News : Laurel W. Ebert Home No longer MIA

Pvt. Laurel William Ebert no longer MIA but home

Flags were ordered at half staff across the state in honor of Pvt. Laurel William Ebert's return to Iowa. Ebert was listed as missing in action November 26, 1942, but will forever be a 28 year old man that left to fight for his country.

Neil Neibus the oldest nephew of Ebert's descendants was contacted by the Defense Accounting Agency seeking a DNA sample that was later used to match Eberts remains to his family.  According to Master Sergeant Peter Moeller, "The Defense Accounting Agency does an incredible job finding service members from all over the world, including Papua New Guinea" where Laurel had been buried.

On Sunday, April 28, 1946 the congregation and community of Blairstown gathered to mourn the missing Private Laurel Ebert in the Grace Lutheran Church as they did again on September 20, 2019. The first time, they had no idea where Private Ebert was, the second service was a celebration of not only his life but of bringing him home.

If Ebert were still alive today he would be 104, while his nieces and nephews are now some of them in their 80's. The majority of those in attendance at the funeral were military veterans or active service members. One elderly lady stood by her car at the cemetery with tears in her eyes. She said, "I knew his sister, Adeline, we were friends. I thought we'd never see this day."

Many of his remaining relatives never knew Ebert. But they have some of the letters that he wrote that gives them a glimpse into the man that was their uncle. Signing each letter, "As Ever, Laurel" the family found that he had a sense of humor.

In one letter he noted that his dad had finally bought a mower with an engine since he left, and no doubt the engine would give out as soon as he returned home and he would again have to use manpower to mow the lawn.

Remembering where things left off at home, he also inquired about the farming side asking about every day things like the "white-faced cattle" that they had just acquired on the farm. 

The mundane things like his broken wristwatch that he was sending home for repairs and that he was sure to retrieve when he got home, are all that the family can go on for a glimpse into who their uncle was.

Unfortunately, the only family left to mourn his death were a sister-in-law and nieces and nephews but many have memories passed down by their parents of Ebert.

Gathering information from newspaper clippings the family also know that he was a basketball player in high school and the team at that time was one of the best. They also know that Ebert played in the band and was an impressive young man at the time of his deployment. 

A solemn reminder throughout the service was the sacrifice that this young man made which makes it possible for all of us to live in freedom today. With many legion members present and the honor guard outside the church and at the cemetery, it was a stark reminder that they were there for a young man that did not make it home.

As the procession moved to the cemetery, every heart swelled with pride as the procession passed flag after flag, on the light poles, and in private yards along the route. Many of the residents saluted or stood with a hand over their heart as the casket passed by. 

After arriving at the cemetery for the graveside services, escorted by our areas finest law enforcement officers, and several riders from the Patriot Guard a brief service was held. Following, two military helicopters flew over in the Missing Man formation, the beat of the rotors shook the air, giving you goosebumps as you realized the symbolization.

Following the 21 gun salute taps played in the silence of the cemetery where approximately 200 had gathered to lay Eber to rest.

The family waited 77 years for this day, he is now home, next to his parents at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. 

Laurel's obituary can be seen here, another story about Ebert can be read here.

Photos from the day can be seen here and awesome ones from Jim Magdefrau
Other articles about Laurel can be found here and here is a clip from KCRG

There will also be a video of the service uploaded over the weekend, check back.