Memorials › Gerald Francis “Jerry” DeWispelare
Gerald Francis “Jerry” DeWispelare
16 May 1930 – 6 Dec 2018
| Birth | 16 May 1930 |
| Death | 6 Dec 2018 |
| Cemetery | Catholic Cemetery of Presentation Church and Saint Mary Bellwood , Butler County , Nebraska , USA |
| Added by | Judy Johnson on 08 Dec 2018 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195227056 |
Bio
Gerald DeWispelare, 88, of David City, died Thursday, December 6, 2018, at David Place in David City. Gerald was born May 16, 1930, near Octavia, to Emil and Geneva (Morbach) DeWispelare. He received his education at Marietta and graduated from Marietta High School. In 1951 he entered the United States Army, serving in Korea where he earned the Bronze Star during the brutal battle on Outpost Harry during the final stage of the war: The Bronze Star with V device for heroic achievement is awarded to Sergeant GERALD F. DeWISPELARE, Infantry, Company M, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 10 June and during the early morning hours of 11 June 1953, elements of the 15th Infantry Regiment had the mission of defending a strategically valuable friendly held outpost in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, when a numerically superior hostile force launched an intense assault against them. As the enemy stormed the friendly positions, Sergeant DeWispelare, a squad leader, deployed his men and supplied the machine gun crew with ammunition. As several of the enemy gained the trenches, he courageously positioned himself at the entrance of the machine gun bunker and provided rear gun protection for the machine gun crew. When the gunner and assistant gunner were wounded, he immediately manned the weapon and continued to fire effectively into the enemy ranks. In the morning, he remained on the hill and assisted with the evacuation of his wounded comrades. Sergeant DeWisperlare's outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. From Marietta, Nebraska. HQ 3ID GO 247, 11 July 53. On August 21, 1952, he married Wilma Vanis at Presentation Catholic Church. Following his service to his country, he and Wilma lived and farmed near Octavia. Gerald was a proud farmer, member of Presentation Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree Knight, past Grand Knight and a lifetime member of the Fr. McGivney Service Award of Council 1717. He also belonged to the American Legion. Gerald was a very social person and he and Wilma loved to attend dances in the area. He is survived by his wife, Wilma of David City, a daughter, Deb (Ed) Birkel of Lincoln, son Mike (Betty) DeWispelare of David City, one sister, Eva Kadavy of Fremont, brother Ed (Kim) DeWispelare of Valley, four grandsons; Todd (Kandi) DeWispelare and their children, Camden,Kollyns and Kenzie, Troy (Nicole) DeWispelare and Ella, Jason (Kristin) DeWispelare, Riley and Kallan and Blake (Andrea) Birkel and their children, Hannah, Halle and Mason. Gerald is also survived by four sisters-in-law; Dorothy DeWispelare of David City, Marge Vanis of Rising City, Bernice Vanis of Lincoln and Kathy DeWispelare of Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Marie Birkel DeWispelare, brother Dan DeWispelare and in laws; Marcella and Bob Brezina, Bob Kadavy, Ray Vanis, Harry and Lucille Vanis, Marion Vanis, Jim and Elise Vanis, Lee and Mary Ann Zegers and Ken DeWispelare. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 10:00 A.M. Presentation Catholic Church, Marietta, Reverend Janusz Marzynski, Celebrant Visitation Monday 4-7 with 7 PM Rosary-Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City Visitation Tuesday 9-10:00 AM at the Church Committal in the St. Peter's Cemetery with Military Honors
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
Export GEDCOM
This person only · Entire connected family