Henry Zimmerle was born in Rohrbach, Russia on January 24, 1889. He moved to America with his parents in or about 1900. The family first moved to South Dakota and later to Nebraska. He was farming in South Dakota when he registered for the draft on June 5, 1917. He was one of Gregory County, South Dakota’s quota of soldiers and left for training with the third contingent. He was assigned to the 342nd Machine Gun Battalion. He died of pneumonia on February 2, 1918 at Camp Funston, Kansas. He funeral was held in Butte, Nebraska and he was buried in the Butte Cemetery. However, no gravestone can be found for him.

Sources:  Butte Gazette, National Archives and Records Administration

                                                                                         Butte Gazette Tuesday February 7, 1918

                                                                                                     ANOTHER SOLDIER

                                                                                                               GETS THE LAST CALL

                                                                                                        Henry Zimmerle Dies Suddenly

                                                                                                        At Camp Funston.

   Henry Zimmerle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Zimmerle, died suddenly at Camp Funston last Saturday, of pneumonia.  He was one of Gregory’s quota of soldiers, going with the third contingent. The body arrived here Tuesday evening, and the funeral was held at the German Congregational church.  Rev. John Sattler, of Tyndall, S.D. being in charge.  At the close of the sermon, upon invitation, John A. Davies made an appropriate address in English.  Interment was in Butte cemetery.

   Henry Zimmerle was born near Odessa, Russia, January 24, 1891.  His parents brought him to America 18 years ago, first coming to Dakota, and afterward moving to Nebraska.  He was farming in Dakota, and registered there for the draft.  He was an honest, upright young man, well liked by all who knew him.

   Henry Zimmerle has made the supreme sacrifice and given his life for his country, and his place on the roll of honored dead is secure.  And as these soldier dead come back to us let us try to preserve the heritage for which they gave their lives, and may we ever keep aloft the banner under which the fell.  Henry Zimmerle, citizen is dead, but Henry Zimmerle, American soldier, will live always.

  The following letter explains the circumstances of his death:

    “I would say that about 8:50 A.M. February 2nd, 1918, Pvt. Henry Zimmerle of this company died of left sided internal hemorrhage of the brain, consequent to chronic interstitial nephritis. 

     On the morning of February 2nd he seemed as well as usual.  About 7:00 A.M. he became ill and a Doctor was immediately called, and your son taken to the Hospital.  Everything possible was done to save his life.

     On February 1st, 1918 your son made application for $5000,00 worth of Insurance.  He named as his beneficiary his father, Jacob Zimmerle.  This $5000,00 should be paid to you in 240 monthly payments.

      The personal effects of the late private Henry Zimmerle will be sent to you in the near future.

 Pvt.  Zimmerle was an excellent soldier, was well liked by his Officers and his fellow soldiers.  His unfortunate death is a source of great sorrow to us all.”

                                                   Herbert D. Waldo

                                            1st Lieut, 342nd M.G.  Bn.