83rd Division Booklet

Pfc Rudolph D. Kanenwisher

Private First Class
Rudolph D. Kanenwisher

Private First Class Rudolph D. Kanenwisher

Rudolph Dahle Kanenwisher was born March 18, 1920 near Velva, a small city in McHenry County, North Dakota to Anna Maria 'Mary' Mueller (1885-1962) and Samuel Kanenwisher (1883-1965). His Russia born parents were farmworkers and raised eight children on their farm near Velva. Rudolph attended country school and later went to school in Velva. Rudy worked on the farm and at the Truax Coal Mines, south of Velva.

In June 1942, Rudy was drafted into the Army and served two tours during World War II. His first tour of duty was with an anti-aircraft unit in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He returned to the United States until he was sent for a second tour of duty with the Infantry to Belgium, Netherlands, France, and finally to Germany. The Morning Reports from January 17, 1945 listed him as assigned and joined G/331 from the 92nd Replacement Depot. Rudy was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1945. For his service he was awarded, among other decorations, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.

Back home, he married Emma Paulson in December 1949. Rudy farmed and worked construction. He worked on the oil rigs near Tioga, joined the Carpenters Local Union and worked on the ABM missile sites and at the power plants near Beulah and Underwood. He also worked for the Stanley School District in maintenance and as a bus driver. They lived in several places, but most of their lives in Stanley. Rudy retired early due to declining health. Rudolph Kanenwisher died on June 17, 2011, at the Mountrail Bethel Home in Stanley. He was survived by his wife Emma (1920-2013).