Our Germans from Russia community has lost one of its shining stars, Eugene Weidenbach, Scotland, South Dakota, born December 17, 1920, and died February 27, 2021. Elizabeth Weidenbach Peterson, a granddaughter, wrote for his 100th birthday on December 17, 2020, “Our grandpa is the cornerstone of our family and has taught us about hard work and the importance of family.”
Eugene grew up in a small farmhouse in Odessa Township, Yankton County, SD. His parents were Herbert and Lea (Auch) Weidenbach. He attended Odessa School District 24 through 8th grade. After his formal schooling, he then served in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), from Fall 1937-Spring 1938. At the age of 21, Eugene joined the war efforts in 1942. He served as a tank mechanic in the U.S. Army’s 533rd Ordinance Heavy Maintenance Company...
Click here to read the entire In Touch with Prairie Living, April 2021