Veterans Way Honorees
Digital Tour
Banners honoring Veterans and members of the military proudly hang along 4th Street in downtown Waterloo from Memorial Day in the spring to Veterans Day in late fall.
Banners are sponsored annually by family members, friends, businesses and organizations and are presented to them at the end of the season, making room for a new group of honorees.
SFC William A. Kopf
United States Army
Sergeant First Class William A. Kopf served in the U.S. Army. He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he specialized as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. After his initial training, he completed Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, before being assigned to the 2-82nd Aviation Regiment. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division until 2006. SFC Kopf was then transferred to Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany, and served in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He was forward deployed to Iraq for 18 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, he earned the Combat Action Badge for assisting in the evacuation and treatment of injured teammates following an incident involving an improvised explosive device (IED). In 2012, SFC Kopf continued his military career by joining the Active Guard Reserves. Over the years, he has held several positions including Squad Leader, Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Communications NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, Advanced Individual Training Instructor, Small Group Leader for the Advanced Leadership Course, and currently as an Active First Sergeant. He is now forward deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Joint Network Operations. Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is the U.S. military’s operational name for the international campaign against the Islamic State (IS or ISIL) in Iraq and Syria. The campaign aims to “degrade and destroy” the organization and involves a multinational military coalition. SFC Kopf is originally from Waterloo and is married to Ashley Kopf. Together, they have three children: a son, Coen W. Kopf, and two daughters, Kira Rae Kopf and Kyla Mae Kopf.
Brent A. Brooks (Binky)
United States Army
Born Waterloo, IA, June 17, 1960. His parents are Junior Brooks (Army Veteran) and Shirley Joyce.
Henry Charles “Chuck” Haaf
United States Navy
Born October 24, 1929, Chuck Haaf grew up near Britt, IA. Chuck entered the U.S. Navy after graduating from High School in 1948. He was stationed in San Diego, CA for his one year of service. He graduated from the Navy’s Metalsmith program specializing in welding. Chuck married Marion Prohaska in 1949 and raised 8 children. The family moved to Waterloo in 1961 where Chuck finished out his career as a trained machinist for John Deere. Chuck passed away October 20, 1995 at the age of 65.
James “Russ” Walker
United States Army
James “Russ” Walker served in the United States Army during the Korean War 1951-1953. He was stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. He then transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in April 1953. Born and raised in Sumner, Iowa. Lived and worked in Waterloo at the Altstadt & Langlas Baking Co. 1948-1986.
Bill Swisher
United States Army
Jim Sullivan
United States Navy
Jim Sullivan joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served actively from 1958 to 1962 and served in the Navy Reserves from 1985-1991.
Gary Steen
United States Army
Gary served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 in the 1-133d Infantry Regiment Iowa Army National Guard. In Vietnam he was deployed with airborne artillery. He returned with a disability due to agent orange. Gary was Post Commander of Becker Chapman Post 138 from 2014 to 2018. He and his wife, Jan, were often seen in the kitchen whipping up weekly meals. To commemorate the couple’s contribution, the Legion unveiled two plaques marking the kitchen as “Steen’s Kitchen.” The dedication brought tears to both of their eyes. “It’s an honor,” Gary Steen, a man of few words, said. “Unexpected.”
Trent Hunter
United States Army & United States Air Force
Arthur Kammeyer
United States Army
Arthur was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War Conflict and honorably discharged in 1953. He was born in 1928 in Denver, Iowa. He married Daphine Staack in 1950, and they lived in Waterloo their whole lives. Arthur retired from the Waterloo Wood Bearing Company after 43 years in 1990. Arthur was a lifetime member of Legion Post #138. He loved to hunt and play cards. He passed away in 2007, and his wife preceded him in death in 1998.
Robert Hibbs
United States Army
Robert J. Hibbs served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. He was a United States Army officer and received the military’s highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions during the Vietnam War. Robert joined the Army from Des Moines, Iowa, in August 1964. By March 5, 1966, he was serving as a second lieutenant in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He earned his commission through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia. On March 5, 1966, during Operation Cocoa Beach at Don Dien Lo Ke in the Republic of Vietnam, Hibbs’ patrol spotted an approaching Viet Cong force. He led his small group in an attack on the enemy and, along with another soldier, volunteered to rescue a wounded comrade. After reaching the injured man, Hibbs stayed behind to provide covering fire and was mortally wounded while assaulting an enemy machine gun emplacement. For his bravery during the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 1967. Robert, who was 22 at the time of his death, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In honor of 2nd Lieutenant Hibbs, a section of the University of Northern Iowa campus was renamed after him, and a flagpole and monument bearing his name were erected just east of the West Gym. Robert was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 24, 1943. As a child, he frequently missed school due to sore tonsils. It was during this time that he developed a passion for creating model military miniatures. He spent countless hours painting these model soldiers and amassed approximately 1,000 miniatures during his short life.
When he was still a boy, his family moved to Cedar Rapids and later to Cedar Falls, where Robert attended high school. While at Cedar Falls High School, he participated in the student forum. After graduating high school, Hibbs enrolled at the State Teachers’ College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in history. He graduated three years later in 1964 with a GPA of 3.2. A few months later, in August 1964, he had the opportunity to pursue his dream of a military career by enlisting in the Army. After completing basic training, Hibbs became a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. He participated in numerous military operations during the war, but none were as memorable as the events of March 5, 1966. Near Don Dien Lo Ke, Hibbs and his 15 men were on ambush patrol when he spotted a company of Viet Cong maneuvering along a road towards them. After radioing his command post, he placed two mines in the enemy’s path. As the Viet Cong approached, he detonated the mines, killing and wounding half of the enemy force. While Hibbs’ men were withdrawing, he remained behind to throw grenades and fire upon the enemy, who still numbered around 50 men. Remarkably, he managed to return to the defense perimeter, only to discover another Viet Cong group attacking his men. He decided to launch a surprise counterattack with the help of his troops. As they neared safety after this attempt, Hibbs noticed that one of his men lay wounded between the two enemy forces. Despite already being wounded in the leg, he took a fellow sergeant and went back to rescue the injured soldier. While the sergeant dragged the wounded soldier to safety, Hibbs provided cover fire. Armed with only an M16 rifle, he charged toward the Viet Cong machine guns. Tragically, it was during this brave act that Robert was mortally wounded.
Patricia Ann Warren Roberts
United States Marines
Patricia served in the US Marines from 1958 to 1960.
Richard Louis “Dick” Hofstadter
United States Army
Sergeant Richard L. Hofstadter (Army Serial No. 37657506), Coast Artillery Corps. United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations, as Section Chief, Battery “D”, 546th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Mobile) , from 14 July 1944 to 8 May 1945. Continually on the move and despite extremely adverse conditions, Sergeant Hofstadter displayed outstanding ability in maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and cooperation among his men and in keeping his section’s equipment in a superior conditions all times. The loyal, untiring devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hofstadter throughout the entire period increased the efficiency of his unit in sustained operational activities against the enemy.
Richard “Rich” Hofstadter
United States Marines
Richard served in the US Marines from1983 to1987 and earned the rank of Corporal.
William Kay
United States Army
William served active duty in the US Army from December 1965 to December 1967, reaching the rank of Specialist E-4. He was discharged in December 1971. William Completed basic infantry training at Fort Dix, N.J., and trained as Administrative Clerk Typist at Fort Knox, Kentucky. William served in administration there before being reassigned to Okinawa. William was stationed there from November 1966 to December 1967, completing several different assignments. William graduated from Loras College with a major in Political Science. He worked at John Deere for 30 years as a supply management specialist at the Dubuque Works and the Waterloo Works. He has been an active volunteer during and after retirement. William is active in the Exchange Club of Waterloo as an acting media specialist and on The Elks Lodge 290 board as the Leading Knight. William plans and facilitates a weekly men’s Bible study at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Richard “Dick” Edwin Kammeyer
United States Navy
Richard “Dick” Edwin Richard enlisted in the United States Navy on November 10, 1948. He was in San Diego, CA for Boot Camp – Company 534. He was stationed in Bremerton, Washington after boot camp. They were there for 3 months in dry dock. When they were out to sea on the U.S.S. Stickle, Richard was pushing ammo into one of the guns when the hammer came down on his finger. The doctors wanted to amputate it but he told them to just bandage it. His finger was stiff for a while but he saved it. While overseas he traveled to Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Midway, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and many other places. Richard was a Machinist’s Mate, Third Class-USN and received 5 Battle Stars while serving. He enlisted for 3 years but it was extended to 4 years because of the Korean War. Richard received an Honorable Discharge on November 5, 1952.
Robert (Bob) J. Alberts
United States Air Force
Robert joined the Air Force and served from 1952 to 1956, stationed at Eglin AFB as Airman 1st Class on the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. Born in Archer, Iowa, in 1933, His parents, Ted and Margarite Alberts, moved to Cedar Falls after he graduated from Archer High School. After the service, he met Delores Schipper of Kesley, Iowa, and they were married at First United Methodist Church in Waterloo in 1958. They raised two daughters. The family moved to Burlington, Iowa, and resided there until returning to the area in November 2021. They now reside at Western Homes Wind Cove, at the ages of 92 and 93. Robert’s father worked at the CF Railroad Depot. Their eldest daughter resides in Ankeny, Iowa, and their youngest daughter, Lori, lives in Waterloo as of 2020.
Roger John Schaefer
United States Army
Roger served in the U.S. Army 116th Infantry Division from June 21, 1943, to March 12, 1948, and was recognized for his bravery in action against the enemy. The following report was prepared by Colonel Louis G. Smith, GSC – Chief of Staff: “On February 28, 1945, when his unit’s advance was met with intense fire from enemy machine guns, Staff Sergeant Schaefer moved forward and neutralized the weapons using hand grenades. Fearless in the face of enemy fire, he continued to advance and single-handedly destroyed a second weapon. At this point, a group of riflemen surrendered without further resistance. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service from Iowa.” Roger received the following decorations and citations: – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Northern France” – December 1, 1944 – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Rhineland” – June 25, 1944 – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Central Europe” – June 21, 1945 – Silver Star – April 14, 1945 – EAMET Ribbon – January 1, 1943 – Good Conduct Medal – November 15, 1944 – Combat Infantry Badge – January 18, 1945 – American Theatre Ribbon He was also a qualified sharpshooter with the M-1 Carbine, achieving this status on July 16, 1947. Roger was honorably discharged and then reenlisted in the Regular Army in 1945. Born in Washburn, Iowa, Roger lived in the Cedar Valley and owned the M&M Bottling Plant in Waterloo until it burned down. He later worked at the VFW in Waterloo. After his service, he returned to Iowa and settled in Waterloo.
Rolland T. Ohrt
United States Navy
Rolland served in the U.S. Navy for three years, enlisting at the age of 17 in March 1941. He served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Long Island and the USS Card. During his service, he sustained an injury that required him to spend six months in a hospital in San Diego, California. He was honorably discharged in March 1943. Born and raised in LaPorte City, Rolland lived in the Waterloo area for over 65 years. After returning home from the service, Rolland met Frances Kemp, and they were married on May 8, 1943. Together, they raised six children in the Waterloo area. Rolland retired from the Iowa State Highway Commission in 1973. His sons, Ronald and Randy, followed in their father’s footsteps by serving in the Navy as well.
Rodney Kelson Butz
United States Marines
Rod served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1976. After receiving an honorable discharge, he moved to Waterloo to join his mother and siblings. He is a member of the American Legion in Newhall, Iowa, and the Disabled American Veterans in Waterloo, Iowa. Over the years, Rod has actively worked within the community to support fellow veterans, but he remains humble when discussing his service. His assignments included bases such as Camp Pendleton, California; Quantico, Virginia; Okinawa, Japan; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Puerto Rico, along with time served on the USS Cayuga and USS Mobile. When asked if he is a Marine, Rod responds, “I’m still a Marine.” When someone thanks him for his service, he replies, “It was my honor.” Rod is deeply committed to his beliefs in God, country, service, church, and family. Originally born in Utah, he has lived in Waterloo for over 45 years. He married in 1978 and raised two children who attended schools in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls districts. Rod’s blended family now includes three children and seven grandchildren. He has continued to reside in the Waterloo area with his wife of 47 years since his military discharge in 1976.
Jeffery Jerome Magsamen
United States Army
Jeffery was born in Waterloo, IA and attended Columbus High School. He currently lives in Waverly, Iowa.
Thomas M. Little
United States Marines
Was a Sargent in the USMC from 1970 to 1973 90
Milton Hannah
United States Army
Milton joined the US Army on January 31, 1963, and spent his active duty in Germany. During his service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and Expert Rifle. Milton received an Honorable Discharge on March 8, 1966. After his discharge, Milton lived in Germany for a few years and then moved back to Waterloo. He was very proud of his military service and was very patriotic. He loved the flag and always flew it properly. Milton was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, on February 11, 1945. He came to Waterloo at age three. He married Cheryl, and they raised three daughters – Traci, Nikole, and Michele. They had four granddaughters -Shabbrea, Briana, Temiah, and Najya (whom he never met). He also never met his two great-grandsons, Makai and Messiah. He would have been so happy to have them as he always hoped for a boy, but it was all girls until then. However, his daughters and granddaughters were his world. He was so happy with them that he didn’t miss having a boy. Milton would buy matching hats and bandanas for himself and the girls. When the granddaughters lived out of state, and the leaves turned color in the fall, he sent them each a card with a pretty leaf. To Milton, the family was everything. He was an avid fisherman who spent most of his free time at a lake or river. He also loved to travel, and the red rocks of Zion and Bryce National Parks were among his favorite places. He worked as a surveyor at the Highway Commission, Rath Packing, and as a bus driver for HeadStart (which was his favorite occupation), then worked at Met Transit until he became too ill to work. He is missed.”
John G. Temeyer
United States Army
After graduating from Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville in 1959, John enlisted in the US Army in 1959 and served 20 years. He served as company commander and Huey helicopter pilot while in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star; Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in an aerial flight emergency extraction of 3 soldier recon patrol endangered by the Viet Cong; and Air Medal for Heroism (Sixteenth Oak Leaf Cluster) while participating in the extraction of the 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry while under enemy fire. He went back to college and graduated from the University of Dubuque. John was born January 19, 1941, in Independence, Iowa, one of 11 children of Tillie and Chuck Temeyer. In 1980, he retired and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, with his then-wife Susan and two children, Thomas and Leah. After his retirement, he was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. In 1997, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, with his daughter and granddaughter. He remained in Jacksonville until his death on December 4, 2012. He was buried at Jacksonville National Cemetery, receiving full military honors.
Jerry Hageman
United States Navy
Jerry served four years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was born in Waterloo in 1952 and enjoyed living there all his life except for time spent in military service. Jerry belonged to the Union for 36 years, working as a telephone tech with Northwestern Bell, retiring from Century Link in 2015. He remains active as treasurer of three union organizations and with the Black Hawk County Democrats.
Leo Reiss
United States Navy
Leo served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947. He was born in Cedar Rapids and raised his family in the Cedar Valley. Leo married Rosella Markovetz in 1954 in Waterloo, and together they raised four sons and six daughters. He graduated from St. John’s High School in Ryan and Loras College in Dubuque. Leo was a partner at Mail-Me-Mail Accounting and worked at Rath Packing Company and John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works until his retirement. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Ryan, with full military honors conducted by American Legion Post 692 of Ryan, Iowa.
James Allen Roberts
United States Army
James Allen Roberts early education was in Littleton. He graduated from East High School and then Brown University with a degree in Accounting. He was a musician and played in a band he helped form. He is buried at the Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Fred C. Roberts
United States Army
Fred served in the US Army from 1942 – 1945. After returning from the Army, He became a licensed plumber and later worked for John Deere
Rubble Dean Ray Roberts
United States Army
After graduating from high school, Rubble joined the US Army. He was sent to Korea and served from 1953 to 1955. After returning from military service, he worked at the Rath packing company. He was born in Dunkerton on the Roberts farm.
Angie Gingrich
United States Army
Angie served as an operating room technician on Active Duty in the United States Army from 1997-2003. She served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and in a Combat Support Hospital in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Angie continues to serve Cedar Valley Veterans as a Nurse Practitioner at the Waterloo Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic. Angie was born in Britton, SD, and now lives in Waterloo.
Derald Henry
United States Marines
Derald enlisted in the United States Marines in 1952, serving during the Korean War until 1955. Derald worked at Grady Farms in his early years. He was employed by John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works for 30 years, Sears Auto Center for 10 years, and retired from Denso after 14 years. Derald loved engineering, home projects, and aviation and was a craftsman. Derald was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church, and a Boy Scout leader. He married Patricia Jenkins on September 16, 1955, and they were married for 65 years before he passed. Derald had four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is known as someone dedicated to his family. He had an excellent work ethic, which he passed on to his family. In 2002, Derald suffered a stroke and courageously battled back, becoming affectionately known as the “miracle man.” Derald had numerous cats, which benefited from much lap time.
Jeremy Simpson
United States Army
Jeremy joined the U.S. Army in 2011, and was a Special Forces Operator. Jeremy served three tours, and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked in humanitarian assistance during and after the 2016 floods in Iowa. Jeremy was honorably discharged from the Army in 2017 as Sergeant First Class. Following his discharge, he was reunited with his unit’s bomb-sniffing K9, Jack. Jeremy lives with Jack and his family in Cedar Falls. “Jeremy Simpson was born in Los Banos, California, in 1993 and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.
Daniel “Otis” Redding
United States Army
Dan enlisted in the US Army out of High School and attended Basic Training at Ft Polk, Louisiana. He trained as a Construction Engineer and switched to Combat Engineer at Ft Riley, Kansas. In 1970, Dan volunteered for Vietnam and served a 15-month tour. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Ft Carson, Colorado. While at Ft Carson, he met and married his wife Carol in 1972, and they had one son. Dan received his discharge in 1975, serving a total of six years. Dan was born in Waterloo and graduated from East High School in 1969. He worked at John Deere while attending the University of Northern Iowa. He spent seven or eight years working various jobs in the western United States. Dan returned to Waterloo and attended and graduated with an AS Degree in Automated Systems Robotics from what was then Hawkeye Institute of Technology. Dan is now retired, a Proud Member of Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Chapter 39-6, and a past charter member of Rolling Thunder Chapter IA 1.
Richard Fleming Klingaman (Dick Klingaman)
United States Army
Dick entered the United States Army at 18, serving in World War II Pacific Theater. He was on the second wave of troops to disembark at Nagasaki, Japan. “I was 18 years old and was tough as nails,” Dick told the Courier in 2012 about the scene that deeply affected him. “It made me grow older real fast — so many burn victims. Everything was destroyed.” Dick received his honorable discharge in 1946. He graduated from Orange High School in 1944. Following his military service, he attended McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. He spent most of his childhood in Pomona, California, then returned to live with his uncle and aunt, Earl and Edna Klingaman, in Waterloo, where they shared their love of farming and raising hogs and cattle. He married Donna Jean Tannreuther in June 1949 at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, and they raised three children. Dick’s innovative building projects led him to be named Waterloo Citizen of the Year in 198. He was also honored as a Waterloo Courier Eight Over 80 Award winner in 2012. He was also a longtime member of the National Cattle Congress Board.
Duane “Big Newt” Boyles
United States Navy
After graduating from high school, Duane joined the US Navy. He served for six years, including two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Wabash (AOR-5) and USNS Ponchatoula (T-AO-148). After returning from the Navy, he was a truck driver for the rest of his work life, driving in the greater Cedar Valley area Duane was born and raised in the greater Waterloo area. He graduated from East High School in 1969. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Judy Lambert. Duane is the father of a daughter and a son. He is a proud life member of AMVETS Post 31 in Evansdale and also a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 39-6.
Bryant Matthew Ward
United States Marines
Bryant served in the Marine Reserves Delta Battery from 1988 to 1991 and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal and Corporal. He was in motor transportation and drove for the commanding officer for 3 years of his service. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield from Nov 1990 to May 1991, and received the combat medal for this service. He was born and raised in Waterloo, where he now lives.
Oscar H. Gingrich
United States Army
Oscar served in the US Army in the European Theater during WW II from 1942 to 1945 with the 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion as a member of their Reconnaissance Company. His duties involved advancing ahead of the battalion with an armored vehicle to draw enemy fire, which determined German troop positions. The intel was then relayed to battalion headquarters. Oscar described this operation as being a “sitting duck” for the Germans to fire upon. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained from a shell exploding within feet of him while changing a flat tire on a vehicle. In addition to the Purple Heart for injuries sustained on March 5, 1945, Oscar received metals for the European African-Middle Eastern Campaigns, American Campaign, Good Conduct, and World War II Victory Medal. Oscar also received a battle star for the following battles and campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Normandy, and Central Europe. The Normandy Veterans Association also awarded him the Normandy Campaign Medal to honor participants in the Normandy Invasion. After returning from Europe, he returned to the family farm in Titonka, Iowa, for one year before moving to Waterloo to work at John Deere. Oscar retired from Deere after 31 years. He was a life member of VFW Post 1623, American Legion Post 728, and the Purple Heart Society. Beginning in 1965, Oscar attended the 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion’s annual reunions. In 1978, he was elected the Battalion’s Permanent Secretary. He spent countless hours supporting the reunions by keeping a roster of the veterans’ contact information and being the main person everyone contacted for information. He attended every reunion from 1965 until his death in 2010. Oscar served decades as an honor guard member. Eventually, he served as Honor Guard Commander for the VFW and American Legion, retiring from that position at the age of 85 in 2006. Oscar attended hundreds of veterans’ funerals, believing each deserved recognition for sacrifices made in service of our country. He is one of four veterans pictured on the trailer of the Sullivan Brothers Veterans Museum’s traveling exhibit.
Andrew (Andy) Puhl
United States Army
Andy Puhl was educated at St. Mary’s School, and grew up in a large family in the years of the Great Depression. He was married in 1940. After the war he worked at the 7up Company and was a 30 year employee at John Deere. He was a guy that could do most everything. Car and small engine repair. Electrical and plumbing. Painting. He was a good Dad making sure his daughters were provided the highest level of education and opportunities for the future. He cared lovingly for his wife during her battle with ovarian cancer. He lived with dignity for 3 years after having a small stroke which stole his ability to eat and speak. God took him home in 2005
Guy Manross
United States Army
Guy served in the US Army for two years. He Born, raised and lived in Waterloo married, had children and worked at Zeidler’s Concrete Products. Sullivan Brothers, all who lived in the same neighborhood in Waterloo and attended school together. Andy and his brothers served in the Army, Navy, and Marines from 1943 to 1945. Andrew was born in Waterloo in 1920. He attended St. Mary’s School and grew up in a large family during the Great Depression. He married Marlys Igou in November of 1940 and raised two daughters. After the war, he worked at the 7up Company and was a 30-year employee at John Deere. He is known as a loving husband and father, caring lovingly for his wife during her horrible journey and death from ovarian cancer. Guy was also known for his ability to do almost everything from automobiles and small engine repairs to electrical, plumbing, and Painting projects. He ensured his daughters were provided with the highest level of education and opportunities for the future. He lived with dignity for three years after having a minor stroke that stole his ability to eat and speak until his death.
Leon Roberts
United States Army
Leon served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean conflict. During that time, he was stationed in Germany. He lived and raised his family in Waterloo, was married for 59 years, and had four children. Leon worked at the Rath Packing Company for 35 years. Four of his brothers served in WWII and Korea.
John Thomas Siebel
United States Navy
John joined the US Navy and served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War until being discharged in 1969. John received a commendation for volunteering with other sailors to go ashore and help soldiers pinned down by the Viet cong. John was born in Waterloo (Eagle Center) and graduated from Don Bosco High School. He worked as a plumber and retired from Hudson Plumbing and Heating in 2011. John lived in waterloo for 50 years was married and had three children.
Kenneth Allen Simmerman
United States Navy
Kenneth graduated from East High School in 1986 and enlisted in the Navy. He worked as a Test Engineer for Fisher Controls in Marshalltown
Madison Theodore Montgomery
United States Army
Madison enlisted in the US Army during World War II and was wounded in action. He was awarded the Purple Heart, One Battle Star, Asiatic Pacific Metal, and Rifleman Award. Madison was Born in Lexington, Mississippi, and lived and worked in Waterloo from 1948 to his death on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1967
Richard J. Lown
United States Army
Richard served in the US Army from June 1942 to December 1945 (3 1/2 years) during WWII. He reported to Camp Dodge, Des Moines, in June 1942, and after basic training, he was assigned to the Personnel Records Department and trained at IBM Key Punch School in Washington, DC. In April 1944, he was transferred to a keypunch unit at Base Air Depot #1, Warrington, England, and arrived there May 1. This unit was responsible for the morning reports from all over the European Theater of Operations. After Japan surrendered in 1945, Richard was sent to London to work on a roster of men eligible for discharge. Richard was honorably discharged and returned home in December 1945. He received the Service Stripe, Overseas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal and attained the rank of corporal. Richard was born in Waterloo in 1919 and lived most of his life there. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1937. He was employed as an Industrial Engineer with Rath Packing Company, retiring in 1984. He served as secretary/treasurer of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He and his wife Julia were married for 72 years and raised fourteen children, nine sons, and five daughters, all born in either Independence or Waterloo. He thoroughly enjoyed his life and his large family and always wore a smile
William Lewis Roberts
United States Navy
William served in the US Navy for two years. He was born, raised, and educated in Waterloo. William worked at Rath Packing Company, had 12 siblings, and raised seven children. He was known as hardworking and enjoyed his children and 12 grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening.
Wayne Magee
United States Army
Wayne served in the US Army from 1964 to 1970. He completed his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and advanced training at the Crypto Repair school in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. Wayne then attended Infantry Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Wayne has been very active in the community. Through his business, Magee Construction, he helped design and build a smart home for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds smart homes for disabled veterans. Wayne also helped build a new shelter in Veterans Park. Since he was seven years old, he has been visiting Cemeteries in the Dunkerton area on Memorial Day, placing poppies on the veterans’ gravesites. Wayne was born in Keokuk and raised in Dunkerton. He resides in Cedar Falls.
Eugene ‘Jack’ Harris
United States Army
Eugene served in the US Army for four years with the 1700th Engineer Combat Battalion during World War II. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant 1st Class. During the War, he married his high school sweetheart, Marynette ‘Mina’ Roberts. After leaving the Service, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he owned a successful accounting agency and became the 1st African American member of the Tulsa School Board. He also was Executive Director of Moton Memorial Hospital in Tulsa until his death in 1978.” Eugene was raised in Waterloo, where he attended school.
Thomas R. Lown
United States Navy
Tom joined the US Navy after high school and, during the Vietnam War, served as a Damage Control Officer on the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in the Gulf of Tonkin in 1968 and 1969. He was honorably discharged in 1972. After finishing his service on the Hornet, Tom returned to Waterloo, married, built his first home at age 24, and raised two children. He started his own business—Lown Construction and Woodworks—as a home builder and maker of anything wood, including furniture, cabinets, and casework. He had a contract to build shipping containers for the local Marine detachment, which were used when they deployed for Operation Desert Storm. He later worked as a Quality Control Supervisor for Omega Cabinet Company in Waterloo. Following that, he spent seventeen years as an estimating, design, and project manager for Magee Construction in Cedar Falls. He retired from that position in 2006. Shortly after retirement, Tom answered the call to serve as Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity in Waterloo. He then received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for his work as a Volunteer Construction Estimator for the distribution of FEMA funds in the Cedar Valley following the 2008 flood. Tom was born in Independence, and was almost a lifelong resident of Waterloo, and graduated from Columbus High School in 1966. Sailing his 20-foot sailboat is Tom’s fun…but he’s been so busy in “retirement” that it’s been twelve years since he’s had time to do it.
Richard Alan Lown
United States Marines
Richard Lown Served six enlisted military services in the US Marine Corps from October 1st, 1971, to September 30th, 1977. He served four years on active duty and two years in reserve service in a Transportation Battalion, Headquarters Company, Supply Administration, and Embarkation. Richard received an Achievement award for Mount Out preparatory assimilation and qualified as an Expert Rifleman. He was also awarded the National Defense Badge, three Meritorious Masts (which serve as a formal acknowledgment of exceptional performance or initiative by enlisted Marines), and the Good Conduct Medal. Richard served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Camp Pendleton, California, and Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. His Foreign service totaled 13 months. Richard was Honorable Discharged with the rank of Sergeant E5. Richard was born in Independence, Iowa. His hometown was Waterloo until 1971. He lives in Festus, Missouri, and is a Real Estate Broker.
Bruce Wayne Walters
United States Marines
Bruce Walters served in the US Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970. He was a Marine Scout Sniper in the Seventh Marines, Based out of LC Baldy, a United States Marine Corps, Army, and ARVN base in central Vietnam south of Dang. Bruce was Born and raised in Waterloo and is a Current resident. He worked for John Deere and coached volleyball for 40 years. He has been married for 54 years to Carol Henze and has had three children. He enjoys a love of fishing.
Marvin “Mad Dog” Marlin Baldwin
United States Army
Marvin Baldwin served in the US Army for six years. He joined the Army in 1941 at the age of 16. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and served during WW2. His military occupation led him to drive various vehicles during the war. Marvin also served in the Army Reserves for two years during the Korean War, from 1950 to 1952. At that time, he was a mess hall sergeant in charge of the mess hall kitchen. Marvin had worked at the Rath Packing Company and in security at the John Deere North East Site, where he acquired the nickname Mad Dog”. He lived in Waterloo his entire life, attending St Mary’s Elementary School and Columbus High School.