Frank Wochnitz

Square and Compass Club – Gievres Loir-et-Cher S.O.L. Degree

Frank Anton Wochnitz was born on 15 December, 1892, son of Anton and Mary A. Wochnitz, in Nickerson, Kansas.

In the 1900 census, he is listed as still living in Nickerson with his parents.

Frank registered for the draft on 5 June, 1917.  He is listed as single, 24 years old and working as a clerk at Pati Bros. ice plant in Nickerson, KS.  He also identified himself as having a disabled shoulder.

On Monday, 20 May, 1918, a farewell party was thrown by “several of the ladies” for men from the town departing for service, one being Bro. Frank.

Bro. Private Wochnitz departed for France out of New York on 15 July, 1918, as part of Company F, Sixth Depot Battalion, Signal Corps. S-302, aboard the U.S.S. Hemistocles.

On 7 August, 1918, Frank wrote to his family briefly describing his experience in England and France.

On 15 September, 1918, he wrote another long letter home describing his experiences.

In May, 1919, Frank wrote to his “friends” describing some of his Masonic experiences in France.  Frank participated in the S.O.L. Degree. 

He departed France out of Brest as part of the Signal Corps. Casual Company Number 7, on his was to Norfolk, Virginia, landing in early August, 1919.  He arrived home to Nickerson on either 30 August or 1 September, 1919.

He married Edna Faye Crawford (1896-1980) on 3 September, 1922, in Nickerson, KS.  His daughter, Paralee Mary Wochnitz (1925-2003), was born on 5 September, 1925, also in Nickerson , KS.

Frank again registered for the draft on 27 April, 1942, at the age of 49.

Brother Wochnitz passes away on 12 August, 1960, in Halstead, KS.  He now rests in Wildmead Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS.

Soft and safe, my brother, be thy resting place.  Bright and glorious be thy rising from it.

Lest we forget…