Iowa
Old Press
Mason City Globe-Gazette, January 28, 1944
SACRIFICES NOT IN VAIN, PASTOR SAYS IN TRIBUTE
Kober Speaks at Memorial Service for Pvt. Martin Shinn
“Though His children destroy one another, God is still the Father of mankind and His purposes are sure. The sacrifices of any of His children are never in vain—that we believe,” said Doctor Marvin B. Kober in a message at the First Methodist church Thursday night paying tribute to Pvt. Martin Shinn, 29, who died Nov. 21, 1943, of wounds received in action on the Italian front.
“The mind that grasps the universe is greater than the universe it grasps,” he said, referring to the things mankind does not understand “and a belief in immortality or any great belief becomes meaningful as we need it.”
Speaking of the endless possibilities of life, Doctor Kober said that God has invested a great deal in this universe in human personalities that live on. In this connection he pointed out the value of trust. “Jesus trusted and went to the Cross—this young man trusted and became a casualty.”
“Life is an adventure in permanency,” said Doctor Kober, adding that the thrilling things in life are its uncertainties.. “We struggle to end war and build a new world, though we are not certain we can do it. That makes life thrilling.”
Veterans of the local chapter of the Rainbow Division of World War I, under the direction of O. M. Van Fleet, were in charge of the service. Other service organizations present with their colors were the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary; Veterans of Foreign Wars and their Auxiliary; the Navy Mothers and the Daughters of United Veterans.
Mrs. T. R. Ransom sang “The Ninety and Nine” and “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” with Mrs. Bertha Patchen accompanying.
Relatives present at the service were 2 sisters, Mrs. Harry Dolter, 511 Jackson N.W.; Mrs. Ernie Towen, Hampton; and a brother, George Shinn, Mason City.
Pvt. Shinn was born April 28, 1914, and attended the Mason City schools. He enlisted in the Army on Feb. 5, 1941, and took his first training at Fort Lewis, Wash., later going to Camp Hood, Tex., where he was stationed before leaving for overseas in November, 1942.
[transcribed by L.Z., Dec 2019]