Lawrence K. Bichler
Lawrence K. Bichler was born in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1917 to a recently emigrated mother and father. The family operated a small family farm in Canada before moving to North Dakota for greener pastures and the promise of a bright future.
Once settled not far from Rugby, N.D., my father soon found himself part of a family of two boys and six girls. It took all eight children and two adults to operate the barely break-even operation. In those days most farm work was not mechanized, it was all done by band. It was backbreaking work that allowed you to sleep soundly at night.
Dad was a young man when the family heard about something called, "The Great Depression" and the collapse of the stock market. Being part of a financial depression was nothing new to the Bichler family. However, the family lived comfortably, fighting for their piece of the American dream.
One of the many Roosevelt era programs designed to give a helping hand was the Civilian Conservation Corp, the C-C's. My father was one of the first to sign up for the C-C's and sent most of his monthly wage home so his family could have a better life. During his time in the C-C's Dad heard about the Navy, enlisted and secretly hoped to be stationed aboard an aircraft carrier. Aircraft carriers were something new, and there was one special carrier my father hoped to see one day: the CV-6, USS Enterprise. When Dad was nearing completion of his basic training, he learned his dream had come true. He was to be assigned to The Big E!
After a very long train ride to San Diego, Dad boarded the ship and soon settled into the life of a young sailor living his dream. He was an aviation machinist's mate aboard an aircraft carrier, but not just any carrier, it was the Big E. While he was living his dream, there were rumors of what would soon become World War II. Germany was flexing its military muscle in Europe and Japan was equally active in the Pacific. In early December 1941 my father and the Enterprise were cruising the Pacific Ocean with eyes wide open watching the horizon for anything out of the ordinary. Just out of view, the Japanese were preparing a massive attack against Pearl Harbor and the United States.
For everyone living in the United States, and especially those living aboard a Naval ship, life changed dramatically Dec. 7, 1941. Young men and women proudly enlisted in the military ready to help in the fight against tyranny. The civilian population banded together, tightened their collective belt, and successfully fought against our enemies. Meanwhile, the military bravely battled in every comer of the world, across land and sea. Lawrence K. Bichler was part of the sacrifice and from 1943 spent almost three years at the Veteran's Hospital in Walla Walla.
After fighting back from his wartime injuries at the hospital in Walla Walla, Dad used his Navy training and eventually became a journeyman union pipefitter at Grant County Mechanical in Moses Lake. A bit later he met and married my mom, Nancy Bichler. By the way, I was part of the package and he eagerly accepted me into his family and called me his son. I am proud to be Lawrence's son, and equally proud of his many accomplishments.
Dad is survived by his two sons, Richard (Betty) of Belfair, Wash.; Larry of Seattle, brothers and sisters Eva Dahl, Bergetta Axtman, Paul Bichler, Sister Maureena (Caroline) Bichler, Victoria Dudsches, and Armelia Snyder, and grandchildren James of Seattle and Karen of Bremerton, Wash. His loving wife Nancy and sister Amelia preceded him in death.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, and Lawrence was laid to rest next to his wife, Nancy, and his parents, Henry and Martina Bichler at the Moses Lake Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements are in care of Benson Family Funeral Service.