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Two years was quite enough
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Lee Johnson talks about WWII like it was yesterday
RIGHT THERE — Lee Johnson of Ellendale points to a picture of himself during Basic Training in Arkansas in 1945. Also in the picture, fourth from top in the far right row, is rural New Richland resident Richard Crumb, featured in an earlier article in the Star Eagle. Johnson, 90, is a 69-year member of the American Legion. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Lee Johnson still remembers the day the lieutenant pulled him aside.
“He said, ‘Lee, you might think I’m nuts, but I just wanted to know if you wanted to re-up for another two years,’” said Johnson.
The lieutenant was right.
“I said, ‘Hell no! I’m ready to go home,’” said Johnson.
And so it was at the end of World War II for Johnson, a lifelong area resident who still lives in his home across the street from NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale.
Interviewing Johnson is not like talking to a normal 90-year-old.
NRHEG voted state’s top cheer squad
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NRHEG High School cheerleaders. Front from left: Corrie Powell, Nicole Wallin. Row two: Anna Bailey, Taytum Ihrke, Maurya Johnson, Jessica Nafe, Brianna Podratz-Waters. Row three: Lizzy Hagen, Mikayla Besser, Grace Olson, Nicole Edon, Abby Christopherson. Back: Bailey Possin, Tali Wayne, Abby Wacholz, Cece Torp, Taylor Tieskotter, Bailey Burg, Torrie Stencel. (Star Eagle photo by Tracie Rosacker)
The NRHEG High School cheer team was named best in the state by WCCO TV last week.
Acccording to the WCCO report:
“The football field at NRHEG High School in New Richland, surrounded by a sea of corn, is home to the best cheer team in Minnesota.
The NRHEG Cheer Team’s 20 members practice up to five days a week, sometimes twice per day.
Ellendale class of ‘47
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Group holds annual reunion
The Ellendale High School class of 1947 held its annual reunion on September 27, 2014 at noon at George’s of Geneva. There were nine members and four visitors present. Each one shared a little of their life since graduation, which included family, employment and where they have lived for most of the past sixty-seven years. A good time was enjoyed by all and they look forward to their reunion next year on the fourth Saturday of September 2015 at George’s of Geneva. Front from left: Donna (Anderson) Perrine, Harriet (Werting) Carlson, Rose (Anderson) Mangskau, Doris (Willert) Krause. Back: Martin Reese, Howard Jacobson, Duane Muri, Robert Fischer, Eddie Jensen. (Submitted photo)
Queen Ryann, King Nick
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Homecoming royalty crowned
Ryann Hagen, left, was crowned NRHEG’s 2014 Homecoming Queen Monday night at the high school gymnasium in New Richland. Nick Bartness, right, was crowned Homecoming King. The Panthers face arch-rival Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in the Homecoming football game Friday night at 7 p.m. For more on Homecoming, past and present, see Pages 6-7 of this week's Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Still a survivor
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Warke recounts his wartime stint in Japan
HONORED — Eugene Warke stands near some of the World War II memorabilia that can be found on the walls of his New Richland home, which he built. Warke, 87, said he was honored to be one of 13 NR area people honored for their service in WWII as grand marshals of this year’s Farm and City Days Parade. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
In 1945, Eugene Warke didn’t wait to be drafted into the Armed Forces. At age 17 years, 3 months, he skipped his senior year of high school to enlist.
“There was a group of guys from around here going in,” he explained. “I wanted to be with the ones I knew. Age was not a question then.”
Though the war was over by the time they got overseas, some enemies either didn’t know or refused to acknowledge it. Warke and his friends dodged plenty of sniper bullets and endured their share of hardship on Japanese islands. Of 14 who went, three came back. Warke came home carrying 119 pounds on his 6-foot frame.
“After swearing in at Fort Snelling, we were sent to Fort Hood, Texas for training,” said Warke. “We should have had about five months of training. We had five weeks.”