Surnames: Bauer, Bruss, Firnstahl, Kanter, Lachnit, Langjahr, Malena, Neikraus, Schommer, Smutzler, Wolk

----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 09/08/1921

Firnstahl, Raymond M. (4 May 1894 - 9 OCT 1918)

The body of Private Raymond Michael Firnstahl arrived home from overseas last Friday morning and was taken to the F. W. Lulloff undertaking parlors, later in the day being transferred tot he home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Firnstahl.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Church in this city (Colby, Wis.), Monday morning at 9 o’clock, Rev. H. Lachnit officiating. After the services the remains were escorted to the Colby Catholic Cemetery by a company of ex-service men, and a large number of citizens.

The pallbearers were R. C. Collier, Francis Firnstahl, Walter Wolk, Elmer Langjahr, Alphonse Bauer and Herbert Kanter. After the prayers at the grave the Raymond M. Firnstahl Post No. 266 quartet rendered a beautiful number, after which three volleys were fired by a squad of eight and taps were sounded. The quartet is composed of Herb Smutzler, Lambert Schommer, C. A. Nelsen and Isadore Firnstahl.

Private Raymond M. Firnstahl was born in the town of Hull, Marathon Co., Wis., on May 4, 1894, When at the age of 19 he took up the learning of cheese making with A. W. Bruss and later at Unity. He afterwards took up a course in dairying at the University of Wisconsin and graduated in 1915. After finishing his studies at the University he went to Chilton and was working in the condensary at that place when called to the colors. On Mar. 28, 1918 he left for Camp Grant and from there was transferred to Camp Custer, Mich., where he received his military training. From there he was transferred to Camp Mills, N.Y., leaving a few days later for England, landing Aug. 7th. He left this country with Company G. 338th infantry, but upon his arrival in France, was transferred to Co. H 38th Infantry, 3rd division.

Raymond’s last letter written to his parents was dated Sept. 22, 1918, and in this he stated he was at the front. As far as can be learned from official reports, he was wounded by shell fire on or about Oct. 9, 1918, that being the last time he was seen alive.

Private Firnstahl is survived by a widow and daughter, living in Marshfield, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Firnstahl of this city, two brothers, Edmund and Urban, and four sisters, Mrs. F. Neikraus of Evanston, Ill., Matilda, Malena of Colby, and Hermina, Chicago.