Immigrated to Chicago December 1928 with father Arnt, mother Ruth and sister Thordis.
Graduated from Lane Technical High School in June 1940. Started working at Union Special Machine Co., attending Northwestern University in the evenings.
June 1941 drafted into the Royal Norwegian Air Force (still a citizen of Norway). Reported for training at “Camp Little Norway” in Toronto, Canada.
June 1942-Transferred into United States Army Air Force. Became a U.S. Citizen. After training, became a flight engineer and top-turret gunner on the B-17 4-Engine Heavy Bomber.
November 1943-Flew to Polebrook, England. Assigned to the 509th Squadron, 31st Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. From November 1943 to May 1944 participated in 29 combat missions over Nazi Germany and occupied Europe. Was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and other medals. His unit, the 31st, was awarded the “Presidential Unit Citation” (A very rare and distinguished honor) for extraordinary achievement in war fare against an enemy of the USA. The award was signed by FDR Commander in Chief.
FAMILY LIFE
Proceeded in death by beloved wife Adelaide (nee Engels). Also married to Myrtle (nee Meinke) During WWII. Beloved father of Christine (Ed) Purmann and Lloyd (Kate). Cherished grandfather of Scott Purmann, Karen (Eric) Szoke, Michael (Agnes) Purmann, Kimberly (Adam) Gangloff and great-grandfather of Makailey Szoke, Maximillian and Joseph Purmann.
WORK LIFE
Had only one job throughout life (other than Military Service). Employed by Union Special Corp. (Formerly Union Special Machine Co.) from June 1940 to December 1984, with time out for soldiering. U.S.M. Co. Manufacturers Industrial Sewing Machines. Started work in the Engineering Dept., assisting in the invention and development of improved sewing machines and methods. Transferring to manufacturing division. Responsibilities included the construction and maintenance of factories, warehouses and offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Also, the invention and design of manufacturing machinery and methods, holding several U.S. patents. Just prior to retirement, his title was “Director of Facilities, North America.”
PERSONAL LIFE
Moved to Cicero, IL in 1982. Interested in music. Played guitar, concertina, harmonica and banjo. Loved to go fishing in Manitoba, Canada. Flew into the wilderness in single engine float planes, occasionally accompanied by Romona who also loved fishing. They spent winter vacations together on Longboat Key, Florida, near Sarasota. Played golf as often as possible all of his life. Once played a round with Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonald’s. His handwritten daily diary of his combat experiences was printed in 1997. Florida State University asked for and now have copyright to this journal for exhibit in their Department of History.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to his caregivers
Irene and Sheri in the months preceding his passing who were there until the very end.
In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org or
American Heart Association 10900 Stonelake Blvd #320, Austin, TX 78759
(512) 338-2400
Funeral Service
Saturday, November 1, 2014
9:00am until time of Chapel Service at 11am
Mount Auburn Funeral Home
4101 S. Oak Park Avenue
Stickney, IL 6040
708-749-2033
Interment
Mount Auburn Memorial Park
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