During a very complicated battle near the end of World War II, American forces advanced toward Germany in a very intense war called the Battle of the Bulge. The lives lost were many and included my uncle, Earl Pochert.
In a letter written to his brother and sister-in-law (my parents), Earl wrote about the “hell” of war.
Earl Pochert died on January 3, 1945, (the actual date is a bit uncertain because of the nature of the deaths and the ability to identify the bodies). The following letter was written on December 27, 1944. This was just a few days before he died.
To my understanding, the letter took some time to arrive in the United States most likely well after the notification of his death to his parents (my grandparents) . You can image the emotion of the readers.
The letter was talked about before my enlistment in the Air Force. My parents stressed the importance of the pledge that I made when enlisting. I’m sure this letter and the fact that myself and my brother, Kurt Pochert, who entered the Navy, made a big impact on their concern for their sons.
Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.
Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.
Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.
Earl Pochert Memorial Service – The Times Herald Port Huron, Michigan 06 Feb 1945, Tue • Page 10 – Newspapers.com
PORT HOPE – Port Hope’s St. John Lutheran School is closing due to declining enrollment after 133 years of offering a Christian education, most recently to K-8.
“Throughout the years, thousands of young people have entered our doors and left with a firm foundation rooted in our Lord jesus Christ,” the school released in a statement.
The first school was erected in 1883 by German Lutherans, who began settling in the area in the 1860s. During these years, attendance often exceeded 100 students. A new building was constructed in 1952 and was added on to in 1981.
The school has had 44 teachers since being founded. Ernest Mossner taught for 40 years, Louis Fink for 27, Dan Buchinger for 18 and Harold Wolf for 14. Andrea Landenburg has served as preschool teacher for the past 17 years, Paula Ceplecha has dedicated herself to St. John ministry as principal and teacher for 12 years. Former students, Suellen Emerick and Ciara Gust, returned to each for 19 and 17 years, respectively, the school said.
Recently, Port Hope St. John employed a preschool teacher, a grade school teach and two aides, as well as, a school secretary. In the 2015-2016 school year, there were four students in preschool and six students in grades K-8, but only two indicated that they would be returning for the 2016-17 school year.
The school is located within the North Huron School District, which serves the Port Austin and Kinde area.
Students may also choose to attend other schools, with those closest being Harbor Beach Community Schools or Zion Lutheran School, also located in Harbor Beach. [1]
References:
Huron County View, September 1, 2016, John Bonke – Port Hope’s St. John Lutheran School closes after 133 years (PDF)
Although Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church in Novi, Michigan, no longer exists (now Holy Cross Episcopal Church), the memories and contributions of Nettie Skrade live on. This is her story of the love of gardening. Nettie is no longer with us. She was born on February 3, 1907, and died on April 18, 2002, at the age of 95.
Nettie Skrade designed, planted and tends the garden at Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church in Novi, “A plant can tell of your love, ” she says. – Photo by George Waldman/Detroit Free Press[1]At Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, flowers share space with evergreens.[1]
The Newspaper Article Made Her Day
Ellen Creager, Free Press Staff Writer, “She tends the garden every day in summer, because the petunias grow fast and weeks even faster.
“Some people say they’re gardeners, and they plant beds of begonias and then just leave them all summer,” Nettie Skrade says. “Know what? Pretty soon, those beds look like the back wheels of bad luck”
She laughs, and her smile crinkles up brown eyes shaded by a sturdy sun hat over white hair. Her hands are smooth and tan, with freckles making their way up her strong arms. She walks down a curving path of circular stones in the memory garden at Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church in Novi, which she designed and planted. She stops and touches a Bradford pear tree. Her fingers caress the almond-shaped leaves of emerald green. …”[1]
Detroit Free Press death notice, April 20, 2002
Age 95. Died Thursday afternoon, April 18, 2002, in Midland. she was born February 3, 1907 in Baker, Florida. She is survived by a daughter, Jacquelyn (Frederick) Brenner of Midland; a daughter-in-law, Kathy L. Skrade of Northville; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Kurt Paul Skrade. In accordance with Nettie s wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider MidMichigan Hospice, 3007 N. Saginaw Road, Midland, MI 48640-4555, or the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Northville. Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler Street, Midland 48640. [2]
After this wonderful story was published by the Detroit Free Press, Nettie wrote a note to her friend, Terry Pochert, a few days afterwards. She made copies and wrote…
By now, dear Terry, I feel certain every person deserves “5 minutes of Fame” to know the experience of glowing in Glory and distantly feeling as one with real celebrities! If it has not yet been your experience, may it come soon! Ever, Nettie K Strade 6-23-91 [3]
A personal letter to Terry Pochert really shows what an angel Nettie was.
Late evening – Raining all afternoon but now snow nor ice – and you Dear Terry are basking in the sunshine at 75 degrees browning your complexion to prove it – and smilingly writing that picture in words…. [Read the entire letter as a PDF][4]
PORT HOPE – Port Hope’s St. John Lutheran School is closing due to declining enrollment after 133 years of offering a Christian education, most recently to K-8.
