come in not only assists in their refueling, but checks safety and makes repairs as well.

Atoll Eight Miles Long
Canton is an atoll eight miles long and four miles wide. Vegetation is stunted, with few coconut groves in the south and some guano.

Polynesians who come from nearby isles, imported for tasks, form the natives, for there is no original native population here. Mrs. Virchow has the help of a native.

Howland Island (which Amelia Earhart failed to reach in her flight from New Guinea) is nearby.

Temperature is constant, varying only a few degrees, even in the winter, as the island is just below the equator. Temperature is about 90 degrees. Sun suits are the definite vogue.

Virchow was graduated from Cedar Falls High School and spent four years with the marines. He spent a short time with the VA checking claims, in the Hawaiian Islands. He then received this position with the CAA and in 1946 went with his wife to this island.

Little Donna was born in the Hawaiian Isles. Transportation is a simple thing for the Virchows, as they have but to express a definite need, and transportation is furnished, as when little Donna had appendicitis and Virchow suffered an ulcerated tooth. Then it was a plane trip to Honolulu, a distance of 2,000 miles.

No Beauty Shops.
There is no doctor, only a dispensary, no dentist, no nurse, no dry goods stores, and probably hardest on the ladies, no beauty shop.
Boats bring in fresh vegetables and fruits from New Zealand, and milk and meat as well, three times a week. They get mail twice a week.
Planes come in twice a week and the inhabitants go to these special events.

The Virchows live in a quonset hut but will be in a new house soon, built by the CAA. Right now there are only three children on the island, but there have been as many as 14 at one time. There is no church but there is now a Sunday school.

Waterloo Courier, Thursday June 20, 1950
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#3:

Robert R. Virchow was born April 11, 1920 in Osage, Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Oscar Richard Virchow and Alma Nellie (Anderson) Virchow.

He died April 5, 1981 and was buried in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, in Cedar Valley, Black Hawk, Iowa.