Marion E. Findling, U. S. Navy,
Dies in Service of Country
Navy Department Sends Word
Body Is Being Shipped to Mason City
The body of Marion Eugene Findling, gunner’s mate 3/c, son of Mrs. Minnie Lown, 202 2nd S. E., who died in the service of his country, according to a telegram received here Wednesday, is being shipped to Mason City, it was announced in a later telegram from the navy department on Thursday.
“The navy department deeply regrets to inform you of the death of your son, Marion Eugene Findling, gunner’s mate 3/c, U. S. N. as a result of a ruptured intestine while in the service of his country,” read the telegram signed by Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of naval personnel.
“His remains are enroute to the United States and will be held pending instructions from his wife, Mrs. Clarene May Finding, Plymouth, Iowa. To prevent possible aid to our enemies please do not divulge the name of his ship or station. The navy department extends to you its sincerest sympathy in your great sorrow.”
Mate Findling had been home in March following 7 months of overseas service and at that time was married to Miss Clarence May Hugi of Plymouth. He had reported back to his station for active duty at the end of his leave.
Findling entered the service on Dec. 18, 1942, and took his boot training at the Great Lakes [IL], later continuing training at Norfolk, Va., and Brooklyn, N. Y. Last December he had been somewhere in Africa and word came at that time that he was recovering from pneumonia in a hospital there.
Surviving besides his wife and mother are his sister, Mrs. Richard Reynolds, 24th S. W., his brother, Lonnie Findling, 211 Madison S. W., and his stepfather, Clyde Lown. Funeral arrangements are incomplete pending arrival of the body.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Thursday, May 04, 1944, Page 15 (photo included)
Findling Rites to Be Held on Friday
Funeral services for Marion Eugene Findling, gunner’s mate 3/c, whose body is scheduled to arrive in Mason City Thursday morning, will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the First Methodist church, Plymouth, with the Rev. Russell E. Pape, pastor of the Church of the Open Bible, conducting the services. Short services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Mason City at the home of Findling’s mother, Mrs. Minnie Lown, 202 2nd S. E.
The Bride funeral home, Manly, is in charge. [Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth, Iowa.]
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday, May 10, 1944, Page 10
