Short Narrative
Joseph A. Enneking: A Tribute
Joseph A. Enneking of Kelly, Kansas, bravely served his country during World War II. At 24 years old, he was sent to France as part of an infantry division, where he fought for three months. On October 13, 1944, he was reported missing in action and later confirmed to have been killed that same day.
His loss brought deep sorrow to his family, especially his parents and his brother Rochus, who was also serving in the military. A memorial service was held at St. Bede’s Church, where the community gathered to honor Joseph’s ultimate sacrifice. He is remembered as a courageous young man who gave his life for his country.
Long Narrative
Joseph A. Enneking: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Joseph A. Enneking, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Enneking in Kelly, Kansas, answered his country’s call during one of the most challenging times in world history. At about 22 years old, he entered the U.S. Army and, by late 1942, began his training and preparation for overseas service.
By the summer of 1944, Joseph was deployed directly to France as part of an infantry division engaged in the fierce European campaigns of World War II. Despite being far from home, he kept in touch with his family, his last letter arriving on October 4, 1944.
Just days later, on October 13, 1944, Joseph was reported missing in action. For weeks, his family and friends in Kelly clung to hope, praying for good news. However, in early December, they received the heartbreaking confirmation that Pfc. Joseph A. Enneking had been killed in action on that same October day. He was only 24 years old.
The community of Kelly came together to honor Joseph’s life and ultimate sacrifice. On December 5, 1944, a solemn memorial service was held at St. Bede’s Church. Father Placidus Kieffer offered the High Mass of Requiem, while Father Matthew Hall delivered a comforting and patriotic sermon. The service was attended by American Legion members and local soldiers home on furlough, who joined family, friends, and neighbors in paying their respects.
Joseph’s death left a profound void in the Enneking family. His brother, Pvt. Rochus Enneking, was serving at Camp Fannin, Texas, at the time, continuing the family’s dedication to the nation.
Remembered as a brave and devoted young man, Joseph A. Enneking’s legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, deeply honored by his family and the entire Kelly community.
Sources
Joseph A. Enneking, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Enneking in Kelly, Kansas, was a brave young man who joined the U.S. military during World War II. By October 1944, he had been serving overseas in France for three months as part of an infantry division. At just 24 years old, Joseph was reported missing on October 13, 1944, and later confirmed to have been killed in action on that same day. His parents, family, and community mourned his loss, holding a memorial service at St. Bede’s Church. He was remembered for his service and ultimate sacrifice in the war. His brother, Rochus Enneking, also served in the military at Camp Fannin, Texas. Joseph’s death brought profound grief to his family, but the community united in honoring his memory, with local American Legion members and soldiers on furlough attending the services in his honor
Courier Tribune
2 Nov 1944
A Kelly Soldier
Reported Missing
Pfc. Joseph A. Enneking
In France Three Months
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Enneking, Kelly, received word Monday, that their son, Pfc. Joseph A. Enneking, has been missing since October 13 in the European theater of war.
Joseph was a member of an infantry division, was about 24 years of age and had been overseas about three months. His sister, Mrs. Ben C. Holthaus, said Tuesday, he is believed to have gone directly to France from the United States. He has been in service two years next month. The last letter Joseph’s parents had from him was written October 4th.
Mr. and Mrs. Enneking have another son in service, Pvt. Rochus Enneking, stationed at Camp Fannin, Texas.
Relatives and friends of the Enneking family are hoping they will soon receive word of Joseph’s safety.
Courier Tribune
Dec 7, 1944
page 8
Centralia
Joe Enneking Jr. Now
Reported Killed in Action
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Enneking received another message last week changing the one they had received earlier about their son, Joe Enneking Jr., missing in action. The latter message stated Joe Enneking Jr., was killed in action. Deepest sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Enneking and their family in their sorrow. Memorial services were held at the church in Kelly at 10:00 o’clock Tuesday morning.
Courier Tribune
Dec 7 1944
page 8
Kelly …
Memorial services were held Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock in St. Bede’s church for Pfc. Joseph A. Enneking, who made the supreme sacrifice in France, Oct. 13. Father Placidus Kieffer, O.S.B. offered the High Mass of Requiem; Father Matthew Hall, Seneca, gave a patriotic and consoling sermon. The American Legion was represented, also two parish boys home on furlough were there, Callistus Kramer, Clarence Kongs. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family.
