US PARAS Strutzenberg, Eugene Gustav

[John Robertson]

• SURNAME

Strutzenberg​

• FORENAME

Eugene Gustav​

• UNIT

504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company E)​

• RANK

Private First Class​

• NUMBER

36733161​

• AWARD

Silver Star​

• PLACE

Germany 1945​

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

from Chicago, Illinois​

born 16.03.1923 Blue Island, Illinois, USA​

father Gustaf Henry Strutzenberg (1891-1975)​

mother Emma (nee Ramp) Strutzenberg (1886-1953)​

employed by Protector Seal, 1908 South Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois​

resided Route #3, Box 18, Omro, Winnebago County, Wisconsin (draft card)​

29.06.1942 draft card Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (shows middle name Gustof)​

19.02.1943 entered service​

504 PIR 1943-45​

discharged 1945 (Staff Sgt)​

18.12.1945 married Laura Belva (nee Olmstead) (1925-1985)​

28.12.1986 married Donna Mae (nee Olson) (1940-2021)​

9 children​

2012 resided Lakeview Circus, Brodhead, Wisconsin​

died 10.07.1920 (Aged 97) Brodhead, Rock County, Wisconsin, USA​

Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, Rock County, Wisconsin, USA​

​

Eugene was born on March 16, 1923 in Blue Island, Illinois. Township of Worth, IL. The farmhouse where he was born was on 127th Street (one block east of Harlem Avenue).
His parents were Gustof Herman and Emma (Ramp) Strutzenberg. At the age of seven his parents moved to Omro, Wisconsin. Eugene graduated from 8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse (Delhi School) right across the road from the farm.
At the age of 13 years, he began working for different farmers in the neighborhood. With his earnings he brought his first car, a 1930 Model A Ford. He paid $45.00 for it. At the age of 14 years, he also worked in the Wheat & Flax fields in South Dakota and grain fields in Oklahoma. Bought his second car, a 1935 Model T Ford, at the age of 16. He paid $300.00 for it.
He enlisted into the Army (World war II) on February 12th, 1943. He was part of the original Army 82nd Airborne Division Company E, 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Participated in the major battles of World War II - Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, Siegfried Line, behind enemy lines for 54 days. Developed gangrene in his feet fighting in the mountains of Italy. When the war was over, he stayed for 5 more months during occupational Berlin. For his bravery in combat he received many medals and ribbons (Silver Star, Bronze Star, Parachute Wings, Combat Infantry Man Badge, etc.) He was discharged from service on November 26th, 1945.
He used his GI Bill to attend Northwestern University to get a Master’s in Theory, thus gave him his title as “Master Mechanic.”
Worked at Worth Auto Parts, Suburban Auto, Litzsinger Lincoln-Mercury, Deel Lincoln-Mercury, Hawkinson Lincoln-Mercury, Marathon Gas Station and retired from The City of Palos Hills, IL as head maintenance. Maintaining 154 city units - police cars, ambulance, heavy equipment. He retired in 1988.
Eugene was a Sunday School Superintendent at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Palos Park, IL.
He was an avid golfer and loved to dance.
He loved the Lord, Jesus Christ and showed that through his action and his love for people.
Eugene married Laura Olmsted on December 18th, 1945. Living in Worth, IL., raised nine children.
Eugene is survived by his wife of 34 years and children.
Eugene was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura, son, Vern, two great grandchildren, Ethan and Bronwyn, his parents and 3 brothers and 2 sisters.