Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Marg, Larsen, Rhoades, Schmidt
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/27/2016
Marg Brothers - Irv & Don (Military Honors - 1 August 2016)
Marg Brothers to be Honored for Military Service
By Todd Schmidt
Neillsville American Legion Post 73 will honor brothers Don and Irv Marg, both of Neillsville, for their military service during the Korean War Era at a special program Monday, Aug. 1. Social hour begins at 4:30 p.m., with a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. and the recognition program to follow.
Irv Marg of Neillsville will be honored for his military service during a special recognition program Monday, Aug. 1, at the American Legion Club. Marg served in the U. S. Air Force from 1950 to 1953. (Contributed photo)
Irv Marg was born in the Town of Pine Valley. He attended Mound School for five years and St. John’s Lutheran School for three years. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1949.
Irv joined the U. S. Air Force in 1950. His brothers, Melvin and Don, were drafted into the service and were also honorably discharged.
Irv went to Milwaukee for his physical and then left by train to Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas for basic training. He moved on to Turner AFB in Albany, GA, for assignment as an orderly clerk, as he had typing classes in high school. He attended 12 weeks of school at Warrens AFB in Cheyenne, WY, for further clerk duties training.
He was sent back to Turner AFB for a short assignment and was then transported from California to Hickam AFB in Honolulu. He was transferred to Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands for one year, assigned to the 31st Airborne Division, where he worked as a morning clerk reporter with the Air Rescue Squadron.
The unit flew to Korea to pick up personnel destined for Hickam AFB. They moved on to the U. S. for discharge or medical transfer. Irv was transferred to Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, OH, where he was discharged in 1953.
He returned to Neillsville to work with Frank and Bill Simek in their painting business, which later became Irv Marg Painting and Decorating. He retired from the business in 1996.
During these years, Irv also had a milk route (house to house). He also owned Irv and Lois’s Bar.
Irv married Lois Larsen in 1955. She passed away in 1991. He then married Glenna Rhoades in 1994.
Irv and Glenna spend the winters in Florida, where he enjoys playing golf. His other hobbies include hunting and fishing.
Irv has been a member of Legion Post 73 for 63 years. He is a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the 40/8. He has served in the Color Guard and on the Firing Squad.
Irv served two terms as commander of Post 73. He was the 7th District Sergeant of Arms for two years and was the Assistant Sergeant of Arms in the Wisconsin State Legion for one year. Irv went on the Honor Flight May 19, 2014, and said it was a wonderful experience.
Irv has two sons, Terry and Howard, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three stepdaughters, five step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.
Don Marg of Neillsville will be honored for his military service during a special recognition program Monday, Aug. 1, at the American Legion Club. Marg served in the U. S. Air Force in 1952, and was honorably discharged that same year due to a vertebrae problem in his back. (Contributed photos)
Don Marg was born in 1930 in the Town of Pine Valley. He attended Mound Grade School for six years and then went to St. John’s Lutheran School. Don graduated from Neillsville High School in 1948.
After high school, Don attended a Farm Short Course at Madison and then worked on the farm and at the O & N Lumber Store.
Don was drafted in April 1952 and joined the U. S. Air Force. He went to basic training at Lackland AFB. While there, he played trombone in the company band and worked in the postal department.
Don was discharged in June 1952 for medical reasons, due to a vertebrae problem in his back. It was considered as a “Convenience of the Government.”
He returned to Neillsville and worked at the A & P Store for two years. He then attended schooling and did his internship for Tri-State Breeders, working for them for 12 years.
Don also worked with Chap Paulson building stage coaches. They traveled to different carnivals and gave rides to over 40,000 people. They participated in many parades in Neillsville and the surrounding area.
Don started a carpentry business in 1968, retiring after 30 years. He built 11 new houses in the Neillsville area. In 1971, he took over the family farm and still lives there today.
Don was on the Clark County Fair Board for 26 years. He was secretary manager for nine years. He stared the draft horse exhibit, where he showed his draft horses and worked as a judge.
Don raised draft horses for years. He said his last one passed away a year ago. He still enjoys taking part in the exhibit at the fair.
Don married Jean Schmidt in 1954. She passed away in 2010.
He has two children, Cindy and Jeff. He has five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Don has been a member of the Neillsville Legion Post 73 for 58 years.
