ANOTHER LOCAL BOY MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE IN WAR
Sgt. Arthur Brundeen Was Wounded June 12 In Europe—Dies In Hospital
Mrs. Edith Brundeen, southeast of town, received the sad news on Thursday evening of last week from the War Department in Washington, DC, of the death of her eldest son, Sergeant Arthur Brundeen, in an Army Base hospital in Europe, as the result of wounds received June 12 while fighting with the U.S. Armed Forces in that area. The communication stated that further details would be forwarded later.
Sgt. Arthur Brundeen was about 23 years of age and had lived here all his life. He was a graduate of Akron high school, and was in charge of a Standard Oil Company service station here before he entered the military service of his country in November 1942, and received his training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, going overseas last March. He leaves to mourn his death, his mother, his brother Donald, who is still in school, and a number of other relatives in this community, to whom their many friends offer deepest sympathy in this bereavement. A public memorial service in honor of Sgt. Brundeen is being planned for Sunday, October 1, in Immanuel Lutheran Church, of which the deceased was a member.
Source: Akron Register-Tribune, September 21, 1944
SERVICES HELD IN MEMORY OF SGT. A. R. BRUNDEEN
Large Attendance At Immanuel Luth. Church Here Sunday Afternoon
Memorial services for Sgt. Arthur R. Brundeen were held Sunday afternoon, October 1, in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. A large number of relatives and friends and a splendid representation of members of the American Legion and Auxiliary completely filled the church. With Mrs. H. Shoulberg at the piano, the colors were advanced by the Legion and Auxiliary color bearers. The Misses Dorothy, Phyllis and Lorraine Johnson sang, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” and Miss Harriet Samuelson, of Marcus, Iowa, sang, “Sometime We’ll Understand.” Rev. C. W. Samuelson, of Marcus, read the obituary and chose as the text for his sermon John 17:15, “I pray that thou will not take them out of the world, but keep them from evil.” The Johnson trio then sang, “Good Night and Good Morning.” The American Flag was then presented to Sgt. Brundeen’s mother by Vice Commander H. J. Behmer, of the local Legion Post. Miss Frances Anderson placed the Gold Star on the church service flag, and, following the benediction, H. J. Behmer and Miss Lorraine DySard sounded taps. The church rostrum was decorated with a profusion of beautiful late summer flowers.
Arthur Roland Brundeen, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brundeen, was born July 3, 1920, in Akron, Iowa, and died June 12, 1944, being killed in action in the service of his country with the Army in France at the age of 23 years, 11 months, and 18 days. He was baptized while an infant in the Lutheran faith and was confirmed by Rev. Samuelson during his years as pastor here. Arthur grew to young manhood in Akron and vicinity and was graduated from the Akron high school in 1939. For some time he was employed on various farms in the community. He later operated the Standard Oil Co. filling stating in Akron and was considered one of the company’s most trusted employees. On November 7, 1942, he was inducted into the Army and received his basic training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, and was later sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Camp Bowie, Texas. He embarked for England from Fort Dix, New Jersey, in March, 1944. His company, Co. K, 359th Infantry, participated in the invasion of France in June of this year. On July 24 his mother received a message to the effect that he was wounded on June 12, and September 14 another came telling of his death on June 12. Since the death of his father on January 24, 1935, Arthur’s main concern had been for the welfare of his mother and brother, Donald. He was a young man of fine character and high ideals, and leaves to mourn his untimely death, his mother, Mrs. Edith Brundeen, and one brother, together with a host of relatives and friends, who will sorely miss his happy smile and friendly ways.
Your country called and you gave your life
Ere scarcely it had begun,
Your young life snuffed out like a candle’s flame,
For you the Victory is won.
God grant your life was not given in vain,
Nor in vain the heartaches and sorrow;
God keep you safe in that Great Beyond
‘Til we meet on His tomorrow.
Source: Akron-Register Tribune, October 5, 1944
News of the Boys In the Service
Mrs. Edith Brundeen has received the Purple Heart which was awarded to her son, Sergeant Arthur Brundeen, who lost his life last June while serving in the European area.
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Feb. 2, 1945
***Further Research:
Arthur Roland Brundeen was born July 3, 1920 to Robert and Edith Theresa Erikson Brundeen. He died June 12, 1944 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Akron, IA. His U.S. Headstone Application was approved July 10, 1948.
Source: ancestry.com
