By: Mark Holtsberry
Julius Reimy Dobbelaire was born June 21, 1895 in Moorslede, West Flanders, Belgium. The son of Leonard Isidoor and Silvia Pelagia (Cappelle) Dobbelaire. Julius fought in War World 1 with the Belgium Army. Serving from 1914-1918.
Julius immigrated to the United States in 1920 and became a Naturalized citizen. Julius married a gal named Marie Bertha Vynckier. She was born in Tiooslede, Belgium, April 12, 1897. The married couple had four sons. George Joseph born November 4, 1920, Gerard Remy born August 27, 1923, Morris Robert born January 21, 1928 and Paul Albert born April 28, 1929. By 1930, the Dobbelaire family was living in Middleton, Wood County, Ohio. Julius was a farmer.
A son Robert was born in 1933. On November 18, 1933, Bertha sails to Belgium on the ship S.S. Westerland to Antwerp, Belgium. She returned home January 26, 1934.By 1935, the Dobbelaire family had moved to Haskins, Wood County, Ohio. A daughter, Doris Marie, was born in 1935. On December 20, 1935, Julius and his son George, boarded the ship Washington. Leaving New York to sail to Plymouth, England. A son, Henry Julius, was born in 1938. By 1940, the Dobbelaire family had moved to Brown Township. Julius was a tenant farmer. In 1942, Julius had registered for the World War Two draft. His son George, on February 15, 1942, also registered. George was listed as 5’9″, 165 pounds, light complexion, blonde hair and blue eyes. He joined the Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He flew missions with the Flying Fortress of the 8th Air Force, 100th Bomber Group over Germany. George retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On June 30, 1942, son Gerard, also registered for the draft. He was listed as 5’8″, 150 pounds, ruddy complexion, blonde hair, blue eyes and self employed. He was not selected. A son Morris, registered to serve in World War Two, but he was still in school at Oakwood High School. He was listed as 5’9″, light complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes. Morris will serve in Korea with the 6th Armor Division. On February 24, 1947, Julius Reimy Dobbelaire passed away. He was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Marie Bertha Dobbelaire, passed away February 17, 1988 at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She was buried with Julius at Live Oak Cemetery.
If you drive past Live Oak Cemetery, you can see his tombstone from the road. I think of the man who fought for his country, then took a chance to come to America to seek a better life. To this day, his grand-children, and great grandchildren still live here in Paulding County.
… until next time!
