Gordon Russell Litchke

2019-11-26T12:25:07-06:00
Army Badge
  • Name: Gordon Russell Litchke
  • Location of Birth: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: September 13, 1921
  • Date of Death: April 25, 1975
  • Parents: Otto E. Litchke & Pearl (Waisanen) Litchke
  • High School and Class:
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: TEC 3 (Technical 3)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: January 28, 1942
  • Place Sworn In: Fort Snelling, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Date of Discharge: November 24, 1945
  • Place of Discharge: Camp McCoy, Wisconsin
  • Military Awards:
    Good Conduct Medal
    Meritorious Unit Award
    American Theater Service Ribbon
    Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon

  • Military Highlights:
    WW II Draft Registration Cards – 10/16/1940 – 03/31/1947
    State: Minnesota
    Name: Gordon Russell Litchke
    Race: White
    Age: 24
    Birth Date: September 13, 1921
    Birth Place: Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
    Residence Place: Grand Rapids, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
    Registration Date: December 3, 1945 [resigned for draft]
    Employer: Unemployed
    Weight: 165
    Height: 5-7
    Complexion: Ruddy
    Eye Color: Brown
    Hair Color: Blonde
    Other characteristic: Scar on left temple
    Next of Kin: Mrs. Otto Litchke, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

    Newspaper article: Grand Rapids Herald-Review, Grand Rapids, Minnesota - 1942 - "Gordon R. Litchke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto E. Litchke of Grand Rapids, is now wearing the stripes and "T" of a technician fifth grade after his promotion at the New Orleans Army Air Base. His promotion was by order of Colonel J.H. Houghton, base commander of the southern air field. It cited that Technician Litchke 'has proved able to perform technical duties, is attentive to duty and has demonstrated soldierly qualities.' Before enlisting in the army, Technician Litchke resided with his parents at Grand Rapids."

    Newspaper article excerpt: Grand Rapids Herald-Review, Grand Rapids, Minnesota - mid 1945 - "The other service son, S/Sgt. Gordon Litchke, with an air corps medical unit, is assigned in a base hospital on the Marshall Islands. He has been overseas 19 months, and first was stationed in New Guinea. He entered the service January 5, 1942."

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Gordon Litchke married Audrey Latourneau in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1948. After he returned from the service, he served for a brief period of time on the Grand Rapids Police Department. He then became employed by the Public Utilities Department, where he worked until disabled in 1968, at which time he was assistant superintendent.

    Gordon died in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Minnesota (I-A-33-30). He is survived by his wife, Audrey; two daughters, Sandra (John) Riehle, Cindy (Kevin) Malmquist; two sons, Bill and Dale; six sisters, Elaine (Wilbur) Skelly, Beady (Allen) Smith, Joyce (Lee) Newport, Carol (Mike) Bibich, Darlene (Kelly) Seamans, and Pat (Joe) West; four brothers, Wallace, Raymond, Donald and Terry; mother, Pearl Litchke; and two grandchildren.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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