Posted on 08/27/2009 6:57:52 PM PDT by pansgold
Larry was like a father to me. We spoke on the phone several times in May just before his death. Larry told me he was in the tent when Patton slapped that soldier and that he came over to Larry and Patton spoke to him. Larry said he wasn't sure if Patton was going to yell at him too and he was a bit afraid.
I don't know the html to post a picture here so I'll just post links to 3 photos of Larry. God Bless Larry and all the other WWII Vets to die before him.
http://www.rhyner.com/photos/lhb/larrybloedelbronzestar.jpg http://www.rhyner.com/photos/lhb/va_hospital.jpg
Larry by my car: http://www.rhyner.com/photos/lhb/lhb.jpg
Larry was born June 6, 1922, in Schofield, the son of the late Herman and Mabel (Buck) Bloedel. He married Helen Edwards on May 21, 1942. She survives. Larry was a gunsmith in Weston for more than 40 years until his retirement. A veteran in the U.S. Army during World War II, he served under General George S. Patton. While fighting in Africa and Sicily, Larry earned the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat and numerous other medals.
He was a founding member of the Rib Mountain Bowmen and an active member of the VFW, DAV, the Shriners and the NRA. He was also active in Boy Scouts of America and founded a boys shooting club. Larry was an avid trout fisherman and enjoyed camping throughout his life. He loved reminiscing with his Army buddies.
Survivors include a daughter, Diane Yankin, Naples, Fla.; two sons, Jerry (Patti) Bloedel, Mosinee, and Jody (Beth) Bloedel, Purlean, N.C.; two grandsons, Paul Bloedel, Purlear, and Joey Bloedel, Culpeper, Va.; a granddaughter, Sara Bloedel, Mosinee; and one great-grandson, Kyan. Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Carrington.
Service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Hayden-Buettgen Funeral Home, Schofield. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial with military honors will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.
Far more worthy of a tribute than the Swimmer....
So very sorry for the loss of this great American.
You have FReepmail
Precisely what I thought. This veteran saw REAL action.
I saw a man in the parking lot of my supermarket today. I said “Navy, yes” because of his cap.
Yes, he said, battle ship. Thank you for your service was met with a quick salute and a thank you.
We talked briefly about battle ships and aircraft carriers which wow the heck out of me. The entire thing they do wows me actually.
Two Americans, in a parking lot. We love the same things, and it didn’t take two minutes to know it, to connect.
It was a very good day for me.
BTTT, with a salute.
RIP Scouter!
Prayers for his family and friends. God bless you all.
Thank God for him and all those who serve.
so do you know what Patton did say to him?
Prayers up for you loss FRiend.
"The Last Inspection"
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
-By Unknown
It probabvly was a honor to get slapped by Patton...
I am sorry for your (and our nation’s) loss, but you were richly blessed to have had that close relationship with Larry. Condolences to the entire family.
Larry, may you forever rest in peace and God bless you you all you have done for this country.
RIP Larry.
From a former Marine, Semper Fi
Larry died in Wausau, Wisconsin. I was born there and grew up there. After 39 years of sub-zero winters I moved to California.
When I was age 16, Larry sited in my deer rifle and the Sunday of opening weekend I got a nice buck. In 1985 I bought a Remmington 742 in .308 Win. from Larry and Larry engraved the side plate for me to read “To My Son Jeremy 1985” and Jeremy got his first buck a year later with it.
Larry was a true gunsmith. His shop was a complete machine shop. The ol’ timers would bring in their old antique firearms when they were unable to find repair parts and Larry would make a part.
PansGold
(GPAA) Life Member
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