John J. Hacker - World War I
Walter H. Rohe - World War I

These two Templeton boys were among the youngest soldiers to enter the service from Templeton during World War I. They served together for their relatively short time in uniform.

John Hacker was born near Roselle on August 24, 1896. His parents were Franz “Frank” and Frances (Irlmeier) Hacker. Both his parents were German immigrants and they had come to Carroll County in the early 1880’s. They were married in Templeton in 1886.

Walter Rohe was born in Davenport, IA on February 16, 1897. His parents were John and Margaret (Merriyan) Rohe both of whom had been born in Iowa. The family moved to Carroll County by the time the 1905 census was taken.

These boys were inducted into the US Army on September 5, 1918. John was assigned serial number 4815730 and Walter was assigned serial number 4815648. They were sent to Camp Dodge near Des Moines for training. The 88th Infantry Division had been formed at Camp Dodge and had been mobilized to Europe shortly before their arrival. A new division, the 19th Infantry Division, was in the process of being formed and they were assigned to Company F, 87th Infantry Regiment for training.

The 19th Division did have one very interesting aspect. One of its training officers was a young major who had graduated from West Point a few years earlier. He was upset because he had not had the opportunity to fight in the war in Europe. His name was Omar Bradley and he went on to glory as one of America’s finest generals in World War II and ultimately five-star rank.

Training was still in process when the fighting in France ceased on November 11, 1918. However, the 19th Division continued its training schedule. It was noted from a newspaper account that Walter was able to visit his parents for Christmas 1918. Both were discharged on January 28, 1919 having spent their entire tour of duty at Camp Dodge.

John returned to Templeton and, before the end of 1919, moved to Minnesota to live with a brother. On November 16, 1920, he married Nellie Roeckers in Redwood, MN. The couple farmed in Minnesota for many years. John died in Sleepy Eye, MN on May 2, 1960 at age 63. He is buried in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Morgan, MN.

Walter returned to Templeton and was engaged in farming with his father who died on November 1, 1919. On February 1, 1920, Walter was married to Elisabeth (Ella) Sibbel in Templeton. In 1930, the couple moved to the home place south of Templeton and continued farming there until moving into town in 1970. Walter died at home on October 24, 1971 at age 74. He is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Templeton.