Memorial services were held Sunday, August 5 [1945] in the Trinity Evangelical and Reformed church here in Hartley for Corp. Virgil L. Krager, who lost his life in the service of his country August 4, 1944 somewhere in Germany.
The services were conducted by Rev, B.H. Romanowski. The American flag was presented to Mrs. Theodore Krager of Spencer, mother of Corporal Krager, in the name of the United States government by Commander Wayne Earll and Chaplain Hobart Putnam of the local American Legion post.
"God Will Take Care of You" and "Rock of Ages" were sung by the quartet consisting of Mrs. Alfred Kruse, Miss Emma Fischer, Clarence Olhausen and Lyle Shinkle, with Mrs. Gobel Graves as accompanist.
The United States Service Women, American Legion, several servicemen home on leave and the Legion Auxiliary attended the services in a body in tribute to Corp Krager.
Corporal Virgil Leslie Krager was born in Ida County, Iowa, February 1, 1917. the son of Theodore and Minnie Krager. At the age of one year, he moved with his parents to O'Brien county where he received his education. At his death Corporal Krager was 28 years, 6 months and 3 days of age.
Before entering the services of his country, Virgil was employed on the John Rochell farm for 4 years. He enlisted in the army December 3, 1941 and left Hartley with a group of other boys at the time . He went first to Des Moines and later to Camp Wolters and Camp Bowie, Texas. The latter part of August, 1942, he went overseas and was first stationed in Iceland where he received 18 months more training as a tank driver. From Iceland he was transferred to England, and on June 6th, 1944, took active part in the invasion of France. He fought through France and Belgium.
On September 3, 1944, his parents received a telegram for the War department stating that Virgil was "missing in action He was considered "missing" for eight months. Then on April 6. 1945. his parents were notified by the German government through the international Red Cross that Virgil had died of wounds received in action and the date of death was given as August 4, 1944, the place, a German hospital. Virgil never had a furlough after entering the service.
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Krager, parents of Virgil have received the Purple Heart and the Presidential Citation for Gallantry in Action awarded Virgil posthumously.
Virgil was a happy cheerful boy and was well liked by all who knew him. He was a precious son and brother in his home and leaves to mourn besides his parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers. They are Mrs. Elsie Meyers of Moneta, Mrs. Esther Crosser of Spencer, Mrs. ELfay Mathiesen, Everly, Mrs. Ferel Tischer, Royal, Miss Eunice Krager, at home; and Gus of Hartley, and Edwin of Moneta. Additional relatives are two sister-in-law, four brothers-in-law, eight nieces, four nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
From The Hartley Sentinel August 9, 1945