Individual Details

Death

WAYNE SOLDIER DIES IN FRANCE
Husband Anamosa Woman Death Told

Corp. Ernest Bohlken, 23, was killed in action in France Dec. 4, according to word sent by the War department to his wife, Clara Bohlken, in Anamosa.
He was born Sept. 2, 1921, at Wayne center. Oct. 18, 1942, he married Clara Hubbard, Anamosa. He entered the service Dec. 17, 1942, and received his training at Camp Claiborne, La., Ft. Riley, Kan., and Camp Howzie, Texas.
Surviving are his wife, a baby daughter, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bohlken, Wayne Center, two sisters, Eileen, at home, Alvina Wilkens, Anamosa, and two brothers, Leonard and Irvin, both of Wayne center.
Source:  The Anamosa Journal, Anamosa, Iowa, December 21, 1944

Memorial Services Held Last Sunday
A memorial service for Tech. Cpl. Ernest Henry Bohlken, 23, was held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran church Sunday morning, Feb. 18, in charge of Rev. Frederick H. Kehren, pastor. Rev. Kehren preached the sermon from the text, St. Matthew 36:36-47. During the service a candle on the altar standing in front of the crucifix was lighted by his brother, Leonard Bohlken. His gold star was affixed to the church service flag by Lt. Leo Waggoner.
Miss Johanna Kehren acted as organist, and hymns were sung by Mrs. George Folkerts, Hildegard Kehren and George Harms. The American Legion Post of Anamosa attended the' service in a body.
Tech. Cpl. Bohlken Was born Sept. 2, 1921, in Wayne township, a son of Ben H. and Anna Mary Weers Bohlken. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. John P. Willms. Following his attendance at the rural schools of Wayne township, he assisted his father as a farmer. He was also a skilled mechanic.
He was married to Clara Elizabeth Hubbard Oct. 18, 1942. Their marriage occurred at Kahoka, Mo. and was performed by Rev. J. N. Monroe. He entered the service of the United States in 1942 and received basic training at Camp Claiborne, La.; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Camp Howze, Texas. During the early part of October, 1944 he left for overseas with the 103rd Reconnaissance Troop and landed in France Oct. 17. Soon thereafter he took part in a battle with the Third army. He was killed in action Dec. 4.
His wife received official information from the government concerning his death Dec. 18, 1944. The Protestant chaplain of his troop, Rev. Albert J. Dubois, officiated at a military burial service. Interment was made in the United States Military cemetery in France with military honors. Tech. Bohlken is survived by his parents; his wife and daughter, Judy; and two sisters. Eileen, at home, Alvina, (Mrs. Ervin Wilken); and two brothers, Leonard Bohlken, Anamosa, and Ervin Bohlken, Wayne township.
Source:  Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, February 22, 1945