Remembering PFC Lovell J. Mentzer
As I sort through my family notebooks, I recently came across a special keepsake saved by my grandmother: the memorial service program for her first cousin, Private First Class Lovell J. Mentzer, who gave his life during World War II.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
June 17, 1945, 2:30 P.M.
Methodist Church
Yates Center, Kansas
PFC Lovell J. Mentzer
United States Infantry
Son of
E. E. and Edith M. Mentzer
Born January 21, 1926
At Yates Center, Kansas
Enlisted June 6, 1944
Killed in Action April 19, 1945
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
(Handwritten at bottom):
Meet at the Home at 2:00 P.M.
This simple yet powerful program not only preserves Lovell’s birth and death dates but also offers important details about his military service — including his enlistment date, his service in the U.S. Infantry, and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
I’m so grateful that my grandmother chose to save this piece of our family history. It provides a meaningful glimpse into the life and legacy of her cousin, and reminds us of the personal cost of freedom.