Therens, John Died December 7, 1941

THERENS, GENGLER, FOLEY

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/5/2012 at 12:08:23

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa, USA December 19, 1941

Nick Therens of this city received work Tuesday from his brother, Peter Therens, of Stickney, S. D., notifying him of the death of his nephew, John Therens, 22, who was killed in action at Pearl Harbor. The telegram contained no details only that the government notified the youth's parents of his death while in action. When last heard from young Therens was a first class gunner on the U. S. S. California, a flag ship, and since last summer had been at Pearl Harbor.

John was well known in and around Le Mars having done farm work near here the year before his enlistment. He enlisted at Mitchell S. D., a year ago in September and during his ten day: furlough from the Great Lakes training station prior to his going to the Pacific coast he visited friends and relatives here for several days. He is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Therens of Stickney, S.D., his father having lived here quite a number of years ago and was a frequent LeMars visitor. He is survived by his parents and three brothers, Nick, who for the past two years has been employed on a farm near LeMars and two younger brothers, Peter and Edward, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Nick Therens of LeMars are uncle and aunt of the dead youth. Mrs. Elizabeth Foley is a first cousin, the Jack and George Gengler families are also cousins and John Gengler of LeMars is a cousin of the boy's father