FORMER W. C. SOLDIER DEAD
Pvt. Willard Scheppler Reported Killed in Italian Zone
Pvt. Willard O. Scheppler, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Scheppler of Rockford, Iowa, a former resident of Kamrar and Webster City, has been killed in action in Italy according to word received by his parents.
Private Scheppler who was last heard from May 24, is listed as killed in action June 1. The war department’s message was received June 30.
The serviceman left this city for training at Camp Dodge in August, 1943, and took his early course at Ft. McClellan, Ala. In January of this year he was transferred to northern Italy.
For wounds received in action April 23, Private Scheppler was awarded the Purple Heart.
Prior to his entrance into service he attended Kamrar high school. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Coleen and Maxine, and one brother, Robert, at home.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - July 6, 1944
MEMORIAL TO BE HELD SUNDAY FOR PVT. SCHEPPLER
Memorial services will be Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Foster funeral home here for Pvt. Willard O. Scheppler, 21, who was killed in action in Italy June 1. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Scheppler of Rockford, Iowa, former residents of Kamrar and Webster City.
The Rev. Cyril Ashton of the Kamrar Methodist church will conduct the service.
Willard Orville Scheppler was born at Dexter, Minn., June 13, 1923 and when a small boy of six years old moved with his parents to the Kamrar and Webster City vicinity. He receive his education in the Kamrar schools and worked on several farms and as a truck driver before entering service Aug. 7, 1943.
After receiving his training at Fort McClellan, Ala., he was transferred to northern Italy in Jan. 1944. For wounds received in action April 23, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Private Scheppler is survived by his parents, two sisters, Coleen and Maxine, and one brother, Robert, all at home. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Louis Scheppler of Woolstock and Mrs. Carrie Gaster of Fort Dodge.
Source: Webster City Freeman, Webster City, IA - Aug. 3, 1944
Willard Orville Scheppler was born June 13, 1923 to George A. and Caroline Gaster Scheppler. He died June 1, 1944 and is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com; World War II Memorial
