Tag: Pochert

  • 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:

  • Pochert, Mina Bell – Obituary – June 1, 2003

    Mina Belle Schultz - Macomb DailyMina Belle Schultz - Obituary

    Macomb Daily, June 3, 2003

    Mina Belle L. Pochert-Schultz – Mina Belle L. Pochert-Schultz, 80, a Shelby Township-area resident since 1985, died Sunday, June 1, 2003.  She was born Aug. 1, 1922, in Harbor Beach.

    Mrs. Pochert-Schultz attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Aide and the Golden Circle.

    She is survived by her children, Kurt (Susan) Pochert of Hartland, Terrel (Joe Connolly) Pochert of Gilbert, Ariz., and Cindy (Paul) Quitmeyer of Shelby Township; brother; the Rev. Lenhart Etzel of Flint; and grandchildren, Jason Pochert, Gretchen (Jason) Ferris, Greg (Carrie Armour) Quitmeyer and Laura (Jamie Claussen) Quitmeyer.  She was predeceased by her husbands, Lawrence Pochert, in 1971, and Edward Schultz, in 1984; and brother; Norman Etzel.

    A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Trinity Lutheran Church 45160 Van Dyke, Utica, with the Rev. Dr. Mark Hill officiating.  Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.

    Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Wednesday at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (three blocks east of Van Dyke), Utica, and 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the church.  Memorial contributions may be addressed to Trinity Foundation.