North Dakota World War II veterans, brothers, die hours apart

(Tribune Information Service) — A joint funeral service might be held Monday for 2 brothers who served throughout World Warfare II, farmed close to one another for years, and died simply hours aside final week.

Anton “Tony” Hatzenbuhler, 100, died April 18. His brother Mathias “Matt” Hatzenbuhler, 96, died a number of hours afterward April 19. They are going to be buried on the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with navy honors.

“They have been each in nice form proper up till the tip,” stated Donna Hatzenbuhler, Tony Hatzenbuhler’s daughter-in-law. Their well being failed within the final two months, she stated.

Tony was drafted into the U.S. Military in 1942. He was an airplane mechanic and served for 3 1/2 years. Tony married Helen Schmidt in 1947, and in 2021 they have been honored because the longest-married Catholic couple in North Dakota.

Matt additionally was drafted into the Military throughout World Warfare II. He was a baker and was stationed in Japan. He and Anna (Haider) have been married for 70 years earlier than her demise in February.

Tony and Matt grew up on a farm close to Fort Rice. They farmed close to one another for a few years as adults and lived simply blocks aside after they moved to Mandan in retirement. Each have been lifetime members of the American Legion.

A youthful brother, Christ, 92, survives them. He served within the Military as a tank driver in Korea from 1951-53. A fourth brother, John, additionally served within the navy throughout World Warfare II. He died in 2017 at age 97.

Tony, Matt and John have been chosen for a North Dakota Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2009.

Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

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