Pandemic forces cancellation of Memorial Day Services

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has upended numerous community events, including Memorial Day services. This year, traditional Memorial Day services in Hancock County have been cancelled out of caution.

Garner

The American Legion and VFW will mark the graves of departed servicemen at local cemeteries. Garner area veterans who have died during the preceding year are:

Elmer Young – Korean Conflict, Army

Maynard W. Isenberger - WWII, Army

Leonard Paca - WWII, Army

Lyle (Pete) Sharar - WWII, Army

Earl R. Jasperson - WWII, Army

Ray Prohaska, - Korea, Army

Daryle Jass - peace time, Army

Klemme

The American Legion Post will honor departed veterans interred at Ell Township Cemetery with flags and lights. “Taps” will be played at 11 a.m. at the cemetery on Memorial Day.

Veterans who passed away during the past year include:

Daryl Kothenbeutel – Army, Vietnam

Glen Blumer – Korea

Craig Larsen – Korea

Charlie Larsen – WWII

Bob Christianson – Vietnam

Elmer Buckley – WWII, Army Air Force

Britt

On Thursday, May 21, the Avenue of Flags will be raised at local cemeteries.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, six easels with the names of deceased veterans will be set up at Evergreen Cemetery. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a ceremonial 21-gun salute by veterans of the Britt VFW and American Legion at the Evergreen Cemetery, followed by “Taps.”

Departed veterans include:

John R. Camp M.D. - Army, WWII and Korean War

Eppo Gremmer, Jr. - Army, WWII (Normandy Invasion)

Leonard E. Paca - Army, WWII

Larry Van Dusseldorp - Army, Vietnam

David Wilson - Army

John C. Tegtmeyer - Army Reserve, Vietnam

Kanawha

At Kanawha, the name of Robert F. Kraft is added to the roll of deceased veterans. Kraft served in the Army National Guard from 1961-1966.

Corwith

Memorial Day services are cancelled at Corwith. The American Legion Post 229 will place markers on the graves of departed veterans at the Corwith Cemetery.

In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual town celebration will be moved to July-24, 25, 26. Details to follow.

Goodell

Flags honoring deceased veterans and American Legion Auxiliary members were placed on gravesites at the Goodell Cemetery.