Memorial Day: Bonnie Brodie Hassebroek

Posted at 9:13 AM on May 23, 2009 by Bob Collins (2 Comments)
Filed under: Regional history

News Cut will present stories about those who served in whatever capacity and have died. Please send me a few paragraphs about them and, if possible, a picture and I'll be sure to add it here.

My maternal grandmother, Bonnie Brodie Hassebroek, passed away September 12, 2008. She was 87 years old. Both Bonnie and my grandfather, John Hassebroek, served in World War II. Bonnie was a member of the Women's Army Corps (known as the WAC).

A native of rural western Iowa, she was ready to see the world at 18. Much to her disappointment, she was stationed at Fort Des Moines in Iowa! She attended boot camp there and lived at the Savery Hotel, which they called the "Hotel Slavery." The hotel has many photographs and memorabilia from this era.

Bonnie soon got her wish to travel, and was stationed in France, working in an accounting office. Not too long after that, John was stationed in Germany. One of their best stories during this time was winning the Ripley's Believe it or Not War Story of the Year for their coincidental meeting on the date of their first wedding anniversary, during the hour of their wedding ceremony.

- Amalia Vagts
Decorah, Iowa

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Comments (2)

great story. My mom's cousin was also a WAC, a nurse.
Helen (Healy) White and with her friend, Helen Maloy. they both served our nation.
What incredible woman you all are.

Join Vets for Peace, Military Family members speak out, Iraq Veterans Against the war and others who recognize the very high cost of war.

Veterans for Peace Memorial Day Ceremony: Military and Civilian War Dead

9:00 a.m.
Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, St. Paul

Gather to remember those who have lost their lives in war—military and civilian.

Sponsored by: Veterans for Peace.

Posted by Ann | May 23, 2009 9:45 AM

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Just need to be sure... Ann, is the gathering on Monday?

Posted by Minn Whaler | May 23, 2009 4:56 PM

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