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Rememberances
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Joseph K. Jester
ETC Joseph (Joe) K. Jester, USCG (RET)
February 13, 1953 - November 15, 2020
February 13, 1953 - November 15, 2020
Joe retirement at Bosie City Sepember 1994
November 16, 2020
It is with sad news that I must post that Joe Jester crossed the bar on Sunday November 15, 2020. It was a great pleasure working with Joe on the Loran Program history. If it not for his efforts, this web site would not of happen. The Loran community greatly appreciates his contribution. - Bill
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James A. Bachtell
Bachtell, James A., 80 of DeLand, FL died
with his loving family and dogs by his side on July 17, 2014.
James was born in Youngstown, OH and after high school, joined
the Coast Guard and married and the journey began. He and his
wife, Mary Margaret of 62 years moved to DeLand from Jupiter,
Florida in 1980 where they spent many wonderful years living on
the grounds and overseeing the operation of the lighthouse
located in Jupiter, FL. James was the Executive Offi
cer of
Loran C Transmitter Station in Hobe Sound, FL. He leaves to
cherish his memory wife, Mary Margaret, Horace Wayne (Linda)
Bachtell, Felda Louise (Greg) Ballentine, Noel Leon (Mary)
Bachtell, Teresa Gail DeMaster, grandchildren, Justin DeMaster,
Aaron, Dakota and Courtney Bachtell, Christina Horner and great
granddaughter, Lauren Horner. His furry family includes Missy,
Maggie and Bear. The family is asking friends to donate pet food
to any area Humane Society in his memory. Please visit
www.lankfordfuneralhome.com to leave a message for the family.
Retrieved 9 Mar 2017 from http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=171836199
Jim was the STO at Jupiter and retired after 30 years of service. Over the years Jim and I stayed in touch. A great man who love this family and nature. Rest in Peace Jim - Bill
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Melvin K. Bell
IN MEMORIAM—ETCM MELVIN KEALOHA BELL, USCG (RET)
R 010818 OCT 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-092//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 337/18
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ: IN MEMORIAM—ETCM MELVIN KEALOHA BELL, USCG (RET)
1. On September 9, 2018, Master Chief Melvin Kealoha Bell (USCG ret.) crossed the bar at the age of 98. He was a patriot whose career in service of his country spanned 65 years.
2. A native Hawai’ian, Bell was born in 1920, in the city of Hilo. In 1938, he enlisted in the Coast Guard and began his career on board cutter TANEY as a mess attendant, a rate commonly reserved for minorities at the time. In 1939, he struck for the rate of radioman and on Sunday, December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor, he transmitted the first radio messages warning of the enemy attack. For the rest of the war, Bell served in Naval Communications Intelligence and helped break the Japanese Imperial Navy code leading to important U.S. Naval victories, including defeat of the Japanese fleet at Midway Island in
June 1942. During his active-duty career, Bell blazed a trail for minorities in the Service, especially Pacific-Island Americans. In November 1958, he became the first master chief of his rate and the first minority master chief in the Coast Guard.
3. In 1959, after 20 years active duty, he retired and became a civilian employee of
the Coast Guard and, later, with the Department of the Navy working in the field of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. In 2004, he retired at the age of 84 with a combined record of 65 years military and civil service and he was recognized by President George W. Bush for one of the longest terms of federal service in U.S. history. Mr. Bell is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Norine Hamlin Bell,
as well as eight children, 27 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Melvin Kealoha Bell, Jr.
4. For more information on ETCM Bell’s life and career, see his story on Coast Guard Compass at: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2018/09/tlbl-etcm-melvin-bell/
5. Master Chief Bell will be laid to rest with military honors at the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Riverside, CA, at 2:25pm on Monday, October 1, 2018.
6. RDML Melissa Bert, USCG, Director of Governmental & Public Affairs, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.
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Raymond H. Dolan
RAYMOND H. DOLAN ,
64, of Mountain Top, died Sunday, August 15, 2010, at the
Hampton House Nursing Center, Hanover Township. Born in El Paso,
Texas, he was a son of Raymond and Mary McPherson Dolan. He was
a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard in Vietnam. He
was a member of St. Mary's Church of Our Lady Help of
Christians, Dorrance. He is survived by his wife, Clara Dolan; a
son, SSG Peter Dolan, South Carolina; a daughter, Kathleen
Wilson, Duluth, Minn.; one sister, Mary Parker, Minneapolis
Minn.; and two grandchildren. A funeral will be at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday from the Desiderio Funeral Home Inc. 436 S. Mountain
Blvd., Mountain Top, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.
at St. Mary's Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Dorrance.
Interment parish cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday at the funeral home.
Published in Times Leader
on Aug. 16, 2010
Retrieved 9 Mar 2017 from: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/TimesLeader/obituary.aspx?n=Raymond-H-Dolan&pid=144736397
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Paul S. Johnson
From: Lancaster Online published 1 May 2017
Paul S. Johnson, 82, of Willow Street, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning. He was married to Rosemarie B. Johnson, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage in October. Born in Lima, NY, he was the son of the late Orange B. and Jeannette S. Johnson. Paul graduated from Bloomfield (NY) High School in 1952. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as Chief Warrant Officer 4 after serving for 24 years. Paul received a bronze star for second National Defense Service Medal and a unit commendation for service at the support center, Brooklyn, NY from 1967-1968. He continued to work with the Coast Guard by designing and manufacturing various electronics products until his passing.
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Roger Lewis Kehm
Roger Kehm, retired Division Engineer for NSP / Xcel Energy, died July 16, 2018, at his home. He was 93.
Roger Lewis Kehm was born November 8, 1924, in Shindler, SD, to Arthur and Anna (Stauss) Kehm. He attended country schools and Sioux Falls public schools. In his senior year of Washington Senior High School, Roger obtained his Amateur Radio License. Following his graduation in 1942, as WWII escalated, he served in the South Pacific with the US Coastguard. Following his discharge from service, Roger attended School of Mines and Technology, earning his BS degree in Electrical Engineering.
On September 24, 1953, Roger married Darlene Koller in Parker, SD. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls, where they became the proud parents of their three children, David, Catherine and Carol.
The family enjoyed many camping trips to the Black Hills and throughout the US and Canada. In the winter months, Roger enjoyed skiing at Terry Peak in the Black Hills and Breckenridge, Colorado with family and friends. For over 20 years, Roger cherished spending time at the family’s summer home in the Black Hills. Darlene preceded him in death on November 19, 2017.
Roger worked in the electrical industry for 36 years and retired with Northern States Power Company as Division Engineer. Involved in his industry leadership, he was Past President and life member of the IEEE; and Past President of Dakotas Chapter International Right of Way Association.
Roger was also a Master Mason for over 65 years, Past Master Zonta Lodge #215, Scottish Rite32 Degree Mason for over 60 years, El Riad Shriner for over 60 years, held top offices Grand York Rite Chapter, Counsel and Commandry; 25-year perfect attendance member of Kiwanis Club; and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Grateful for having shared his life are his son, David (Janet) Kehm, LeMars IA; granddaughter, Sarah Kehm; grandson, Brian Kehm; and sons-in-law, Dr. Randi Hart and Jack Kieso. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his two daughters, Dr. Catherine Hart and Carol Kieso; and his brother, Lyle.
Masonic Rites will be held 2:00 Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue, followed by a visitation with the family present to greet friends from 2:30 to 4:00 Saturday afternoon.
Interment and committal services will begin 10:00 am (Mountain Time) on Monday August 27, 2018, at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.
Retrived from https://www.millerfh.com/obituary/6475557
Roger was proud of his service in WWII on the Loran Station Atafu. He organized reunions with those who served on the island keeping the signal on air and in tolerance. Roger also contributed and supported the lhi which I am very grateful. Rest in Peace Roger. - Bill
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Morris "Mo" Lewis
My father was a proud member of the Coast Guard and enjoyed
the on-line communications and the reunions.
Morris "Mo" Lewis, 89, of
Lexington, formerly of Russell, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at his
residence.
Mo was born December 10, 1926 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to
the late Louis Joseph Lewis and Helen Glick Lewis.
In addition to his
parents, Mo was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Janice Irene
Sellers Lewis in 2012.
Mo proudly served his country during World War II
as a Radioman, third class with the United States Coast Guard, Loran Station on
Atafu, in the South Pacific. He later attended Ohio State University where he
was a cheerleader. Throughout his life Mo was an avid golfer; also a member of
the Bellefonte Country Club for many years. He loved to work out and visit with
his friends at OLBH Vitality Center. Mo also had many interests in his life
including Model Railroading, Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting, and
Photographing landscape and architecture during his travels. Mo was very civic
minded and was a member of the Ironton Rotary Club, KYOVA Traffic Club
President, as well as, Chairman of the United Way Campaign, and a Kentucky
Colonel. Mo retired as a Trainmaster with Norfolk Southern Railways.
Survivors include his two daughters, Cynthia Allen and Julie Lewis, both of
Lexington; a granddaughter, Hannah Allen of Lexington; two special caregivers
Donna Warfield and Brenda Commodore, both of Lexington; along with a host of
extended family and friends.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30
Monday, April 25, 2016 at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods with Rabbi
Jean E. Eglinton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mo?s memory
may be made to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left
at www.canifffuneralhome.com.
email from: Julie Lewis, daughter,
3/16/2017
Mo Lewis truly love the Coast Guard and he was a support of the LHI site. Contributed numerous photos and history of the early days of Pacific Loran. Rest in Peace Mo - Bill
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George L. Meyers
George L. Meyers Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on August 2, 2017 surrounded by his family; wife Anastasia Meyers of seven yrs, Kathleen Wolfe former wife and mother of his four children, Sharon, Tammy, Denise and George Jr. He has twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Son of the late George H. & Delores E. (nee Sipes) Meyers. Brother to Dee, William, Leslie and Cheryl. Many nieces and nephews.
Service with full military honors to be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring, date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers send donations to www.baltimorestation.org in honor of George L. Meyers Sr. and all of our country's veterans.
Retrieved 10 FEB 2019 from https://obittree.com/obituary/us/maryland/glen-burnie/simplicity-cremation--funeral-services-thomas-allen-pa/george-meyers/3017809/
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Jack K. Morrison, ETCM, USCG(ret)
My father, Jack K. Morrison, ETCM (ret.)--a
Loranimal-passed away on February 8, 2017. He appeared to have an
active account with this website, which is why I am contacting you.
Also, I am hoping you will be able to help get the word out to his
fellow servicemen and women. Dad loved his time at Port Clarence and
Iwo Jima, and in serving the Coast Guard! Please let me know if
there is a website, or e-mail I can contact to let them know of my
dad's passing.
Thank you very much,
Dawn Morrison
Mr. Jack Morrison, of Regis Road in
Saukville, passed away peacefully at his residence Wednesday,
February 8, 2017. He was 73 years old. Jack was born in Buffalo, NY
on November 10, 1943, son of John and Laura Woodward Morrison.
Following his schooling, Jack enlisted in the US Coast Guard. Mr.
Morrison was united in marriage with Margaret Downs in 1967 while
stationed in Michigan. The couple moved to Saukville in 1980 with
their two children. Jack retired from the Coast Guard in 1985 after
achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, and then became
involved with the Ozaukee County Water Safety Patrol. He was a very
active member for 25 years. Mr. Morrison worked as the Emergency
Management Director for the Village of Saukville, a position he held
for the last 10 years. He was a member of the Saukville American
Legion Landt-Thiel Post 470 and Living Hope Lutheran Church. Jack
enjoyed woodworking- frequently making yard projects for family and
friends- and model ship building. Recently, he liked taking long car
trips and had been planning a driving trip to Alaska. He was a
familiar face at the local YMCA, often competing with others in
friendly competitions. He was passionate about serving his
community; whether as a Coast Guardsman, Captain Jack of the rescue
boat, or working with the Village of Saukville. Above all, Jack
treasured his granddaughters, and the experience of being a grandpa.
Mr. Morrison is survived by his children, Jack “Ken” Morrison II of
Saukville, Dawn (Nick Josefik) Morrison of St. Joseph, IL,
granddaughters Noel and Eden Josefik, also of St. Joseph, IL, and
brothers Thomas (Bernie) Morrison of Washington Court House, OH,
James (Carol) Morrison of Senica, SC, Daniel (Colleen) Morrison of
Dayton, TN and David (Pam) Morrison of Akron, NY. He is further
survived by nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. Jack is
preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be held
at 5PM on Saturday, February 11th, at the Eernisse Funeral Home,
1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, followed by military honors.
Pastor Kimberly Jordan will preside. The family will receive
visitors at the Funeral Home on Saturday from 3-5PM.
In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested in Jack’s name to the Feith Family
Ozaukee YMCA or to the Ozaukee County Humane Society.
Jack was my friend and mentor.
Fair winds and
following seas my friend. - Joe
----Obiturary retrieved 2/17/17 from http://www.eernissefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jack-K-Captain-Jack-Morrison?obId=1365045#/obituaryInfo
----Picture retrieved 2/17/17 from http://tributecenteronline.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/Obituaries/1365045/Thumbnail.jpg
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Steven D. Okon
Steven Donald Okon, 61, passed away June 8,
2019. Mr. Okon was born in Onondaga County, NY, on May 1, 1958 to
Stanley Edward Okon and Joan Okon Lent. Mr. Okon proudly served his
Country through the United States Coast Guard where he retired.
A memorial Service to honor the life of Mr. Okon will be held at
2:00 PM June 19, 2019 at Team Church, 2301 Stevens Mill Rd.
Matthews, NC, 28104.
Steve was an instructor at ET School and Loran School.
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Melvin "Mel" A. Pulsifer
Melvin Pulsifer, 80, of LaMoure, ND took his last earthly breath on Monday, December 10, 2018 at St. Rose Care Center, LaMoure.
Melvin Arnold, born on May 6, 1938 to Max and Marian (Campbell) Pulsifer at Mechanic Falls, ME. Melvin was a man dedicated to service. He dedicated 30 years of his life to the service of his country in the United States Coast Guard. During this time he saw all areas of the world including; Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Seattle, Washington, Tok & Kodiak, Alaska, and the Aleutian chain, Hawaii, the Philippines, Iwo Jima in Japan, Antarctica, Australia, Germany and Africa. He exhibited the depth of his dedication to the United States by demanding to stand, even though wheelchair bound, upon hearing the USCG anthem just weeks before his passing.
He was also a man of service to his friends and family. While being a man of few words, he strived to be of help in areas that needed it. He would do it, not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. He was not one to say negative things about others but would simply say, “Different strokes for different folks.”
Most important, Mel was a man of service to his LORD. He spent his life studying the word of God, the life of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. His trip to Israel and Jordan in 2002 fulfilled a lifelong dream of experiencing the area where Jesus lived. Melvin was a scholar and, as a friend of his commented, “The world seems to have less wisdom in it now.”
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; 2 daughters, Catherine (David) Heyd of LaMoure, North Dakota and Adele (Bill) Heath of Fairbanks, Alaska; 2 stepsons, Lee (Julienne) of Apex, North Carolina and Rex (Christine) Johnson of Minot, Maine; 8 grandchildren who he affectionately called the wrecking crew and 4 step-grandchildren; 1 sister Sharon Leadbetter of Yarmouth, Maine; 1 brother-in-law Anthony (Kay) Perrone of Pawcatuck, Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine, and his parents.
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by his memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, LaMoure. Burial will take place following the service at Rosehill Cemetery, LaMoure.
Retrieved from: https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/melvin-mel-pulsifer
Mel was my Chief on Iwo Jima. A GREAT leader and I have so much respect for him. Was sorry to see him departing the island however he was advanced to warrant and it was his time to move on. That was over 44 years ago. Rest in Peace Mel - Bill
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John S. Von Kessel, CWO4, USCG(ret)
Posted On January 23rd, 2017 - Honolulu
Star-Advertiser Obituaries
Jon S. Von Kessel 76, of Honolulu, died in Honolulu on Monday,
January 9, 2017. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. Private services.
I first met VK during a phone call I made to
D14(eee) back in 1983. We chatted a bit about a topic that
slips my mind now, but it probably was Loran related. We
renewed our conversations with the irradiation issue and VK made
numerous contributions to this site as well as passing the word
about radiation to his personal network.
Fairwell and following
seas my friend.
Joe Jester, ETC, USCG(ret)
----Obiturary retrieved 2/8/17 from http://obits.staradvertiser.com/2017/01/23/jon-s-von-kessel/
Never got to meet Jon personnelly however he was a great supportor of the LHI site and a legend in the loran world. Rest in Peace Jon - Bill
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