2024 - Celebrating the Last of the Greatest Generation
Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center
Morton High School
27 May 2024
The effort to identify the remaining
Tazewell County WWII Veterans began in late 2023.
The initial list had over 24 names
Only 16 remain
Before their voices go silent forever, let us hear from them and
show them our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice for our freedom!
The Last Living Tazewell County WWII Veterans
27 May 2024
Robert Hacker, 95, Pekin
Carl Harris, 95, Pekin
Louis Steger, 95, Pekin
Raymond Bianchi, 96, Pekin
Allen Gale, 96, Pekin
Robert Lake, 96, Morton
Wendell Polson, 96, Hopedale
Walter McCabe, 97, Pekin
Ben Maurer, 99, Hopedale
Stuart Ruch, 99, Hopedale
William Waddell, 99, Pekin
Max Tessier, 100, Washington
William Elliot, 101, Tremont
James Johnson, 101, Pekin
Arthur Reynolds, 101, Washington
Richard Lohnes, 106, Green Valley
Program/Masters of Ceremonies
John Ackerman
Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds
Steve Saal
Tazewell County Veterans Assistance Commission
Venue/Videography
Interested in more WWII Tazewell County Veteran Memories?
The Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society believed that conserving our World War II veteran’s experiences was so important that in 2007 we recorded many of the Tazewell County veteran’s stories to preserve for future generations. Hundreds of veterans shared their unique experiences–many for the first time!
You’ll relive with “ordinary” men and women how their amazing sacrifices during these extraordinary times forged the values that made our people and nation great! No wonder they have been christened The Greatest Generation!
Hundreds of these memories were selected and published in an approximately 500 page 8.5″ x 11″ book entitled Tazewell County Veterans of World War II Remembrances. The book has a high quality, long-lasting library binding. Pictures of many of the veterans were included with their stories.
Most of these valiant men and women have since passed away. Now, you can get 2 copies of the book for the original price of just one - $33 delivered to your home! Get yours today before they are gone!
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