Military couples who served our nation, Part 1
To recognize some of the many Kenilworth veterans who have served during times of war and peace this special two-part series is presented about unique combinations of relatives who served. This two-part series features husband and wife or brother and sister combinations who served at the same time. All were honorably discharged. If you know of others, please contact this author. Residences indicated are still standing.
Source: Family
KORECKY AND STALLINGS (wife/husband): Karen Korecky, one of four children of Edward and Lorraine Korecky, grew up at 424 Lee Ter. Karen’s father served in the Army in WWII and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Frank’s father was a 22-year Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam. Karen is a 1969 graduate of David Brearley Regional H.S. She entered the military in 1975 and concluded service in 1977.
In 1974 while visiting friends at Ft. Monmouth, Karen met Pvt. Frank Stallings, one of three children of Eugene and Lottie Stallings of TX. In March 1975 they were married in a military ceremony at St. Theresa’s Church. Later that same month she entered basic training in Alabama while Frank was completing Advanced Microwave Radio Training in NJ. Once completed, they were assigned to Korea. Karen left Korea after serving11 months to give birth to their first child, Michael. They later were assigned to Ft. Hood, TX, adjacent to Frank’s hometown, Kileen. Their second child, Edward, was born in 1981. Frank served until 1978.
Frank and Lorraine, Vietnam Era veterans, attained the ranks of sergeant. They returned
to her hometown of Kenilworth and joined VFW Post 2230. In the 1980s they operated Big Bertha’s Banana Boat Ice Cream Shop in town. Here over 35 years, they live on the Boulevard.
Source: Family
THE LOHMANS (husband/wife): Herman C. Lohman was one of four children of Christian and Helen Lohmann. The family moved to Kenilworth from Elizabeth in the 1920s, first living on Union Ave. in a home his parents physically built, and later lived at 239 N. 21st St. His brother, Charles, was a longtime Kenilworth police lieutenant. Under age 18 and working at a gas station in 1939, Herman needed his father’s permission to join the Marines, which his father granted. Herman’s long military career ended in 1969 with the rank master sergeant. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and later in Korea. During WWII he was seriously wounded at the Battle of Guadalcanal necessitating months in the hospital. After military service he was employed as a Kenilworth post office letter carrier until 1983.
In 1945 Herman married Undyne Vernice Wentz, born in CA. She was one of three children of Lee and Undyne C. Wentz. From 1944 to 1946 she served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Services, aka the WAVES, of the US Naval reserves, finishing as seaman first class. She was forced to resign when she became married, which greatly troubled her. In 1970 Herman married again. It was to Della Zavitsky of 54 S. 21st St., also a local letter carrier.
At the time of his death in 1994 at age 72, Herman lived in the family home on N. 21st which he then owned. He is buried in Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth. Undyne died in 2002 at age 77 and is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. She and Herman had a daughter, Yvette (Lass).
Research provided by Walter E. Boright, Ed. D., historian, and Historic Signs, Inc. including data from featured persons and their families. Persons with inquiries about this or other Kenilworth history topics may contact Dr. Boright at drbori@aol.com or 908-256-5200.
