Category: Michigan

  • Earl Pochert’s Last Letters Before His Death at the Battle of the Bulge

    Earl Pochert
    Earl Pochert

    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.

    Earl Pochert

    Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.

    Earl Pochert

    Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.

    Earl Pochert

    Copyright 2016 – Connert Media, Inc.

    Earl Pochert - Grave
    Earl Pochert - Death Notice
    Earl Pochert
    Earl Pochert Memorial Service – The Times Herald
    Port Huron, Michigan
    06 Feb 1945, Tue • Page 10 – Newspapers.com

    References:

  • How Stupid Can 45 Supporters Be?

    A conservative group’s protest called “Operation Gridlock” defies COVID-19 CDC recommendations by organizing in a mass protest shoulder to shoulder with other 45 supporters. 1

    Many of the parents actually brought their kids while being unprotected.

    Conservative Trumps supports block emergency vehicles.

    Some have called for making sure these folks are not admitted to hospitals for treatment should they become ill.

  • Classic Autos and Music Machines

    The Stahls Automotive Foundation
    The Stahls Automotive Foundation

    Yes, they do go together at the Stahls Automotive Foundation’s Museum in Chesterfield, Michigan.

    The museum has very limited hours, so be sure to call before had.  Michigan is loaded with fun things to do and visit even for the local residents.  We’ve heard folks say, “This is in my backyard?”  Yup, make sure you discover these wonderful assets.

    The Stahls Automotive Foundation was created to build an appreciation for history. Their mission is to educate, motivate and inspire young people with a passion and appreciation for vintage vehicles and help them to understand their contribution to the development of the car industry as well as their impact on society, history and everyday life.

    A visit to the Stahls Automotive Foundation will take you back to a time in history when cars were more than just a way to take us from point A to point B. Gain a better understanding of how the automobile developed from a novelty to a main form of transportation. In addition to the beautiful cars, enjoy the collection of gas pumps, road signs, oil cans and other car-related accessories from the Depression era.


  • John H. Kriewall Obituary

    In Memory of a Pillar of the Community

    John H. Kriewall
    John H. Kriewall

    John H. Kriewall, 92 If anyone can be said to be “of” a community, John Kriewall was of Port Hope. He spent his life dedicated to his wife, his family, his customers and the people of his community.

    They kept him busy. John Henry Kriewall, 92, of Port Hope, died peacefully Sept. 4 in Harbor Beach Community Hospital’s long-term care unit. As always, he was among family and friends. Helping out, in his mind, was just something you do if you’re privileged to have the opportunity. He poured coffee at community events, made often-difficult decisions as a trustee here and board member there, created memorable entries for the 4th of July parade, sold 50/50 raffle tickets, and left at all hours responding to fire calls.

    He said not long ago, as his health was declining, “Man, it’s a lot easier helping out than it is asking for help.”

    John Kriewall was born Sept. 15, 1925, at the family farm outside Port Hope. He married Marla Winkel Nov. 22, 1952. They have five children: Garth (Diane) Kriewall of Port Huron; Rodney (Kathy) Kriewall of San Jose, CA; Beth (Gene) King of Bancroft, MI; Martin (Darla) Kriewall of New Richmond, WI; and Dinah (Wayne) Watson of Doraville, GA. They have six grandchildren: Rayna (Josh) Wierenga and Faith (Wes) Carlson of San Luis Obispo, CA; Heather (Jordan) Adams of Kill Devil Hills, NC; John Walter Kriewall of Tampa, FL; Will Kriewall of East Lansing; and David Franklin of Woodbury, MN. They also have four great-children.

    John lived his life on the family farm in Gore Township. It was designated a centennial farm in 2014. John worked outside the farm at the Port Hope elevator. He spent most of his career as a business owner servicing Harvestore sealed storage silos. Upon his retirement, he drove school bus for Port Hope Community Schools. His civic activities included the Port Hope Fire Department, Port Hope Community Schools Board of Education, Gore Township board, East Huron Ambulance Service board, Sanilac Intermediate School District board, Huron County Fire Association board, and St. John Lutheran Church.

    Funeral Arrangements

    Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Hope. Visitation also will be 9 a.m. until time of services at the church. Internment will be in Marquardt Cemetery, Gore Township. Memorials may be made to Harbor Beach Community Hospital long-term care unit, the Port Hope Fire Department, or the stained glass fund at St. John Lutheran Church.

  • 37th Air Defence Missle Squadron (ADC)

    Aerial of the 37th ADMS
    Aerial of the 37th ADMS {Photo source: Unknown)