Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Rumsey of Geneva received copies of letters Saturday that confirmed beyond all doubt of the death of their son, Pfc. Judson Rumsey in a German prison camp, a few weeks before those camps were liberated. Death occurred March 30. A message from the government sent after V-E Day stated that Judson had died, but with so much confusion in regard to prisoners, his family had held hopes that eventually he would be found alive.
Judson was born May 1, 1911, at Charleston, Mo., where his father was publishing a newspaper. It was in the midst of a hot campaign for presidential nomination and the family’s favorite candidate was Judson Harmon, for whom the new baby was named. The family moved to Geneva Neb. In the spring of 1918, and Judson entered school here, graduating with the class of 1929.
He was married to Engeline Coon of Geneva in June, 1930. In 1934 they moved to California and Judson was employed by a drug supply firm at Long Beach until he was drafted in December, 1943. He went overseas in September, 1944, went into combat December 10, and was captured December 19th.
Besides his wife, Judson is survived by a son, Richard, and a daughter, Rosalie; his parents and three sisters, Marie of Geneva, Mrs. Mabel McMillen of Eagle Rock, Cal., and Mrs. Maude Comer of Brule, Neb. Judson’s wife and children reside at North Long Beach, Cal.
Judson’s wife has received a letter from the mother of one of Judson’s buddies who was in the same prison camp, giving details of his last illness. The buddy, Lester Bowen of Belvidere, now at home, is so ill he could not write, but added a postscript. The letter follows:
Belvidere, Neb., May 15. My Dear: You are very dear to all of us, as our hearts are filled with a longing to say something of comfort to you in your great sorrow. Our youngest son, Lester, shared the horrors of Stalag 9B with your loved one. They were in the same section of the camp and became close friends. Would that the Lord Above had seen fit to bring Judson back to his family. We know in your agony of loss, you are crying, “Why, dear Lord, why?” There is no answer, but we are sure He will give you strength to go on and that the fine man who was the father of your children will be a guiding memory for them to hold and follow always.
Lester reached Courtland, Kas., May 9, and with wife and children came to our home May 10, and is here now. Judson was with him in England, entered combat December 10 and were captured December 19. They were marched, crowded into boxcars and with very little food and water for four days travel, and marched into a POW camp Christmas Day.
Some had cards and testaments, and Lester had a cribbage board, two towels, some eats, one Reader’s Digest and a sleeping bag and rain coat. Judson had about the same and managed as well as Lester until he had an extra severe case of stomach trouble and was taken to the hospital ward. In his already weakened condition, his body could take no more.
Four days later, Lester and five others took care of him. Lester had on two pairs of trousers, so he contributed the cleanest and others divided for him too. When they had him clean and dressed and ready, they carried him to a lovely place set aside for a cemetery. A deeply sincere service was held at his grave and all of his friends were there. Lester said there was quite a group and all felt great personal loss. His resting place was marked and flowers and trees are beautiful.
The boys in this camp were not seriously mistreated except for having unappetizing and very scanty meals. They held prayer services every day and Judson read his Testament always, and took an active part. He talked continuously of you and the children and his other loved ones.
Until the last few days, he was sure he’d be able to get back to you, and Lester thinks his faith that he would, never failed. So near to liberation made for happy plans during his last illness. He loved you so much, and often told the others of his children and plans for their future. Lester said the chaplain who held the service for burial also held a memorial service for Jud the following Sunday and sang a special son in his memory.
Write to tell us how you are and give our regards to Richard Caples’ family. Lester had an infected foot that had been frozen and now has yellow jaundice and is very weak, but he will add a few lines. Jud was a fine soldier, so we feel sure you will be too. He felt that you would. So, chin up, and he will know and be proud of you. Sincerely, LESTER’S MOTHER.
Dear Mrs. Jud: We always called him Jud, so to me you would be Mrs. Jud. Jud got along fine with all the boys. We surely did and do miss him. I helped take him to his resting place. It is a pretty hillside in Germany. He talked a lot about coming home to you and the family, but his strength was low, and he couldn’t pull through when he got sick. All I can say is, God bless you. Your friend, LESTER BOWEN.
ALSO:
The following is a letter written by another buddy, Pvt. Norman E. Hall:
Dear Mrs. Rumsey and children: I suppose you are wondering who and why I am writing to you, but I feel as if I have known you for a long time, as Judson and I were buddies, ran around together and slept together ever since we were at Camp Atterbury, Ind. He was always talking of you and the children.
I want to offer you and the children my sympathy and be of any help in answering questions you might like to know about. I made arrangement for the pallbearers and witnesses for his funeral and have the names and addresses of each, also the chaplain’s if you care for them. I also have a knife and spoon he made to eat with when we first came into the prison, also a couple of cigarette lighters that belonged to him. You may have them if you care for them.
I want to say Jud was some swell guy and I miss him very much. I hope you feel free to write and ask me anything you wish to know about, and I will try to be of any help I can.
PVT. Norman E. Hall
The Nebraska Signal June 14th, 1945 page 1.
Memorial marker only.
*see also memorial #56660305
Judson was born May 1, 1911, at Charleston, Mo., where his father was publishing a newspaper. It was in the midst of a hot campaign for presidential nomination and the family’s favorite candidate was Judson Harmon, for whom the new baby was named. The family moved to Geneva Neb. In the spring of 1918, and Judson entered school here, graduating with the class of 1929.
He was married to Engeline Coon of Geneva in June, 1930. In 1934 they moved to California and Judson was employed by a drug supply firm at Long Beach until he was drafted in December, 1943. He went overseas in September, 1944, went into combat December 10, and was captured December 19th.
Besides his wife, Judson is survived by a son, Richard, and a daughter, Rosalie; his parents and three sisters, Marie of Geneva, Mrs. Mabel McMillen of Eagle Rock, Cal., and Mrs. Maude Comer of Brule, Neb. Judson’s wife and children reside at North Long Beach, Cal.
Judson’s wife has received a letter from the mother of one of Judson’s buddies who was in the same prison camp, giving details of his last illness. The buddy, Lester Bowen of Belvidere, now at home, is so ill he could not write, but added a postscript. The letter follows:
Belvidere, Neb., May 15. My Dear: You are very dear to all of us, as our hearts are filled with a longing to say something of comfort to you in your great sorrow. Our youngest son, Lester, shared the horrors of Stalag 9B with your loved one. They were in the same section of the camp and became close friends. Would that the Lord Above had seen fit to bring Judson back to his family. We know in your agony of loss, you are crying, “Why, dear Lord, why?” There is no answer, but we are sure He will give you strength to go on and that the fine man who was the father of your children will be a guiding memory for them to hold and follow always.
Lester reached Courtland, Kas., May 9, and with wife and children came to our home May 10, and is here now. Judson was with him in England, entered combat December 10 and were captured December 19. They were marched, crowded into boxcars and with very little food and water for four days travel, and marched into a POW camp Christmas Day.
Some had cards and testaments, and Lester had a cribbage board, two towels, some eats, one Reader’s Digest and a sleeping bag and rain coat. Judson had about the same and managed as well as Lester until he had an extra severe case of stomach trouble and was taken to the hospital ward. In his already weakened condition, his body could take no more.
Four days later, Lester and five others took care of him. Lester had on two pairs of trousers, so he contributed the cleanest and others divided for him too. When they had him clean and dressed and ready, they carried him to a lovely place set aside for a cemetery. A deeply sincere service was held at his grave and all of his friends were there. Lester said there was quite a group and all felt great personal loss. His resting place was marked and flowers and trees are beautiful.
The boys in this camp were not seriously mistreated except for having unappetizing and very scanty meals. They held prayer services every day and Judson read his Testament always, and took an active part. He talked continuously of you and the children and his other loved ones.
Until the last few days, he was sure he’d be able to get back to you, and Lester thinks his faith that he would, never failed. So near to liberation made for happy plans during his last illness. He loved you so much, and often told the others of his children and plans for their future. Lester said the chaplain who held the service for burial also held a memorial service for Jud the following Sunday and sang a special son in his memory.
Write to tell us how you are and give our regards to Richard Caples’ family. Lester had an infected foot that had been frozen and now has yellow jaundice and is very weak, but he will add a few lines. Jud was a fine soldier, so we feel sure you will be too. He felt that you would. So, chin up, and he will know and be proud of you. Sincerely, LESTER’S MOTHER.
Dear Mrs. Jud: We always called him Jud, so to me you would be Mrs. Jud. Jud got along fine with all the boys. We surely did and do miss him. I helped take him to his resting place. It is a pretty hillside in Germany. He talked a lot about coming home to you and the family, but his strength was low, and he couldn’t pull through when he got sick. All I can say is, God bless you. Your friend, LESTER BOWEN.
ALSO:
The following is a letter written by another buddy, Pvt. Norman E. Hall:
Dear Mrs. Rumsey and children: I suppose you are wondering who and why I am writing to you, but I feel as if I have known you for a long time, as Judson and I were buddies, ran around together and slept together ever since we were at Camp Atterbury, Ind. He was always talking of you and the children.
I want to offer you and the children my sympathy and be of any help in answering questions you might like to know about. I made arrangement for the pallbearers and witnesses for his funeral and have the names and addresses of each, also the chaplain’s if you care for them. I also have a knife and spoon he made to eat with when we first came into the prison, also a couple of cigarette lighters that belonged to him. You may have them if you care for them.
I want to say Jud was some swell guy and I miss him very much. I hope you feel free to write and ask me anything you wish to know about, and I will try to be of any help I can.
PVT. Norman E. Hall
The Nebraska Signal June 14th, 1945 page 1.
Memorial marker only.
*see also memorial #56660305
Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Rumsey of Geneva received copies of letters Saturday that confirmed beyond all doubt of the death of their son, Pfc. Judson Rumsey in a German prison camp, a few weeks before those camps were liberated. Death occurred March 30. A message from the government sent after V-E Day stated that Judson had died, but with so much confusion in regard to prisoners, his family had held hopes that eventually he would be found alive.
Judson was born May 1, 1911, at Charleston, Mo., where his father was publishing a newspaper. It was in the midst of a hot campaign for presidential nomination and the family’s favorite candidate was Judson Harmon, for whom the new baby was named. The family moved to Geneva Neb. In the spring of 1918, and Judson entered school here, graduating with the class of 1929.
He was married to Engeline Coon of Geneva in June, 1930. In 1934 they moved to California and Judson was employed by a drug supply firm at Long Beach until he was drafted in December, 1943. He went overseas in September, 1944, went into combat December 10, and was captured December 19th.
Besides his wife, Judson is survived by a son, Richard, and a daughter, Rosalie; his parents and three sisters, Marie of Geneva, Mrs. Mabel McMillen of Eagle Rock, Cal., and Mrs. Maude Comer of Brule, Neb. Judson’s wife and children reside at North Long Beach, Cal.
Judson’s wife has received a letter from the mother of one of Judson’s buddies who was in the same prison camp, giving details of his last illness. The buddy, Lester Bowen of Belvidere, now at home, is so ill he could not write, but added a postscript. The letter follows:
Belvidere, Neb., May 15. My Dear: You are very dear to all of us, as our hearts are filled with a longing to say something of comfort to you in your great sorrow. Our youngest son, Lester, shared the horrors of Stalag 9B with your loved one. They were in the same section of the camp and became close friends. Would that the Lord Above had seen fit to bring Judson back to his family. We know in your agony of loss, you are crying, “Why, dear Lord, why?” There is no answer, but we are sure He will give you strength to go on and that the fine man who was the father of your children will be a guiding memory for them to hold and follow always.
Lester reached Courtland, Kas., May 9, and with wife and children came to our home May 10, and is here now. Judson was with him in England, entered combat December 10 and were captured December 19. They were marched, crowded into boxcars and with very little food and water for four days travel, and marched into a POW camp Christmas Day.
Some had cards and testaments, and Lester had a cribbage board, two towels, some eats, one Reader’s Digest and a sleeping bag and rain coat. Judson had about the same and managed as well as Lester until he had an extra severe case of stomach trouble and was taken to the hospital ward. In his already weakened condition, his body could take no more.
Four days later, Lester and five others took care of him. Lester had on two pairs of trousers, so he contributed the cleanest and others divided for him too. When they had him clean and dressed and ready, they carried him to a lovely place set aside for a cemetery. A deeply sincere service was held at his grave and all of his friends were there. Lester said there was quite a group and all felt great personal loss. His resting place was marked and flowers and trees are beautiful.
The boys in this camp were not seriously mistreated except for having unappetizing and very scanty meals. They held prayer services every day and Judson read his Testament always, and took an active part. He talked continuously of you and the children and his other loved ones.
Until the last few days, he was sure he’d be able to get back to you, and Lester thinks his faith that he would, never failed. So near to liberation made for happy plans during his last illness. He loved you so much, and often told the others of his children and plans for their future. Lester said the chaplain who held the service for burial also held a memorial service for Jud the following Sunday and sang a special son in his memory.
Write to tell us how you are and give our regards to Richard Caples’ family. Lester had an infected foot that had been frozen and now has yellow jaundice and is very weak, but he will add a few lines. Jud was a fine soldier, so we feel sure you will be too. He felt that you would. So, chin up, and he will know and be proud of you. Sincerely, LESTER’S MOTHER.
Dear Mrs. Jud: We always called him Jud, so to me you would be Mrs. Jud. Jud got along fine with all the boys. We surely did and do miss him. I helped take him to his resting place. It is a pretty hillside in Germany. He talked a lot about coming home to you and the family, but his strength was low, and he couldn’t pull through when he got sick. All I can say is, God bless you. Your friend, LESTER BOWEN.
ALSO:
The following is a letter written by another buddy, Pvt. Norman E. Hall:
Dear Mrs. Rumsey and children: I suppose you are wondering who and why I am writing to you, but I feel as if I have known you for a long time, as Judson and I were buddies, ran around together and slept together ever since we were at Camp Atterbury, Ind. He was always talking of you and the children.
I want to offer you and the children my sympathy and be of any help in answering questions you might like to know about. I made arrangement for the pallbearers and witnesses for his funeral and have the names and addresses of each, also the chaplain’s if you care for them. I also have a knife and spoon he made to eat with when we first came into the prison, also a couple of cigarette lighters that belonged to him. You may have them if you care for them.
I want to say Jud was some swell guy and I miss him very much. I hope you feel free to write and ask me anything you wish to know about, and I will try to be of any help I can.
PVT. Norman E. Hall
The Nebraska Signal June 14th, 1945 page 1.
Memorial marker only.
*see also memorial #56660305
Judson was born May 1, 1911, at Charleston, Mo., where his father was publishing a newspaper. It was in the midst of a hot campaign for presidential nomination and the family’s favorite candidate was Judson Harmon, for whom the new baby was named. The family moved to Geneva Neb. In the spring of 1918, and Judson entered school here, graduating with the class of 1929.
He was married to Engeline Coon of Geneva in June, 1930. In 1934 they moved to California and Judson was employed by a drug supply firm at Long Beach until he was drafted in December, 1943. He went overseas in September, 1944, went into combat December 10, and was captured December 19th.
Besides his wife, Judson is survived by a son, Richard, and a daughter, Rosalie; his parents and three sisters, Marie of Geneva, Mrs. Mabel McMillen of Eagle Rock, Cal., and Mrs. Maude Comer of Brule, Neb. Judson’s wife and children reside at North Long Beach, Cal.
Judson’s wife has received a letter from the mother of one of Judson’s buddies who was in the same prison camp, giving details of his last illness. The buddy, Lester Bowen of Belvidere, now at home, is so ill he could not write, but added a postscript. The letter follows:
Belvidere, Neb., May 15. My Dear: You are very dear to all of us, as our hearts are filled with a longing to say something of comfort to you in your great sorrow. Our youngest son, Lester, shared the horrors of Stalag 9B with your loved one. They were in the same section of the camp and became close friends. Would that the Lord Above had seen fit to bring Judson back to his family. We know in your agony of loss, you are crying, “Why, dear Lord, why?” There is no answer, but we are sure He will give you strength to go on and that the fine man who was the father of your children will be a guiding memory for them to hold and follow always.
Lester reached Courtland, Kas., May 9, and with wife and children came to our home May 10, and is here now. Judson was with him in England, entered combat December 10 and were captured December 19. They were marched, crowded into boxcars and with very little food and water for four days travel, and marched into a POW camp Christmas Day.
Some had cards and testaments, and Lester had a cribbage board, two towels, some eats, one Reader’s Digest and a sleeping bag and rain coat. Judson had about the same and managed as well as Lester until he had an extra severe case of stomach trouble and was taken to the hospital ward. In his already weakened condition, his body could take no more.
Four days later, Lester and five others took care of him. Lester had on two pairs of trousers, so he contributed the cleanest and others divided for him too. When they had him clean and dressed and ready, they carried him to a lovely place set aside for a cemetery. A deeply sincere service was held at his grave and all of his friends were there. Lester said there was quite a group and all felt great personal loss. His resting place was marked and flowers and trees are beautiful.
The boys in this camp were not seriously mistreated except for having unappetizing and very scanty meals. They held prayer services every day and Judson read his Testament always, and took an active part. He talked continuously of you and the children and his other loved ones.
Until the last few days, he was sure he’d be able to get back to you, and Lester thinks his faith that he would, never failed. So near to liberation made for happy plans during his last illness. He loved you so much, and often told the others of his children and plans for their future. Lester said the chaplain who held the service for burial also held a memorial service for Jud the following Sunday and sang a special son in his memory.
Write to tell us how you are and give our regards to Richard Caples’ family. Lester had an infected foot that had been frozen and now has yellow jaundice and is very weak, but he will add a few lines. Jud was a fine soldier, so we feel sure you will be too. He felt that you would. So, chin up, and he will know and be proud of you. Sincerely, LESTER’S MOTHER.
Dear Mrs. Jud: We always called him Jud, so to me you would be Mrs. Jud. Jud got along fine with all the boys. We surely did and do miss him. I helped take him to his resting place. It is a pretty hillside in Germany. He talked a lot about coming home to you and the family, but his strength was low, and he couldn’t pull through when he got sick. All I can say is, God bless you. Your friend, LESTER BOWEN.
ALSO:
The following is a letter written by another buddy, Pvt. Norman E. Hall:
Dear Mrs. Rumsey and children: I suppose you are wondering who and why I am writing to you, but I feel as if I have known you for a long time, as Judson and I were buddies, ran around together and slept together ever since we were at Camp Atterbury, Ind. He was always talking of you and the children.
I want to offer you and the children my sympathy and be of any help in answering questions you might like to know about. I made arrangement for the pallbearers and witnesses for his funeral and have the names and addresses of each, also the chaplain’s if you care for them. I also have a knife and spoon he made to eat with when we first came into the prison, also a couple of cigarette lighters that belonged to him. You may have them if you care for them.
I want to say Jud was some swell guy and I miss him very much. I hope you feel free to write and ask me anything you wish to know about, and I will try to be of any help I can.
PVT. Norman E. Hall
The Nebraska Signal June 14th, 1945 page 1.
Memorial marker only.
*see also memorial #56660305
Inscription
"IN MEMORY OF"
"BURIED IN FRANCE"
"ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE"
Gravesite Details
Memorial marker only.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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