Byron Daniel BANGS

BANGS, HOFFMAN, WHITMAN, COLE, OLESON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/28/2006 at 14:22:50

The Dows Advocate / Wright County Reporter
September 27, 1945

Byron Daniel Bangs, son of Alonzo A. and Josephine Bangs, was born September 22, 1890, on a farm north of Dows. He was one of a family of six children. He lived in and around Dows all his life, receiving his early education in the rural schools and was graduated from the Dows high school in 1911. After completing his high school course he worked for the J. J. Johnson company. On April 8, 1914 he was married to Perle Hoffman and to this union born five children, Barbara, Eugene, Frank and two children dying in infancy. “By.” as everyone called him, was always interested in civic affairs and held a number of offices at various times in the community. He was considered on of Dows’ most prominent business men, having owned and operated the present restaurant and confectionary for the past 28 years. In 1918 “By.” Was called to serve his country in World War I, entering Camp Pike, Arkansas where he was for five months, his period of training being terminated by the signing of the Armistice on Nov. 11th of that same year. At this particular time his name was placed on the Service Roll of the Dows Presbyterian church and a star placed for him on the Service Flag. When World War II began this same service flag was taken from the box that has preserved if for years, and the stars of World War I dedicated to the boys of World War II, “By’s” service star was dedicated to his own sons, Eugene and Frank, who had also been called to serve their county. He was one of the few married men with children to be called to the colors during those years of war. “By” made a big contribution to the war just past ,having two sons and a son-in-law in active duty in the major battles of Europe. “By” was a member of the local Carnelian lodge No. 425. He was a Royal Arch mason; also a Knight Templar. He was a member of the K of P lodge of Dows.

He is survived by his aged mother of Bellingham, Washington, now 90 years old! His wife Perle, his three children Barbara, now Mrs. Royal Whitman, T/S Eugene Bangs of Rheims, France (probably now on his way home), and S/Sgt. Frank Bangs, Las Vegas; also three brothers, Clifford of Bryn Maur; Washington, Arthur of Seattle, Washington and Roy of Dows; and two sisters, Claire Cole of Bellingham, Washington, and Lela Oleson of Akeley, Minnesota, two grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Barbara and Janice Whitman; also a son-in-law, Royal Whitman, recently discharges from the services for his county, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Eugene Bangs of Lexington, Ky.

“By” was a man of sterling qualities deeply loved by all who knew him. He was a good father and husband, being devoted to his family and his passing will leave a place hard to fill in the hearts of his loved ones and many friends. Burial at Fairview Cemetery. Relatives and friends from out of town attending the funeral were: Mr. And Mrs. Lou Oleson, Akely, Minn.; Mr. And Mrs. Joe Matysek and Joan of Hollandale, Minn., Mr. Lawrence Kemling of Dubuque, Ia., Mrs. Mae Geitz of Spirit Lake, Ia., Mr. And Mrs. Austin Geitz of Spirit Lake, Ia., Mr. And Mrs. John Duns of Marshalltown, Ia., Mr. And Mrs. Dick Nutter of Marshalltown, Ia., Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Kinson of Clarion, Miss Mina Kinson of Omaha, Neb., Mr. And Mrs. Shirley Perry, Mrs. Jess Whitman, Mrs. Tracey Krubson and Mr. And Mrs. W. A. Wright all of Hampton.

CARDS OF THANKS

With deep gratitude we extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends and neighbors, who so thoughtfully extended us every courtesy during our recent bereavement. The profusion of flowers expressed more than any one possibly could say. Our profound thanks to the Legion and a special recognition to the young veterans who took part in the services. It will be an everlasting memory not only to the immediate family but to all who attended the burial.

Mrs. Perle Bangs
Mr. & Mrs. Royal Whitman
T/Sgt. And Mrs. Eugene Bangs
S/Sgt. Frank M. Bangs