JOE ZARUBA, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Zaruba, living about three miles northeast of this city, where he has always made his home, was born January 9th, 1896. When his draft call came he responded willingly and was one of the eight boys that were called February 23rd, a program being held at the Fern Theatre in their honor before departing for Anamosa, from which place they were sent to Camp Dodge to receive their early training to fit themselves for overseas duty. He remained at Camp Dodge about two months and was transferred to Camp Sievers, S. C., where they remained only a short time and were sent on to Camp Merritt, N. J. From this camp he sailed for overseas about the first of May of this year. His safe arrival was announced by the officials at Washington.
Here the work of completing their training was immediately begun and about the middle of September saw him in the thickest of the fighting. No doubt he was in the same sector where Gilbert Pavelka was killed in action September 29th. Both boys left this city at the same time and it is supposed went across about the same time. Joe was of the build physically to make an excellent soldier and from all reports he was making good. No word has been received in regards to his coming home, but the fond mother anxiously awaits his return.

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Last updated on Friday, 16-Apr-2021 16:55:23 MST