May 18, 1934 - November 30, 2020. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. PHOENIX Through the soles of his shoes, Donald Stratton could feel the heat from the platform where he stood on the wounded USS Arizona. As he had ignored a direct order, it wasnt until Stratton and the others spoke up that he was awarded with a Bronze Star in 2017. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. -- In a tragic update to an already somber occasion, we're learning that two people are dead from separate crashes that happened during the funeral motorcade for Pearl Harbor veteran Donald Stratton. He will be sadly missed by his close friend and partner Peggy Klepic. But I'm grateful more or less for the 1,117 men that we lost that day on the Arizona," Stratton said in an interview with KKTV in 2018. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. Doc began his meat processing career in Westhope and through they years he worked as a meat cutter in numerous places through out North Dakota and Minnesota.He is survived by his companion, Jo Anne Freeberg of Roseville; daughter, Michelle Lafond (Jonas) of Auburn, GA; son, Marc Stratton (Susan) of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Cody Lafond and Kyle and Rylee Stratton; brothers, Bill Stratton (LeRae) of Westhope, Duane Stratton (Nancy) of Lakeville, MN and Keith Stratton (Donna) of Westhope; sister, Tudi Henderson (Ken) of Velva; one uncle; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; and step-mother, Deloras Stratton.He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Stratton and niece Morgan Stratton.Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Westhope. Funeral Home website by. Donald Stratton (July 14, 1922 - February 15, 2020) was an American veteran and memoirist of World War II who served in the United States Navy 's Pacific Fleet. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Submit an Obituary. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. Messages run for up to one year and you Though the USS Arizona survivor could have chosen to be cremated and interred with his former shipmates aboard the sunken battleship, he opted to be buried in the state where he was born. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Stratton; children, Debra (Ronny) Suy, Dawn (Bill) Schultz, Dan (Terri) Stratton and Dave (Tina) Stratton; grandchildren, Kelly (Joel), Teri (Kris), Chris (Melissa), Jaysen (Jesse However, on the morning of December 7th all that changed. "Listen, all those men down there on that ship, a thousand of them, they wouldn't do it, and I don't think they'd want me to do it," he said. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Though George had been ordered to sever the line with Arizona, he kept the two ships tied together and threw a line to the men aboard the doomed battleship. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. (Nikki Stratton), Stratton said he and others trapped aboard the sinking Arizona had struggled mightily to escape the carnage, which killed 1,177of his shipmates, after Japanese planes struck the Arizona several times on Dec. 7, 1941. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. It was there he and Randy started their campaign to recognize Joe George, the sailor who threw the line to the burning Arizona. ". The Stratton men called and wrote letters, telling Georges story to anyone who would listen. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long love. He and other survivors gathered together and signaled for help, which caught the attention of Joe George aboard the nearby USS Vestal. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs,. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. George and the ship's captain "were engaged in some kind of a debate, a heated one " that conveyed to Stratton that "we didn't have a chance.". It was thunderous.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Sympathy Ideas . All rights reserved. Enter Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Your browser does not support this video format. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Elementary school student Landon Knestrick is about to get on plane to fly to Colorado to speak at the funeral of 97-year-old World War II veteran Donald Stratton. The. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Stratton. DONALD EUGENE STRATTON FUNERAL HOME Swartz Funeral Home - Flint 1225 West Hill Road Flint, MI DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene born August. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, daughters Gypsy Dawn and Roxane Jo and son Robert, brother Daryl and sister Norma and great grandson DJ. The order had been given for the Vestal to cut loose from the Arizona and head for open water, Stratton said in his book. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. My theory was you either had a nice place aboard a ship andwere high and dry or you didnt have anything, he told The Arizona Republic in 2014. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown, Red Cloud, Nebraska. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his grandchildren: Dana Stratton, Kimberly Brewer, Robert Stratton Jr., (Becky), Jessika Caldwell (Tony) and Nicole Stratton. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. 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The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. This article originally appeared on The Republic | azcentral.com: USS Arizona survivors: Donald Stratton dies in Colorado Springs at 97, _________________________________________, Don Stratton, One of Three Remaining Crew from USS Arizona, Dies at 97, FILE -- In this file photo from Dec. 7, 2016, Donald Stratton, center, a USS Arizona survivor shakes the hand of an admirer at Kilo Pier next to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. "As they shot through the two openings of the enclosure, we shielded ourselves by taking shelter under some of the equipment, our hands covering our mouths and eyes. Stratton could not. This article is written by William Cole from The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. He heaved it toward the Arizona. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. The driver of a Honda Accord, 81-year-old Carl Silvrants of Fredericksburg, Va., was killed when he tried to get around the motorcycle crash and hit a parked firetruck on Interstate 70. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. Heroic Pearl Harbor sailor honored with Bronze Star, wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men. Randy Stratton Click To Call Williams Funeral Home His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Obituaries Section. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. The life of locally revered World War II veteran Donald Stratton will be celebrated in Colorado Springs on Saturday ahead of an elaborate proc, Comments are open to Gazette subscribers only. My heart goes out for the families, as well as all those who sacrificed for their great country so I could be writing this right now! After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. Per Docs wishes, a private family service was held.Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. companies with qualified audit opinion. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. A motorcyclist escorting the body of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton to his hometown in Nebraska died in a crash Saturday in Kansas, authorities said. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his grandchildren: Dana Stratton, Kimberly Brewer, Robert Stratton Jr., (Becky), Jessika Caldwell (Tony) and Nicole Stratton. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. He was 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. After years of striving to recognize Joe for his heroism that day, Donald, Lauren Bruner and their families, stood aboard the USS Arizona Memorial December 7, 2018 to posthumously honor Joe George with a Bronze Star with a V. The courage and bravery of Joe and the grit and grace of Donald has weaved together a precious community of families that hope to keep the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. Donald reenlisted in the Navy, went through boot camp a second time, and was stationed on the USS Stack for the remainder of the war. Flint Journal. Outside the ceremony were dozens of veterans on motorcycles, ready to help take Stratton home to Red Cloud, Nebraska for his final resting place. 1 some 28 feet and sending a fireball 500 feet into the air. "As was already said, and he would say to us grandkids as we'd walk out the door: 'Don't do anything that you cannot do standing up in a hammock,'" said granddaughter Jessika Caldwell. quest diagnostics 32791n. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". in memory of Donald G Stratton, please visit our floral store. The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. can stop at any time. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. His eyes met Strattons. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. Donald Stratton died in his sleep several weeks ago at the age of 97. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. At first, the Navy wouldn't allow Donald to re-enlist due to his medical discharge, however he proved them wrong by going through boot camp a second time. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Elizabeth II undertook a number of state and official visits over her 70-year reign (1952 to 2022), as well as trips throughout the Commonwealth, making her the most widely travelled head of state in history.She did not require a British passport for travelling overseas, as all British passports were issued in her name. In the book, Donald references a poem that was placed in the wallet of Eleanor Roosevelt where it reads, Somehow out there, A man died for me today. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. The family also learned he was never honored for his bravery on December 7th. He is survived by a niece, Catherine Vetterly and husband Tom of New Jersey, two great nephews; Brad (Lyndsey) and Brett (Kristin) Vetterly, and two great great nephews; Max and Milo Vetterly, and one great great niece, Mia Vetterly. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. local_floristSEND FLOWERS. Two motorists lost their lives in Gove County, Kan., including a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard motorcycle group that was escorting Strattons coffin for burial. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. You can unsubscribe at any time. or redistributed. Average Age & Life Expectancy Donald Richard Stratton lived exactly as long as the average Stratton family member when he died at the age of 72. Despite the horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he spent the next year itching to return to the Navy. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. All Rights Reserved 2022. New downtown Colorado Springs transit center plans updated, councilman calls it a 'boondoggle', Colorado Springs high school student arrested after allegedly bringing loaded gun to school. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. On the morning of December 7, 1941, a 19-year-old Donald was beckoned to his battle station as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor sending the Navy's flagship, the USS Arizona to the depths. 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Couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world war II was with the arrangements for loved...
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