Victor Stech
World War I
Victor Stech was born on July 3, 1896, in Paxico, KS, one of 10 children of Landlin and Amelia Stech. He grew up in that small farming community.
In 1918, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during World War I. He was enlisted Sept. 6, 1918, and was discharged Dec. 10, 1918. He must have been one of the last to be drafted before the war ended. I couldn't find any information on the unit he served in, but in reaching out to family, greatgrandson Eddie Evans sent me not only his picture, but his enlistment and discharge papers, for which I am incredibly thankful!
According to his papers, he was in the 4th Company, 2nd Battalion.
He is described on his registration papers as having blue eyes, brown hair and dark complexion, and was 5 ft., 9.5 in. in height.
He is discharged by reason of “services being no longer required.” His character in his enlistment record describes his character as excellent, and says “service honest and faithful.”
In the letter from the headquarters at Camp Funston, Kansas, it states in part, “Although I appreciate how keenly you feel the disappointment of your failure to secure duty overseas in the actual battle area, I know you rejoice together with all Americans in the prospect of a righteous and just peace imposed upon the enemy and the termination of the terrible conflict which has involved the whole civilized world." It is signed by Leonard Wood, Major General, United States Army, Commanding.
Victor came to the Osmond community in 1920 looking for work, and was hired as a farmhand by Fred and Josephine Schmitz. The 1920 census, taken in January, shows him living with Fred and “Tillie,” although I’m not sure why they wrote her down that way because the centennial book says she was known by her friends as Josie.
Victor then married Ida Jilg on Sept. 28, 1920, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The couple farmed for 40 years in the Osmond area, with the 1940 and 1950 censuses showing them in Foster Precinct southwest of Osmond.
When they retired in 1952, Victor and Ida moved into Osmond. For several years, Victor worked part-time at the office of veterinarian Dr. E. D. Boice, until Ida became disabled after a stroke, and then he cared for her.
Victor died Nov. 1, 1979, at Osmond General Hospital after a two-week illness. Services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with memorial services conducted by American Legion Post 326. He is buried with his wife in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
