Homer Farber was born in Correctionville, 3 May 1917, to Henry and Minnie (Gibbs) Farber. They moved to Anthon, Iowa, when he was a baby where he lived the rest of his life in and around Anthon. He worked as a farm hand for different farmers. He loved the farm and that is what he did after the war, he farmed for himself.
Homer has four brothers and six sisters: Leo, Floyd, Lena Zimmerman, Tom, Clarence, Edna Handke, Margaret Handke, Winfred (died in infancy), Mary Lee Krueger, and Mildred Nourse.
Homer served in World War II in the Army, from 25 March 1941 to 29 October 1945. He was sent first to Fort Riley, Kansas, then to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, then to Needles, California, for more training, then returning to Baton Rouge, later to Fort Dix, New Jersey. On 20 August 1944, he was sent overseas on the Queen Mary, and arrived there six days later.
Homer was a half-track driver and wore the expert and combat infantryman badge. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars, two overseas Bars, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a T/Sergeant.
The Battles and Campaign were the Ardennes - Rhineland - Central Europe, also the Battle of the Bulge. Homer didn’t talk about his service much. One thing he said, “the snow was so deep and it was bitter cold. Some of the men froze their feet”. Editor’s note: We know now that was the coldest winter in forty years for that area. Many servicemen lost extremities and some their lives.
After the war ended, he was sent to England, where on 4 October 1945, he sailed for the good old U.S.A. Arrived ten days later, and arrived at his home in Anthon on 18 October. He had to go back to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, in 30 days for his honorable discharge.
Homer married Marjorie Bueoy, 2 September 1947, at the Lutheran Church in Moville. They had one son, Paul, who lives in Peotone, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago. Paul is the Chief of Police there. Paul married Deanna Munson and they have three daughters and one son and five grandchildren. They are Patti, Tracy, Amy and David. The grandchildren are Gracelyn, Emily, Chase, Colby, and Taylor.
At one time, Homer was a member of the American Legion at Anthon.
Homer passed away with cancer, 10 August 1970, Sioux City at old St. Joe Hospital. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Anthon.
Submitted by his wife, Marjorie Farber.
