Ell T. Simantz's Obituary
Ell Thomas Simantz, age 23, passed away on December 19,1942, in the Southwest Pacific Theater during World War II. Ell was born in Grand Haven, MI, on January 20, 1919, to Frank and Katerina (Polanek) Simantz.
Ell was a U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade serving in S Company, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division when he was killed in Action near Buna Village in Papua New Guinea. Shortly after his passing he was buried in a village cemetery along with other fallen servicemen. Following the war, he was exhumed from his grave by the American Graves Registration Service and brought to the Central Identification Point at the Manila Mausoleum in the Philippines. Due to recent forensic advances, he was able to be identified and brought back to the United States so that he could be laid to rest next to his parents. Ell was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, as well as various other medals and accolades.
Ell preceded his parents in death, as well as his siblings: Katherine Forry, Victoria Rycenga, Suzan Smith, Betty Kieft, and Frank Simantz. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended relatives.
A Burial with Military Honors will be taking place for Ell at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Historic Cemetery of Grand Haven, 12604 168th Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444.
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