Made Supreme Sacrifice
Pfc. Lloyd Ira Vanden Berge of the Carnes vicinity was killed in action Mar. 2, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Jennie Vanden Berge Friday morning, Mar. 15.
The telegram reads: “The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regrets that your son, P.F.C. Lloyd Vanden Berge was killed in action in Germany, Mar. 2, 1945. Confirming letter follows. ~J. A. Ulio, Adj. General.”
Lloyd was born Mar. 15, 1923, on a farm near Carnes and lived there until he entered the service of his county. At the time of his death he was 21 years, 11 months and 15 days old. He made confession of his faith in his Lord and Master and has been faithful to his vow until called to his Heavenly home far away from his earthly home on the battle field of Europe.
Before going into service he worked on the farm with his mother. He entered the service Dec. 2, 1943, and took his basic training at Camp Blanding, Fla. He came home on furlough Mar. 2, reported back to Ft. Meade, Md. from where he sailed for England on July 2, 1944. He completed 3 weeks of training in France and then went to Germany. After two weeks there, he was transferred to the 70th Tank Battalion. From Belgium he went to Paris and then to Luxemburg, where he saw his first action in November, under the command of Gen. Patton. He served with the 4th Division of the 3rd Army.
Lloyd is survived by his mother, three sisters and two brothers, namely: Jean, Mrs. Richard Hawkins of LeMars; Pete of the U.S. Navy; Ruth, Mrs. Frank DeVries; Darlene and James at home; and by his fiancée, Arlene Beltman of Alton. His father, Peter Vanden Berge, preceded him in death four years ago.
A memorial service for the young soldier was held Tuesday evening at the First Reformed church of Orange City with Rev. Colenbrander officiating.
The American Legion tendered military honors. The colors were carried by Howard Ruisch and Henry Van Roekel, both home on furlough. Will Ver Doorn placed the gold star on the flag following silent prayer and sound of taps. A solo, “When the Blue Star Turns to Gold” was sung by Daisy Mouw and Fred Brower sang, “Farewell, Soldier Boy.” A quartet sang, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” –members of the quartet were Phyllis Mulder, Anna Jean Heemstra, Lewis De Koster and Fred Brower.
Relatives and friends from a distance at the services were Bluejacket Pete Vanden Berge of Great Lakes, Ill.; Mrs. Joe Haines of Harvey, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ruisch of Sioux City; Mr. and Mrs. Oren Van Iperen and daughters of George; Mr. and Mrs. H. Nieuwenhuis, Mr. and Mrs. Arie Lucas, William, Adrian and Lois, Mr. and Mrs. Cornie Wilkins, all of Sheldon; Mr. and Mrs. T. Van Zee, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Grotenhuis and Audrey, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Druyvesteyn, all of Hospers; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ykema, Mr. and Mrs. Gerben Keizer, of Hawarden; Mrs. Henry Luchtenburg of Ashton; Mr. and Mrs. Tony Van Roekel, Henry and Leona, Mrs. J. Eernisse, of Sheldon.
Source: The Alton Democrat, Thursday, March 22, 1945
Pvt. Lloyd Ira Vanden Berge is buried in West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
