WILLIS H. GRIMM

1923 - 1985

Serial Number 37662561; Enlisted Camp Dodge, Herrold, Iowa February 20, 1943

T-5 Willis Grimm, 21, went into service in February 1943. He left for overseas service in December 1943. He landed in England on New Year's Day, has been in France and Belgium and now is in Germany.


Memorial services for Willis Grimm of Missouri Valley were held Tuesday, May 21st at the Jeff Grimm home in Missouri Valley at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Milton Giesler of the United Methodist Church officiated.
Willis Henry Grimm was born on May 30, 1923, the youngest of 10 children. He passed away May 19, 1985.
After spending much of his youth in the Manning area, Bill served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 612th Engineer Company in World War II.
After the war he returned to Manning and married Muriel Eickman on October 23, 1951. Five children were born to this union: Jeffrey Francis, Sally Ann, Kathy Jo, Amy Jane and Chad Allen. From Manning they moved to Missouri Valley
.

In Missouri Valley, as he had previously, Bill made a living as a meat cutter. At one time even owning his own store, called "Grimm's Meat Market." After retiring Bill enjoyed fishing, gardening, and just visiting with neighbors.
Along with his five children Bill is survived by two granddaughters, Currie and Kali Liljedahl; one sister, Dolores Balukoff of Manning; 4 brothers, Ernest and Edwin Grimm of Manning, Paul Grimm of Moline, Illinois, and George Grimm of North Carolina.


Manning Monitor article------ 1943

Willis Grimm Home on Furlough
Willis Grimm who is now home on furlough from Fort Jackson, S. Carolina, extends his thanks to the Legion and Monitor for sending the home paper which he enjoys reading very much.


Willis Grimm Writes
Willis Grimm sends us a change of address and thanks for the home paper.
He also sends seasons greetings to all the boys in the service as well as the folks at home.


Manning Monitor article------ 1944

Willis Grimm Writes from France
Somewhere in France.
Dear Sirs:
I again must trouble you with a change of address. I have wanted I to do this many months ago but haven't ever gotten to it. Though my APO is different, my papers are reaching me very regular.
In fact, I am now receiving the Monitor more than ever before, and now I enjoy it more than ever.
I must thank you and the American Legion again for sending the paper.

I would like to say hello to all the people back there. They are all doing a very good job toward winning the war. They surely couldn't do more if they were here.
Space is short so I must close with just saying thanks again!
Willis Grimm.


Manning Monitor article s------ 1945

Thanks for Greetings and Gifts
Belgium,
Jan. 7, 1945. Dear Friends:
I haven't written for some time so I shall try to write a few lines. There isn't a whole lot a person can write but I will try to do my best.

First of all, I wish to express my thanks to all my many friends who sent me gifts and greeting card's for the holiday season. I can't express what that means to me but I know it will never be forgotten. I would like to write each and every one of you to express my thanks but that is impossible just now. But I must say that such things certainly show what we are fighting for. So I thank you very much.

I am now in Belgium, which is very nice. The people here will do anything for the Americans, and they are really clean and neat; but just now are a little scared of the Germans coming back.

The worst place I was in was Germany. But not being able to be friendly with the civilians is the worst of it. For it is nice to be friendly to people, for that is about all the amusement there is. But the sign language sure is in use again. Lots of fun! These isn't any more news to write about so I will close for this, time. I again want to thank all and the Legion and Monitor for the paper.
I haven't been receiving it regularly lately, but that is due to Christmas mail. So I must stop and say the best of luck to all.
A Friend,
Cpl. Willis Grimm.