Project Description
William Himmel, son of R.A. and Louise Hammond, was born on August 15, 1889, in Onalaska. Himmel attended public school in Onalaska and was raised as a German Lutheran.
Little is known of Himmel until 1917, when the United States became engulfed in World War I. While working as a clerk at John Sturner’s General Goods Store in Curtiss, Wisconsin, he enlisted in the US Army in July 1918.
He was named a private in the 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. After being trained at Camp Grant, Illinois, he was posted in England and then went into combat on the Western Front.
Himmel died of pneumonia on September 28, 1918, just over a month before the war ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice. Himmel is buried in the Onalaska Cemetery.
Calling All Onalaska Alumni! Send Us Your Updated Contact Info!
The Alumni Association partners with Onalaska High School to keep updated records of alumni. This helps individual classes with connecting for class reunions as well as the All-Class Reunion held every three years. Click on the button to send us your updated contact information.
