Passings

Only those deaths reported since The Gorgon went online are included on this page. If you know of a passing that occurred before this time and would like for that person to be included, please use the "Email" link on the right-hand side to send to me. Please include any information you would like, such as obituary or pictures.This service is also extended to spouses of crew.

The following was submitted by Warren Kurtze who wished to remember all who have left us. Thank you, Warren, it's so beautiful and cannot be read without tears:

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God laid for me; I took his hand when
I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all;
I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love or play; tasks
left undone must stay that way.

I found a place at the close of the day;
if my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy; a friendship shared, a laugh, a
kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss;
be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow; my life's been full, I
savored much good times and loved one's touch;
perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief; lift up your heart
and share with me,
God wanted me now, he set me free.

Ed Kaye

In an email from Bill Bradfield, dated 3 December 2004:

Eva Jakubowicz called to report that Ed Kaye, a frequent attendee of our reunions, and brother of Leo Kucharski, died this week as a result of a fall from a ladder at his home. Funeral was today (Friday), in Longmeadow, Mass.

William J. Davies

In an email from Tom Solosky, dated 22 May 2005:

From this morning's paper--
William J. Davies died Friday at home. Bill proudly served his country in the Pacific Theatre during WWII as a signalman aboard the submarine tender, USS Euryale.

Ken Poffenberger

In an email from Walter Teidemann, dated 12 June 2005:

I received a call from Paul Powers who had just had just been told by Dorothy (Dottie) Poffenberger that Ken had succumbed to Alzheimer's in late May and had been buried the first week in June.

The USS Euryale Reunion Association owes its existance to Chuck Vithum, Ken, John Schulz and Don May. Without telling any of the other Euryale crew members, they got together in Youngstown to arrange a reunion. (Don had also been aboard the USS Chicago and knew the Ins, Outs and Pitfalls of a reunion association.) The crew members at the first meeting in Pittsburg were the small number who saw Chuck's ad in the VFW and American Legion magazines along with crew members from Christmas card lists.

Ken was the first elected Association President. He served that term and two others. Spent countless hours on advance scouting, and planning details of, reunion meetings. He was blessed with a phenomenal memory - if you had forgotten the name of a crew member or wanted verification of how and where something happened, Ken was the man who knew.

San Diego was the last reunion that Ken attended, in future reunions we were to be deprived of the company of a great friend.

Paul and I both thought Ken deserved more than just a line that he had died. I pass to those who have the ability to say it more clearly. I know Father Hunter will say a prayer for him.

Bill Bradfield wrote:

Ken was a EURYALE pioneer- and one to whom I turned early in my association. A really good man who did much to get us up and keep us going. Remember him.

Caroline Schultze Teichler

In a letter from Betty Gondola, dated 23 November 2005:

Enclosed is a copy of a notice/information Al and I received recently--sad information. Please post it in the next issue of the Gorgon. I've included a picture of Carol,she was known to us and her husband, Warren, as "Teich." Warren passed away on 3/20/01. Everyone was very fond of the two of them. They were truly admired for the way they conducted themselves despite all their many health problems. Carol lived in a nursing home in Issaquah, Washington, not far from her son, Steve, and his family. She had moved to that state from South Holland, Illinois after Warren passed away.

Caroline passed away on October 18, 2005.

Stanley Lopes

In a card from Debra Whiting, dated 22 December 2005:

Sadly, Stan Lopes passed away 11-18-05. Thank you for remembering him.

Jim Boyd

In a letter from Powell Black, dated 31 December 2005:

Jim Boyd was a Chief Shipfitter on the Euryale. I succeeded him as Mail Clerk. For months we were just off the Equator. The sun beat down on the steel deck above us. I can see him now, as sweat rolled down his forehead onto his nose from the heat as we processed the mail and as he swiped the sweat off saying how hot it was. And it was hot!

He was a first class Shipfitter when I began working with him in the Post Office opposite the ship's galley but when he became Chief, he promoted himself out of the Mail Clerk billet and returned to the Shipfitter's gang. He and I became fast friends and was one of several shipmates with whom I continued our friendship after the war. At the time, the Navy used my first name, Ralph, but Jim could never stop calling me Blackie, and it was picked up by many of our shipmates. Even my good friend, Bill Bradfield, still uses it.

Jim and his wife, Cratice, lived in Austin, Minnesota where Jim, after many years at Hormel Meat Packing Company, finally retired several years ago. For years we have continued to swap Christmas cards with each other. On a business trip back in the sixties I flew to San Francisco but diverted my trip through Minneapolis. Jim met me there and I spent a wonderful weekend with him reminiscing our good old times. And Cratice was a good listener.

When I sent them a Christmas card several weeks ago, I had no idea he had passed away. I knew he had suffered a stroke, and it came as a complete surprise when I read the enclosed letter from Cratice. It occurred to me that the other shipmates might remember Jim. Jim was such a nice guy and a real gentleman. I will miss him.

Richard J. Munkes

In an email from Rose Munkes, dated 11 February 2006:

Boatswainsmate Richard J."Dick" Munkes passed away Wednesday, January 25th, 8pm after a long courageous battle with emphysema.

In an email received on 24 February 2006 from Rose Munkes:

We would like to thank the Euryale Reunion Association for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at St.Mary's Church, 231 Church Street Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601, also for all the wonderful reunions across the country that my father, Dick, attended along with my mother Reta, and after Mom's passing, his special friend Eleanor Howe. They truly enjoyed and cherished each and every one. My father was so very happy to reconnect with his younger days at sea, and his shipmates. We miss him. God bless you all. The Richard J.Munkes family, David, Rose, Sophia, Brianand Eleanor.

Edward Jakubowicz

In an email from Ed and Eva's daughter, Evelyn Walsh, dated 19 February 2006:

We have sad news about Ed Jakubowicz . . . he passed away Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 3:25 a.m. He was diagnosed 18 months ago with mylofibrosis and he fought the good fight until he was just so tired he couldn’t fight any more. His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. There will be a viewing in St. Anne’s Chapel prior to Mass. Anyone who would like to attend will be warmly welcomed.

Keith Lyman

In an email from Howard Hartwell, dated 25 June 2006:

My name is Howard Hartwell a former torpedoman and crewmember of the USS Euryale. About two weeks ago I received a phone call from the daughter of Keith Lyman; another crewmember and torpedoman. She advised me that he had passed away at his home in South San Francisco, Ca. I talked with his wife, Mildred, about a week ago and she advised me that he had been seriously ill with emphesema for the past two or three years. Keith and I worked together aboard the Euryale for well over a year but had lost contact after the war. We were able to reestablish contact when I came across a Euryale reunion site about three years ago.

Jonnie Ruys

In an telephone call from Betty Gondola, dated 27 August 2006:

After a long and brave battle with illness, Jonnie Ruys passed away on 18 August. Jonnie was married to Ken for 57 years and he told me that they had a wonderful life together.

From Bill Bradfield:

Very sad news. Jonnie was such a great hostess at the Nashville Reunion. With Ken, she made it an event to remember.

From Sheri Lytle:

I first met Jonnie at the 2003 Philadelphia reunion. She was one of the first to greet me upon my arrival and made me feel so welcome and wanted there. I found her to be warm and funny and I knew instantly she was one of those rare "deep down" good people. I will miss her greatly.

Roland Pepin

In an telephone call from Father Jack Hunter, dated 20 December 2006:

I received a telphone call from Roland's wife that my best friend and shipmate had gone home to the Lord on Monday, December 18th.

Charles A. Tarleton

In an email from Henry White, dated 17 January 2007:

For those of you that don't recall the name, Charles A. Tarleton was one of the men in the laundry room that kept our skivvies and uniforms washed and clean.

Known better to me as Rabbit when we were boyhood friends together in Gastonia, N.C., you can imagine my surprise and delight when I boarded the Euryale as part of ComSubDiv 131 and saw Charles was part of the Euryale crew.

From the time we spent together on the Euryale, I remembered he had told me he had married a lady in New York. Therefore, armed with this data, I assumed he probably settled in that state after his discharge from the Navy. Not knowing for certain, however, I decided to initate a search on the internet and found a Charles A. Tarleton listed with an address in Port Byran, NY. Hopeful, I called the telephone number listed, and found it was indeed the home of my old friend. A lady answered when I called, and I learned I had located the residence of my old chum. However, to my dismay, the lady, Charles' widow, told me that my old buddy, the same one with whom I gone swimming many times in the neighborhood mill pond years earlier had died on July 6, 2000.

For those of you who might be interested, Charles has a son, Charles, jr that lives in Gastonia, NC. If you're interested in contacting him or Charles's widow, I have the names, addresses and phone numbers.

Richard Hayle Colenso

In an email from Eugene R Ulrich II (SKCM) (SS) Retired, dated 14 February 2007:

I do indexing for one of the Rootweb sites (Obituary Daily Times) and someone who is sending me his indexes knew I was a 30 year vet in the Submarine force so sent me this obit, for Richard Hayle Colenso.

Richard Hayle Colenso of Naples, also known as "Dirty Dick from Solomon Creek," "The Great White Hunter," "The Oldest Bar Back in Southwest Florida," and "The Popcorn Boy" died peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Hospice of Naples. He was 93. Richard had been a fulltime resident of Naples since 1991 and a part-time resident since 1974, spending the other half of the year in Beverly Hills, MI. Richard was a proud veteran of WW II where he served first on the U.S.S. Bowfin and then in the engine room of the submarine U.S.S. Euryale. He worked for many years at Manus Products, first in Birmingham, MI as the plant manager, then coming to Naples to manage the newly opened Naples plant back in the 1970s. Until two years ago, Richard "worked for beer" at Pippin's restaurant in Naples, "bar backing" and making popcorn during happy hour. He always had a joke and a smile for the customers, proudly wearing a tie and one of his many hats. Those that knew him knew he was one of a kind, a world traveler with a zest for life. His beloved wife, Arloa "Sandy" Colenso preceded him in death on January 28, 1988. Richard was dearly loved by his family and will be missed. At his request, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, there will be a party to honor him at Pippin's, 1390 Tamiami Trail North, (U.S. 41), Naples, on Tuesday, February 20th starting at 6:00 p.m. Come and join us for food, beer, and friendship. Bring your favorite story to share. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Hospice of Naples, Inc., 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Fuller Funeral Home Pine Ridge Rd. 592-1611

Walter "Oz" Ostapeck

In an email from Grant Ostapeck, dated 26 March 2007:

Just wanted to let you know that my father, "Oz," passed away on Saturday night of complications from COPD. He was only 81.

Mom is doing OK, and we are busy making arrangements for "Oz" to be buried at Riverside National Cemetery (Veterans) here in California on Monday, April 2. They didn't have a current e-mail or land-line telephone, but mom can be reached on her cell phone. They have just recently moved to an assisted-living facility closer to me.

From Sheri Lytle:

I am saddened beyond belief to hear of this news. From the moment I met Oz at the Philadelphia reunion I liked him as well as his sweet wife, Kay. Oz was warm and funny and had one story after another to tell. Seeing him again at the San Antonio reunion filled me with delight just to see his wonderful, smiling face. The world is a little colder now that his light has gone out but oh how bright are the heavens. My sincerest condolences to Oz's family.

Mrs. Ostapeck's and Grant's addresses and telephone numbers will be furnished upon request to USS Euryale members. Please email me for that information.

From Janice (Blondel) Crowe:

I also remember Oz's smiling face, as well as my Dad's smiling face when speaking of Oz. My condolences to Oz's family.Kind regards,Janice

From Powell Black:

He is one I thought would "last forever," but such was not to be. He and his family will be in our prayers, and we will remember him at Mass. Oz was a good shipmate

Jim Reisch

In an email from Bill Bradfield, dated 22 April 2007:

Here is a tough one. Jim's daughter called me last night to say that he passed away Saturday morning. Fran will be sending me information about the funeral details some time today (Sunday) I believe.

Bill's email dated 23 April 2007:

Jim's obituary speaks for his life. A very special man.

Although Jim and I were "liberty buddies" with Peniston, Crump and a few others, we fell out of touch after we came home to this other life. Always the gentleman, a really "gentle man", I never heard him say anything unkind about anyone or anything. In Sasebo, I left the ship and felt we surely would meet again.

He found EURYALE reunions at Buffalo in the rain. Jeanne recalls his tender side...when they met after my years of speaking about him, he put his arms around her and, literally teary-eyed, spoke of our days in the Navy. At last, the Reischs and Bradfields made a liberty together, at the Jacksonville Reunion. Gloria was all we thought she would be.

On his way home, Jim had a heart attack and never fully recovered his health. I spoke with him last month and he said not one word about his health. He told me about his going to the grammar school to help (really, they helped HIM). How fitting that he should spend his last days with the children he cared for so much.

As many of you know, Jim ran the GORGON after I induced him to so. His reportorial skills made him excel in our world as in his larger one. He pursued (with vigor) our entitlement to the Occupation Medal and saw that we all knew how to apply for it. He made GORGON a better thing.

Thanks, Jim. We will all take another liberty some day in that better place.

From Sheri Lytle:

Jim was my first contact with the Euryale family way back in 1999. I found his name and address in a web search and wrote him a letter inquiring about my father. He promptly replied and gave me some much appreciated information as well as put me in touch with Bill Bradfied. Between the two of them they headed me in the right direction. The rest is history as they say.

I will always remember Jim's kindnesses to me and I credit him with uniting me with my new family. I will think of him often and remember that, had he not answered my letter, I would not have the great fortune to have personally known so many heroes, including him. Rest in peace, Jim.

Leslie Keith Baldwin

In an email from Saralee M. Baldwin, dated 20 Aug 2007:

You have done an unbelievable tribute and honor for all the men who served on the U.S.S. Euryale during WWII. My husband was one of them and he spent many hours telling me about his time on board in Perth and then when the war ended how they were sent to Sasebo in Japan to break up the mini sub fleet.

This was a second marriage for both of us and at the time he was in the service I was a mere toddler of about 2and a half years old at the start of his time in 1943. He just passed away this last 4th of July and if we had known of your website earlier, I know it would have given him great pleasure to have seen it and all that you have included. The brave boys and men of that era, served proudly and carried that pride with them through out their lives.

In November, 2 months after 9/11, we happened to be in New Orleans for a few days vacation and went to see the World War II Museum that had just opened earlier that year. At the time, they were still raising funds and trying to build out the Navy portion with the material they had. They did have a guest book for the Navy veterans and my husband who was a very quiet man and very humble about his service, did very proudly step up and sign it.

Thank you for your tribute.

I remain,

Mrs. Leslie Keith Baldwin (Saralee)

P. S. Most shipmates probably knew him as Keith, as that was the name he went by in all he did. Only governmental documents used the Leslie.

John Edward Houghton

In an email from Eileen Schulz, dated 21 Aug 2007:

Mr Houghton passed away in the Jackson Madison County General Hospital, Jackson, Tennessee, Friday, July 27, 2007.

Memorial services were conducted in the Brownsville Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, July 30, 2007. Internment will be at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven, Ohio.

Survivors are his wife Patricia Ann Carroll Houghton, Brownsville, TN; son Mark Houghton, Willard OH; son Thomas, Brownsville, TN; daughter Kay Paden, Fairfield Bay, AR; daughter Diane Weaver, Venis FL.

Memorials may be made to:

Haywood County Humane Society
P O Box 565
Brownsville, TN 38012

Lorin Stoddard

Post on the Message Board from Jeffrey Stoddard, dated 31 Oct 2007:

My Father, Lorin Stoddard born in San Francisco died October 29, 2007 from Respiratory complications. He was 86 years old and served as Motor Machinist Mate, 2nd Class aboard the USS Prairie & USS Euryale from 8-28-42 to 12-14-45. He was passionate about having served his country and loving his God, Family and Friends. He was at peace knowing that he would receive a new life in that Kingdom that is to come.

Jack Elmer Trent

In an email from Walt Tiedmann, dated 1 Jan 2008:

Both Paul Powers and I received a Christmas card from Elizabeth Trent. Last year the news was reasonably good - this year not good. Thought we should wait till after the holidays to tell you so as not to interrupt your good times.

Jack Elmer Trent died on July 10th. His wife said Jack was able to stay at home until about two months before he passed.

Jack was a plank owner, a ships company electrician mate and a good friend. The Euryale Epic has a picture of Jack, the only face seen amongst the group standing at keel of the ship, in the dry dock at Guam. After discharge he bought a motorcycle and traveled around the western states for months. Returning home he used the GI Bill to study funeral director and embalming. He was still active at the time of our reunion in Louisville.

Charles W. Vizthum

On the Message Board from Charles R. Vizthum, dated 14 Jan 2008:

My dad, Charles W. Vizthum, passed away on October 20, 1992 after major surgery. I know dad loved your ship and was involved in early reunions. I would love to hear any stories you may have about my dad.

Member's may request Charles' email address by clicking on the "Contact Me" link on the right-hand margin.

Donald H. Main

In an email from Rev. Larry Crider, dated 30 Jan 2008:

This is to inform you that my father-in-law, Donald H. Main, who served on the Euryale, died today from complications from his Alzheimers. Don't know how many knew or will remember him. He served on the Euryale when she was in Sasebo, Japan near the end of the Second World War.

Thomas B. Keenan

In an email from Joseph Roy, dated 5 Feb 2008:

Thomas B. Keenan died April 04, 1981 in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. He is my uncle.

Robert W. Best

In a Message Board post from Q.G. Best, dated 13 March 2008:

"My uncle Bob died 1 Aug 1994 and I was wondering if anyone had any stories of him?"