Black Hawk County

Pvt. Raymond Schwerin

 

 

R. Schwerin, George Leask
Die in France

Pvt. Raymond Schwerin, 20, son of Mrs. Minnie Schwerin, 1316 Forest avenue, and Pvt. George D. Leask, Jr., whose parents reside in Oakland, Cal., were listed Thursday as killed in action on Nov. 11 in France. He was serving as a litter bearer when he was killed.

Private Scherwin’s family believed him to be in southern France, for in his last letter mentioned visiting Marseilles.

In the 328th medical battalion, he had served only one month overseas. He entered service in April, 1943; trained at Camp Barkeley, Tex., Stillwater, Okla., and Camp Howze, Tex.

Born July 31, 1924, at Sumner, Ia., son of Henry and Minnie Schwerin, he came to Waterloo six years ago and was graduated from West high school. He was employed at Buck’s Bootery and attended Iowa state college, Ames, one year.

His father preceded him in death Nov. 10, 1927.

Surviving are his mother; four brothers, Herbert, seaman second class in the south Pacific; Henry, Flanagan, Ill.;  Sgt. Ted who served in Africa and Italy with the 34th infantry until discharged a year ago; and Reinart, at Sumner; and five sisters, Elsie and Hulda Schwerin, at home; Mrs. Verne Bromley, 1400 Grant avenue; Mrs. A. L. Thode, 626 Moir street; and Mrs. S. L. Hanson, at home since her husband [Tec4 Sherwin Lewis Hanson] left for overseas duty as a sergeant in the signal corps.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Thursday, November 30, 1944, Page 9 (photo included)

NOTE: In a Waterloo Daily Courier article dated Friday, December 29, 1944, regarding Major George D. Leask, it was noted “Their son, Pvt. George Leask, Jr., 20, together with Pvt. Raymond Scherwin, 20, also of Waterloo, was killed last Nov. 11 in France when one of them stepped on a land mine as they were serving as litter bearers.”

Memorial Rites for
Sgt. Sundby, Pvt. Schwerin

Memorial services for Staff Sgt. Jack Sundby and Pvt. Raymond Schwerin, Waterloo men who died overseas will be conducted at 3 p. m. Sunday at the Trinity American Lutheran church, with Rev. G. E. Melchert, pastor, in charge.

Sergeant Sundby, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Sundby, 1927 West Third street, died Nov. 26, 1944, of pneumonia in England where he was stationed in a weather station.

Private Schwerin, whose mother, Mrs. Minnie Schwerin, resides at 1316 Forest avenue, was killed in action Nov. 11 in eastern France while serving with the medical corps.

The families request no flowers.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, February 07, 1945, Page 3

Pvt. Schwerin to Be
Buried at Sumner

Sumner, Ia. – The body of Pvt. Raymond H. Schwerin, son of Mrs. Minnie Schwerin, Waterloo, brother of Reinhart Schwerin of Sumner, will be returned here for reburial within the next month, accompanied by an army escort from the Chicago distribution center.

Commitment service will be at St. John’s American Lutheran cemetery and both the American Legion and VFW will take part in the ceremony. Rev. C. J. Mardof will officiate.

Private Schwerin was killed in action in France Nov. 11, 1944, and the body was buried in the Epinal temporary military cemetery in France. The body is being returned at the request of his mother, Mrs. Minnie Schwerin, 1316 Forest avenue, Waterloo.

He was born July 31, 1924, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwerin, and spont most of his boyhood here. His father died in 1927.

Private Schwerin attended schools in Sumner and Waterloo and was a student at Iowa State college, Ames, prior to entering the service.

He is survived by his mother; four brothers, Herbert, Waverly; Henry, Flanagan, Ill.; Ted, Waterloo; and Reinhart, Sumner; five sisters, Hulda, Mrs. Earl Sullivan, Mrs. Verne Bromley, Mrs. Richard Conrad, Waterloo, and Mrs. A. L. Thode, Cedar Falls.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, May 19, 1948, Section Two, Page 15

Body of Sumner Soldier Returning

Sumner, Ia. – The body of Pvt. Raymond Schwerin will arrive here Tuesday morning accompanied by a military escort.

A brief prayer service will be conducted by Rev. G. E. Melchert, pastor of Trinity American Lutheran church, Waterloo. Burial will be in St. John’s American Lutheran cemetery.

Services at the grave will be conducted by the VFW with the colors, color guard and firing squad.

Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, May 23, 1948, Section Two, Page 27  (photo included)