Three Renville Boys Reported Killed in Action the Past Two Weeks – Six from Here Killed in The War

Renville and vicinity has been harder hit thru the causalities of the war than any other town in Renville county.

Dick W. Bakker

On Thursday night the fateful message came to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bakker of Crooks from the war department at Washington that their son Dick W. Bakker had been killed in action on the western front in France on Oct. 6^th. Although this can be expected when troops are in action at the front yet is came as a shock to his parents and many friends in this vicinity. Dick was a good boy, one any community could be proud of. Free from bad habits his life was one the young men of his acquaintance could follow and be sure they led alright. But his time had come to do service for his country and follow the flag to victory or death. His was a noble sacrifice and he secured a golden star. It was a duty well performed and he leaves a name that might well be envied thru coming generations. The boys that “went over the top” in those fateful days brought home the armistice that makes for peace of the world a few weeks later.

The subject of this sketch was born in Crooks township on July 3, 1893. He was raised on the farm and attended country school. He came to Renville some three years ago and accepted the position as manager of Columbia Elevator here. He resigned this position to get ready to enter the service On May 29^th the men called at that time met at Olivia and after a reception in their honor were ordered to Camp Lewis, Wash. From there they went to Camp Kearney, Calif., and on or about Aug 11 sailed for France. He belonged to the 40^th Division.

John Kronlokken

On Dec. 3 a telegram from Adjutant General Harris at Washington, D.C. was received stating that Private John Kronlokken Inf. was officially reported as being killed in action Nov. 2.

John Kronlokken was born on the Kronlokken homestead one mile south of Renville, Feb 8, 1889. He was 29 years, 8 months and 24 days old at the time of his death. He received his education in the Renville public schools and was a member of the first 8^th grade graduation class, the class of 1906. He grew up to manhood in our midst remaining at home until his father’s death in 1910, and for five years more helping to run the home farm.

In the spring of 1915 he left for an extended trip thru the western states, spending the winter and early spring in Oregon, Washington and California.

In the early summer the barn on his farm northeast of Renville was burned by lightning necessitating his immediate return home to look after the interests of his farm.

John claimed no exemption because of agriculture reasons but immediately sold his farm and made all the necessary preparations to join the colors when his turn should come.

He left June 24^th for Camp Grant, Illinois and was a member of Co. A. in the 341^st Inf., 86^th Black Hawk Division.

On Aug. 19^th he was transferred to Camp Upton at New York. He sailed from there about Sept. 7^th and after stopping off at England landed in France about Sept. 22^nd. A letter dated Oct. 17 stated that he had been transferred to Co. L 353^rd Inf. and was right behind the line with some boys that had been “over the top” and had done some very good work.

John Kronlokken was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of our city. He was one of the last stars placed on the N.L. Church service flag but is the first to be changed to gold. His characteristics were good habits loving disposition, very optimistic and a good neighbor. Besides his mother Mrs. Kari Kronlokken he leaves to mourn his loss five brothers, and four sisters, Mrs. Nels (Martha) Engen, Oscar P., Mrs. Ole (Clara) Johnson Jr. of Sacred Heart. Carl A., Lars A. Knute L., Mrs. Thore (Caroline) Danielson, Lillian P. of Renville and Elmer J. of Bottineau, N.D.

Due to the present influenza epidemic memorial services have been postponed to some future date.

Thomas Flannigan

Thus another life has been sacrificed on the altar of his country. The subject of this sketch was born on a farm South of Olivia on July 10^th 1890. When a small boy his father died. At the age of 10 years he came to A. F. Brasch’s where he made his home for 8 years. Later he went to North Dakota a few years. When he returned he worked and made his home mostly in Emmett township.

He was with the boys who left for Camp Grant on June 24^th. From there he went to Camp Upton New York and in September he went overseas to France. His sister at Olivia received the government message of his death stating he was killed in action on Oct. 23 on the Western front in France. He was a good natured hard working boy. Everyone liked him and he had many friends who will miss him. He leaves a mother, 4 sisters and 2 brothers and the A. F. Brasch family where he made his home so long who will realize his loss. He died for his country and human freedom in the world and his name will go down in history as one of the heroes of his time.