Submitted by Patsy Scheer
danandpatsy@yahoo.com

THE WESTERN WAVE September 30, 1920

MANY PAY TRIBUTE TO WORLD -WAR HERO

The body of Walter H. Kaiser, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Kaiser arrived here Monday afternoon and was
laid to rest in Plainview cemetery with military
honors. Walter died of pneumonia on February 24, 1919
at Bonn, Germany, while serving with the army of
occupation.

Roy W. Brown, formerly a lieutenant in the air
service, had charge of the local arrangements upon
behalf of the ex-servicemen. Renny Post 258, American
Legion of Swanton, responded in fine shape. Post
Commander Bert Wiest came here with twenty men in
uniform. Other former soldiers came from Dewitt,
Tobias, Western and vicinity, until there were sixty
uniformed men in line that met the afternoon train to
receive the body and escort it to the Methodist Church
and to the cemetery.

The casket containing the remains of the young soldier
was wrapped in the American colors. Private Clyde H.
Mitchell, H. Co., 49th Inf., Fort Crook, was the
military escort from Omaha to Western.

The pallbearers were Roy Dubois, Harry Saylor, Fred
Gutzmer, Walter Lewis, Carl Schwisow, and Edward F.
Brejcha. The latter two served in the same regiment
with Walter Kaiser and Mr. Brejcha attended his
funeral in Germany.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist
Church, all the ministers of the town joining in the
tribute of respect and honor to the community's dead
soldier. There were many cut flowers delivered at the
church, an expression of sympathy and honor from
soldiers, friends and citizens. Rev. J. Koehler of the
German Methodist Church presided. A choir of ten
voices gave several appropriate selections. Addresses
were made by Rev. Hoesch, Rev. Owings, Rev. Wagner and
Rev. Koehler. The talks were filled with messages of
comfort to the relatives and friends and lessons of
loyalty, service and patriotism were drawn in
expressive words by the speakers.

Rev. Koehler read an extract from an official letter
to the parents as follows: "Officers" and men who were
aquainted with Walter showed a high regard for him,
which meant that he was a man, faithful in the
preformance of his duties. Copies of other documents
read, are appended.

"United States Army, in memory of Walter H. Kaiser,
Supply Co. 4th Inf., who died February 24, 1919. He
bravely laid down his life for the cause of his
country. His name will ever remain fresh in the hearts
of his comrades. The record of his honorable service
will be preserved in the archives of the American
Expeditionary Forces. John J. Pershing, Commander in
Chief."

"Army of the United States of America, To all who
shall see these presents, Gretting: This is to
certify, that Walter Henry Kaiser, wagoner supply
company, 4th Infantry, died with honor in the service
of his country on the 24th day of February, 1919.
Given at Washington, D.C., office of the adjutant
general of the Army, this 4th day of March, 1920. I.
Erwin, Adjutant General."

At the close of the church services the Western band
playing the funeral march, escorted the body to the
cemetery. It is estimated that about a thousand people
assembled to do the honors to the memory of the young
soldier. All the business houses of the town closed
from 12:30 to 4 o'clock. The public schools were
dismissed at 2:30 and the pupils marched to the
cemetery.

At the grave the ex-servicemen paid the last
impressive rites as the body of their comrade was laid
to it's final rest in the soil of his home country.
Prof. G. W. Hildreth, also a former soldier, served as
chaplain and read the funeral service of the American
Legion. A squad of eight men fired the salute of three
shots and taps were blown by the bugler.

Walter Henry Kaiser was born in Western July 15, 1895.
On September 20, 1917, he was called into the service
of the government. He was in training at Camp Funston,
and sailed for France on April 6, 1918. He served as
wagoner with the Supply Company of the Fourth U.S.
Infantry, third division. The liberty medal sent to
Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser bears on it's bar six stars,
representing six of the principal battles of the world
war in which Walter participated, Aisne defensive,
Champagne defensive, Marine defensive, Aisne Marine
offensive, St. Mihiel offensive, Meuse-Argonne
offensive.

Besides the comrades and many friends the war hero
leaves to mourn his death his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Kaiser, brother Harry Kaiser and sister Carrie,
Mrs. P. H. Junker.
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