Memorial Service for John P. Kolling Is Held at Jewell
A memorial service for John P. Kolling was held at Bethesda Lutheran church in Jewell Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27. John lost his life in a German prison camp shortly before the end of the war with Germany.
The memorial sermon was preached by the Rev. Gaylord Falde, and E. J. Mott presented the flag to John’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kolling, on behalf of Hawkeye American Legion post. Many gifts in John’s memory were received for Lutheran missions, Lutheran Welfare, the church building, and the Bible camp.
Source: The Ellsworth News, Ellsworth, IA - Feb. 20, 1946
John Percival Kolling, Pvt. U.S. Army - MIA/POW/DNB
John Percival Kolling was born Jan. 14, 1916 to Anton P. and Alice Pedersen Kolling. He died Apr. 6, 1945, and is buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz), Belgium, Plot: B Row:8 Grave: 19.
John was declared to be missing in action Dec. 17, 1944, at Luxembourg. He died as a prisoner of war under German control. A letter received by his parents said “A buddy wrote about his death. He died of lack of food and lack of care."
He served with the 811th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Prisoner of War Medal.
Obituary:
John Percival Kolling, only son of Anton and Alice Kolling, was born Jan. 14, 1916, on a farm two miles south and three-quarters east of Jewell. As a baby he was baptized in the Danish Lutheran church at Jewell by Rev. Fjortsvang. He was confirmed in the Bethesda Lutheran church of Jewell by Rev. Carl Opsahl in 1930. He received his education in the Wall Lake school near Jewell. He helped his father farm until he purchased a truck, and was engaged in that business until he entered the army.
In May 1942 he left Webster City with a group for Fort Des Moines. After training in various camps, he went overseas in September, 1944. He served in Co. C with the 811th tank destroyer division. On Jan. 15, 1945, his family received a message stating that he was missing in action since Dec. 17, 1944, at Luxembourg. He had taken part in the Battle of the Belgian bulge.
His parents received a card from him which he had written Jan. 10, 1945. They received it on March 17, 1945. It stated that he was a prisoner in a German camp. No more was heard from him.
On Aug. 1, 1945, his parents received the dreaded telegram. It said that John had died on April 6, 1945, at a prisoner of war hospital, at the age of 29 years, 2 months, and 22 days. His death was caused by lack of food, proper care and clothing.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kolling; four sisters; Helen, Mrs. Peter Anderson, of Blairsburg; Esther, Mrs. Clarence Anderson, Webster City, Edna, Mrs. Sam Anderson, Ellsworth, and Joyce, Mrs. Glen Romp, Story City; five nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Sources:
Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA
ancestry.com
World War II Memorial
HonorStates.org
Hamilton County, IA GenWeb
