Sgt. Marvin LeRoy Geerdes (1922-1945)
O'Brien County Bell, 21 Feb 1945, p. 1
Marvin Geerdes Missing in Action
Telegram Lists Sgt. With February 2 Missing
Ralph J. Geerdes received the following telegram Saturday:
The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son Sergeant Marvin Geerdes has been reported missing in action since two February in Germany. If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified.
J. A. Ulio,
The Adjutant General
St. Marvin Geerdes entered the armed forces in the infantry on the 21 of March 1944. He was sent overseas the first week in September where he was stationed with the 1st army in Belgium and then Germany. Previous to entering the service he was engaged in farming with his father. He had always been prominent in 4-H work and progressive farm measures. His wife Geraldine Lake Geerdes, his parents, three brothers and a sister as well as the whole community of friends await anxiously some word of his welfare.
-----
O'Brien County Bell, 13 Feb. 1946, p 1
Marvin Geerdes Death in Action Declared Official Missing in Action Since February 2, 1945
The War Department has sent notice to the relatives of Marvin Geerdes that, due to the fact that his status of "missing in action" since Feb. 2, 1945, has not changed, he is declared lost in action on the European front.
Geerdes went into the service at Camp Roberts, Calif., March 21, 1944. From there he was sent to Fort Meade on the east coast and left from Boston Harbor for Europe September 7. He arrived at Liverpool, England, September 12, proceeded to Southampton, then across the English Channel to the Normandy Beach. After one week he was sent to a replacement depot at Eupen, Belgium, where he was joined to Co. G., 18th Rg't., the 1st division.
His first action was seen at Aachen, Germany. Then he fought in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and at Langhurst, Germany. Then, his division being relieved by the 9th division, he went back to Belgium for a 10-day rest period. Christmas 1844 was spent there. But this was also the time of German breakthrough and he saw action soon at Belendy, Belgium.
He had by this time risen from the rank of private to corporal in the infantry. During the Roer [sic Ruhr] Valley campaign when his unit was attacking the objective of Scheitert, Germany, he was listed as "missing in action," following roll call after the objective was taken. That was on Feb. 2, 1945.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marvin Geerdes, Primghar; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Geerdes, Primghar; three brothers, John, of Hartley; George, Archer; Ronald, Primghar, and one sister, Mildred, Primghar.
-----
O'Brien County Bell, 15 May, 1946, p 1
Memorial Service Next Sunday
Marvin Geerdes To Be Honored At Service In School House
The memory of Marvin Geerdes, who gave his life in the service of his country on February 2, 1945, in Germany will be honored next Sunday by special services at the high school auditorium. Reverend Eugene V. Holland of the Grace Lutheran church will be in charge. Time of the service will be 3:00 p.m.
Marvin LeRoy Geerdes was born August 14, 1922, at Everly, Iowa. He was baptized December 3, 1922, and confirmed May 15, 1938. He attended Everly and Hartley high schools.
On the 21st day of March 1944 he entered the United States Army. On the ninth day of the following August he was married to Geraldine Lake and sailed for overseas duty September 7. He gave his life on the second day of the following February.
The service will be as follows"
Processional - Prelude, Chopin
Goin' Home - Girls' Glee Club
Scripture Reading and Prayer
Obituary
Recognition of Memorial Gifts
Beautiful Saviour - Solo, Mr. Flaten
Sermon
Placing of Gold Star
Presentation of Flag
Abide With Me - School Quartet
Benediction
Taps
Recessional - Requiem
-----
O'Brien County Bell, 22 May, 1946, p 1
Crowd Attends Memorial Service
Sgt. Marvin Geerdes Honored By Hosts Of Friends Last Sunday
Some 600 people filled the seats at the high school auditorium to do honor to the memory of Sgt. Marvin Geerdes last Sunday afternoon. One hundred and twenty-five of his fellow service men from the army and the navy attended in a body in memory of their comrade who had given his life on foreign soil.
Reverend Eugene Holland, former pastor of the Grace Lutheran church here, drove down from Granite Falls, Minnesota, to deliver the sermon for the occasion. His message, one of comfort and also of inspiration, left an impression on the audience that time will not readily dim.
The service from start to finish was flawless. Much of its impressive value can be attributed to a background of special music under the direction of Professor Flaten. His girls' glee club rendition and his own beautiful solo will live in memory.
Among those mourning the loss of their friend was R. R. Fredericksen of Des Moines, a buddy of Marvin's in the fox holes of Germany. They had been side by side through several battles. He arrived Saturday at the home of Marvin Geerdes' parents and remained over Sunday.
Scores of friends attended from neighboring towns and a list of those from farther away includes: Mr. and Mrs. George Geerdes and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Geerdes from Blue Earth, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. John Geerdes from Sea City, Mr.
and Mrs. John Mullarky and Ralph G. Geerdes from Lakota, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Geerdes of Elmore, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Henry Geerdes from Buffalo Center, Mr.
(continued on Page Five)
[returned microfilm prior to seeing this; did not transcribe p. 5]
-----
O'Brien County Bell, 23 Oct 1946, p 1
Identified
Marvin LeRoy Geerdes
Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Geerdes that the body of their son, Marvin, who was killed in action, has been recovered and identified in Ramschied, Germany. Burial has been made in an American cemetery in Belgium.
Marvin LeRoy Geerdes was born August 14, 1922, at Everly, Ia. On the 21st day of March 1944 he entered the United States Army and sailed for overseas duty on the 9th of September, 1944. He gave his life in the service of his country on February 2, 1945.
Transcribed by Alan Nicholson
