DONALD HEPPLER, 19 IS KILLED ON V-E DAY ON HEAVY CRUISER Enlisted in U.S. Navy Soon After Graduation at Harris With Class of 1943 The Harris community was saddened when the news came Thursday of the death of Donald Dean Heppler, Phm. 3-c, 19 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Heppler.
Donald as aboard a heavy cruiser somewhere in the Pacific and according to the message from the War Department, his death occurred on V-E Day.
Donald was enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Spencer August 11, 1943, just three months after his graduation from high school, where he was popular in athletics, as a star basketball and football player.
Soon after his enlistment he left for Farragut, Idaho, where he received his boot training. He was then sent to San Diego, Calif., for his hospital apprentice training. Further training was taken in Hawaii.
Surviving are his bereaved parents, two brothers, Dale and Dennis, and two sisters, Bonnie and Beverly.
Arrangements have not yet been completed for the Memorial service, which will be held in Harris.
From Sibley Gazette-Tribune May 24th, 1945.
