Carol William Donelson 1920–2013

Carol was born Oct. 26, 1920 to Arthur N. and Esther (Anderson) Donelson west of Stromsburg. He attended Dist. 41 country school west of Stromsburg through the 8th grade. He then attended Stromsburg High School, graduating in 1938. While in high school he enjoyed playing football and basketball.

Carol attended aircraft school in Omaha and then worked at an aircraft factory in San Diego, Calif. In 1942 he worked at National Lock Machine Shop in Rockford, Ill. In August of 1942 he was inducted into the United States Army. He was attached to the 30th Infantry Division and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus 9.

He fought in five of the major battles in Europe including Normandy, Northern France, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was discharged from the service in February of 1946 with a commission of 2nd Lieutenant.

Carol was united in marriage to Ruth Frances Twarling on March 14, 1943 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Stromsburg. After Carol returned from the service, they resided on a farm in Polk County. He stayed active in farming, even after moving into Stromsburg in 1978.

He enjoyed playing softball for the Stromsburg Legion team, hunting, fishing, sports and attending army reunions.

He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, served on the church council and as an usher. He was also a member of Stromsburg Legion Post #132 for over 60 years, served on the firing squad for over 50 years and was on the Legion baseball committee for several years. He was the Honored Veteran at the Stromsburg Veteran's Day program Nov. 11, 2002. He also served on the Dist. 27 school board.