Glen R Seewer
The News Examiner, November 1, 1945
YOUNG MONTPELIER MARINE DIES IN JAPANESE PRISON CAMP IN APRIL
Memorial Services Conducted for Pfc. Glen R Seewer Tuesday In Second Ward
Pfc. Glen R Seewer 23, of the United States Marine Corps, died April 10, 1945 in a Japanese prison camp his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Seewer were informed Friday in a telegram from A A Vandergrift commandant USMC. The message, expressing deep regret and heartfelt sympathy, further stated that the delayed report of Pfc. Seewer's death had just been received and that no information was available regarding burial place.
With the Seewer family, people of the community of all ages followed closely and prayerfully the dramatic experiences of Pfc. Seewer and two other Montpelier boys, Sgt. Gene S Jacobsen and Cpl. Lewis W Moldenhauer, whose liberation has been announced and arrival expected daily. These Montpelier men became the city's first World War II casualties, when they were taken prisoners by the enemy sometime near May 7, 1942, the date on which the Manila Bay area was captured. A fourth boy whose parents moved here in recent years, is James Wigington. About his status nothing has been officially released.
Information from a returned prisoner of war and relayed to Mr. and Mrs. Seewer by Sgt. David H Davis, Letterman General hospital, San Francisco, under date of October 10, reveals that Pfc. Seewer passed away easily of tuberculosis: in a prisoner of war camp called Wakenohoma, located near Tokyo. The informant identified Pfc. Seewer as being from Idaho, a Marine and a member of the LDS church. Pfc. Seewer enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1940. In May of that year he graduated from Montpelier high school, where he established a record as an outstanding football player and track performer. After completing training at San Diego, he remained there until April 1941, when he was sent overseas and finally at Cavite Naval Base.
The last message he sent before being captured and received by his parents on December 25, 1941 was in the form of a cablegram which stated, "Feeling fine. Situation well in hand." They also received three form cards. He was born February 25, 1922 in Montpelier. Surviving besides his parents are three sisters, Mrs. Oren Bosworth, Sacramento California; Mrs. Paul Bartschi Columbus, Georgia; and Helen Seewer of Montpelier; three brothers, Richard Seewer, Salt Lake City; Tom Seewer, San Francisco; and Ray Seewer of Montpelier.
Memorial services were held Tuesday in the Second ward chapel, at which Bishop Alvin Tueller presided and Commander E L Downing of Post 63 American Legion, directed military tribute. They services were opened by presentation of colors in which Blake Aland and Douglas Beckwith acted as color bearers and Orson Bergreen and Walter G Eslick, color guards. There followed a song, "In the Garden" by a high school quartet comprised of Joy Miles, Dorothy Jensen, Russell Bartschi and Bruce Smart with Wesley Baker as accompanist; invocation President Sidney E Burgoyne; vocal solo "Singing Hills" Mrs. Wayne Stevenson; speakers Sup't. A J Winters and A G Berrey of Boise; vocal duet "Come Unto Me and Rest" Paul and Max Haddock, accompanied by Mrs. F W Bacon; speakers, Bishop B E Mumford and Joseph Einzinger the latter representing Post 63 American Legion.
The American flay was presented to the bereaved family by Superintendent Winters, who also led the congregation in the pledge of Allegiance. Following was the song, "Memories" by the MHS quartet and benediction by Bishop Eugene P Shepherd. Taps sounded by Richard Burgoyne closed the service.