Family History Notes and Photos by Bob Mesenbrink

Memorial Day always brings the reminders of what Memorial Day is all about, those who served our country in protecting our freedoms and way of life. And I think of Dad, who did his part in serving in World War II. But we have forgotten – really, we never knew – of the specific sacrifices made by our ancestors. With a bit of research, this is what I’ve discovered: Russell Lowell Mesenbrink (b. 10 March 10, 1915 near Dow City, Iowa; d. October 29, 1967 near Graettinger, Iowa) Dad served in the Navy from July 16, 1943 to November 8, 1945 during World War II as Ship’s Cook Second Class on the USS West Virginia, a battleship (BB-48). He was drafted at age 28 and would turn 30 before his service was done. During his “war cruise”, the ship left Bremerton, Washington, where it had been repaired and refitted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, for San Diego and then Pearl Harbor. On October 18, 1944, they arrived at the Philippine Islands, bombarding the beach at Leyte Gulf, and helping sink th

My father, Russell Mesenbrink was born near Dow City, Iowa in 1915 and grew up in Denison. He married Dorothy Stephenson, served in WWII, and lived in Clinton, Zearing, and Ruthven, Iowa. He died in 1967. Here he is, just a few months old, with Ben and Mildred (Brady) Mesenbrink.  Probably fall of 1915. Russ riding the wagon with his dad, Ben around 1917. This is Russ and his (double) cousin, Mabel Mesenbrink. Their dad's were brothers and their mothers were sisters. I think this is Herbert Mesenbrink with Russ. Herbert and Ben were cousins. This picture was taken around 1917. On the left is Frank Brady, Russ' grandfather. On right is Ben.  January 27, 1925 - Russ - 10, Donovan - 4, Virginia - 3, Junior - 6 mos. Harold and Russ Mesenbrink, around 1935. About 1940 - Mildred, Russell, Donovan, Janae, Virginia, Junior, Jarvis, Ben. About 1960 - Back from left: Jarvis, Don, Russ, Ben; Front: Janae, Mildred, Virginia. Russ in Mod

Dorothy Stephenson was born near Castana, Iowa in 1920. She grew up on farms between there and Denison, and graduated from High School at Dow City, Iowa. She married Russell Mesenbrink, and then Einer Appel. She lived in Clinton, Zearing, Ruthven, and Graettinger, Iowa. She died in 2008. The Stephenson Family, about 1935. Back from left: Dorothy, Lois, Edna, Edgar; Front: Lillian, Ardis, Inez, Wayne. Graduation from Dow City, Iowa in 1937. Her folks moved to Denison so she stayed with Bill and Cora Turner, her aunt and uncle, so she could finish school in Dow City. Picture taken at the carnival in Denison, about 1940. A little bit flirty... Taken about 1942. Russell Mesenbrink and Dorothy Stephenson. They were married October 18, 1941. Taken soon after they were married. Dorothy with sister Ardis. Russell was in the Navy from 1943 to 1945. Dorothy went out to Bremerton, Washington while Russell prepared to go out on the USS West Virginia. This is D