Bernard Johann Kohues

1906-1945

Bernard Johann Kohues was born in Ostbevern, Westphalia, Germany 18 Jul 1906. He was the son of Johann Hermann Kohues b.1874- and Elisabeth Josaphine Grone 1875-1944 from Ostbevern, Westphalia, Germany. Bernard died on 14 Mar 1945. I have included Bernard Kohues herein because he is a distant cousin and causes me to stop and think. Bernard and I share common great great grandparents. My Kohues line immigrated to America in 1850 and Bernard's line stayed in Ostbevern. I found that time after time while researching my family tree that  circumstances beyond our control such as decisions made by distant ancestors or experiences in their lives played such a large part in our lives or for that matter in our very existence. Every decision we make or experience we have can affect not only us but those who come after us.  Bernard had a brother who was also killed in the war, Bernard Henrich Kohues 1910-1942.

English translation of Bernard Johann's obituary. Remember in prayer  The fallen Lance corporal*  Bernard Kohues. The dear departed one was born in Ostbevern on 18. July 1906.  In December1943 he was drafted into the military and entered at Easter.  At the end of the War Fate still caught him.  As the result of a head gunshot wound he died on 14. March 1945 in the military hospital in Oberndorf near Salzburg, where he is in the cemetery bedded down in the last rest.  After loyal completion of duties and a pious Christian life he gave with firm faith in his Savior Jesus Christ his life back to the hand of his Creator. May he rest in God's holy Peace! Our Father  Be greeted my Jesus,  My Jesus, Mercy! 

Translated by Moni.  * Gefreiter means a different rank in the various military branches. I am assuming Wehrmacht means army, but Wehrmacht itself means defense power. i.e., military.  So it was not necessarily the army.  The English equivalents are lance-corporal in the infantry, bombardier in the artillery, able seaman or airman first class in the other branches. I kept the translation as literal as possible.  Word order is always a problem between English and German.