Research into war casualties suffered by military personnel from the Patterson area has turned up some interesting information.

Local dentist and Patterson native Tom Klein has recently scoured the Internet for military deaths, compiling much of the information from news stories carried by this newspaper.

Patterson Township deaths from World War II numbered 32, according to the plaque in our downtown park. And yet it appears that count may be low.

For example, the name of Bertil Kolander appears on the plaque. He incurred a fatal illness in the U.S. Army Air Corps, was sent home and died in 1943 at the Sycamore Avenue home of his parents, the Richard Kolanders.

But not on the list is Carver L. Shores, who died in August 1945 at the Veterans Hospital in Livermore following a two-year illness. He had served a year before being given a physical discharge. Shores was 39, a native of Texas, and had lived in Grayson. He was married to the former Beatrice Stroud of Patterson and was buried in the local cemetery following a service in which American Legion Post No. 168 participated.

Kolander contracted the flu in March 1943 while assigned to an air base in Nebraska. Released too soon, he had a relapse and developed rheumatic fever, along with a severe attack of arthritis. Finally, he was given an honorable discharge and sent home, where he died that September at age 19.

Kolander, it is noted, lived here nine years and was a star football player for Patterson Union High School “… where his rugged build was a powerful factor.” He graduated in the Class of 1942, and his remains were buried in Patterson District Cemetery after a service by the American Legion.

Another name on the plaque is that of Lt. Fred Fovinci. Fovinci was a native of Patterson, graduated from high school here in 1934 and was 29 years old when his B-29 was struck by lightning over Colorado. All 13 crewmen were lost. He had recorded 50 bombing missions over Europe. Fovinci is buried in Stockton.

But not listed is Pvt. Lee D. Kellogg, who was killed in action on the Italian front. His parents, the Jess Kelloggs, were farm workers living here in Azevedo Camp.

Numerous interesting stories have been found by Klein, and research is continuing.

Sad news

Sad news arrived the other day. The Pillsbury Doughboy died of a yeast infection and trauma complications caused by repeated pokes in the belly.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies and Cap’n Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Born and bread in Minnesota, Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough; three children, John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough; and one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

I knew you’d wanta know.

Trivia of the week

Did you know that women’s eyelids blink twice as fast as men’s?

Heck, I just thought they were flirting with me.

For the sports fan

Here’s a quote for you golfers:

“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls when they’re still rolling.”

— Mark Twain

And finally …

We could all learn something from the weather.

It pays no attention to criticism.

• Ron Swift is editor/publisher emeritus of the Patterson Irrigator. He can be reached at ronkay@evansinet.com.