VanderKooi, William 1924-1945

VANDERKOOI

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/27/2013 at 11:02:15

Sioux Center News March 29, 1945

Born: 1-30-1924
Died: 3-6-1945 KIA

Mr. and Mrs. John Vander Kooi of Hull received a telegram Saturday evening from the War Department that their son PFC William Vander Kooi was killed in action in Germany March 6th.

William Vander Kooi was born in Hull, Jan. 30, 1924. He attended the Christian Grammar school and W.C.H from which he graduated in 1941. He then worked for Ralph Kooiker at the machine shop. On April 30, 1943 he was inducted and left for Camp Wolters Texas for infantry training. He was then sent to East Lansing, Mich. college for half a year and took a course in the army specialized training program. From there he went McCoy, Wisc. for infantry training. He had three furloughs the last one was October 1944. He went across in November and arrived in England, Dec. 5th, then to France, Belgium and Luxenbourg. His last letter was written Feb. 19th. He was in the fighting line being 1st scout 76 Div. 417 Infantry. He leaves to mourn his early departure his parents and one sister, Pearl. The family is waiting for further word from the War Department.