Darkhorse Recent Obituaries

Lawrence C. "Larry" Prokop   D Troop 1/4 Cav ARP 1969        

Lawrence C. "Larry" Prokop Died August 28, 2015 Lawrence Clement "Larry" Prokop, 72, of Bellaire, died at his home Friday, August 28, 2015. Larry was born July 13, 1943, the youngest child of Frank and Anna (Apfel) Prokop, in Detroit. He was united in marriage with Linda Dawson on October 24, 1970, at United Methodist Church in Central Lake. Larry attended LaSalle High School in Detroit and graduated from Bellaire High School. Larry was a veteran of the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Staff Seargant. He served in the Vietnam War and was discharged honorably as a combat wounded veteran in 1969. Larry earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Larry served in the Army from Dec. 19, 1963 until Dec. 25, 1969. To his brothers from Vietnam, Larry was forever "Prepared and Loyal." Larry loved his family, and was proud of his colorful and lively clan, including his siblings, Mary Ann, Lucille, Frank Jr., and Shirley. Linda and Larry always wanted a large family, and they were blessed with Peter in 1971. Though they had no more children together, Linda and Larry hosted a generation of local children at their home daycare, and Peter was never lacking a playmate. The deeply bonded trio of Larry, Linda and Peter was exemplified by the family fishing boat named "Pelada," a combination of their first names. Larry was a loving husband and father; his extended family of in-laws, friends and dear neighbors meant everything to him. Larry Prokop's passion in life was fishing. While some may have considered Larry's fishing an obsession bordering on illness, they needed to understand that his endless hours of warm water fishing was merely a hobby in his eyes. His true passion was fly fishing, and he was living the Trout Bum lifestyle long before it became more mainstream. While hours were spent discussing the virtues of flies and insect hatches, his sermons on the perils and possible damnation of the angler casting a Royal Wulff were priceless. He also was an incredibly generous man. He was generous with his knowledge, his time, and his money, especially when it came to introducing children to the outdoors and the joys of fishing. He helped found Kids Fishing Day in Bellaire in 1975, with members of the Bellaire Conservation Club. Area conservation groups helped stock the Pond at Meadowbrook in Bellaire with thousands of fish, and hundreds of kids showed up every year for the fun. Larry also had a great love for upland bird hunting and his succession of English Setters who provided mirth, companionship, and the opportunity to test one's patience on a daily basis. Larry is survived by his son, Peter (Alison) Prokop; grandson, Arthur; Siblings, Frank Jr., Lucille and Shirley, his in-laws, The Dawson family; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He loved all of you deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay (Dawson) Prokop; his sister, Mary Ann; his parents and grandparents; and his last dog, Riley James. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at Lakeview Cemetery in Bellaire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bellaire Conservation Club, c/o Kids Free Fishing Day, P.O. Box 177, Bellaire MI, 49615. Arrangements are being made by Mortenson Funeral Home of Central Lake.

Jacques “JACK” Schuerman was a member of Darkhorse serving in C Troop 16^th Cav in Soc Trang 1970 and then traveling to Can Tho where he remained until 1971. Jack served bravely as a Crewchief and in Maintaince during his tour. Jack will be truly missed by his Darkhorse Brothers. Rest in Peace Brother.

Obituary for Bradley Fredrick Linsmeyer "Gramps"

Bradley Fredrick Linsmeyer “Gramps”
age 67 of Butternut, died peacefully at his home Tuesday July 7, 2015. He was born on February 10, 1948 in Park Falls and was the son of

Gertrude (Linsmeyer) Dul. He spent most of his life in Butternut and on April 27, 1968 he married Lucky Louise Storm. After proudly serving in

 the Army during the Vietnam War, he came home to his lifelong passion of working in the woods. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending

time with family and friends.

He is survived by:
(2)children:
Brenda (Dave) Dragovich of Butternut
Sara (Jim) Schultz of Butternut
(5)grandchildren:
Daniel Linsmeyer
Jacob Luhtala Jr.
James Linsmeyer
Katelyn Schultz
Nicholas Schultz all of Butternut
(1)soon-to-be great-grandson
(1)brother:
Bernard (Juli) Dul of Butternut
(1)nephew
and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1979, his wife Lucky in 1972 and son Fredrick August Linsmeyer in 1981.

The Memorial service will be held on Friday July 17, 2015 at 11:00 am from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Butternut. Rev. John A. Deitz will officiate.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 17, 2015 at 10:00 am until the hour of service at the church.

Burial will follow at Butternut Union Cemetery. Military rites will follow the service under the auspices of the Butternut American Legion.

The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the Family

Jimmy Russell, Darkhorse 1968-69, Mustang Crew Chief D Troop 1/4 Cav. 1st Infantry Division.

David John Fesmire

                                                                                       Sept. 23, 1952 to Nov. 20, 2007

Dave "Fezz" Fesmire passed peacefully on Nov. 20, 2007 at home with family surrounding him. Dave and Karen, along with their daughters Kindra, Katti and Mikki made Lucerne their home in 1987. Dave loved and supported his girls and their activities. You could find him on the sidelines at soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball games. He supported his daughters while cheerleading at Upper Lake football games – he knew all the cheers! Dave loved his grandchildren, Dannyelle, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Jason. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, being with friends, hunting, family camping, geocaching and scuba diving. Dave's dedication to the Lucerne Fire Department began as a volunteer medic/firefighter in 1987. He joined the Northshore Fire Authority family permanently in 2002 where he was promoted to Captain. Dave served on the North Coast Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, contributing to the enhancement of Lake County's Emergency Medical Services system.
Dave loved his family and was committed to his community, but his proudest accomplishment was serving his country. He served two tours with the United States Army in Vietnam as a Helicopter Crew Chief and Door Gunner January 1971 to January 1973. He was assigned to the 271st Assault Helicopter Company then transferring to C Troop 16th Cavalry Darkhorse Unit and proudly serving in the Fourhorsemen Aero-Lift Platoon. Honors earned include two Bronze Stars, one Purple Heart, and 34 Air Medals for combat flight time, one with Valor for the rescue of a downed helicopter crew.
Dave was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Association. This evolved into what became his passion – reuniting brothers from the Darkhorse unit. Dave became Unit Organizer and Reunion Director (or Mother Hen and Chief Herder of the Darkhorse Flock). He and "son" Russell were responsible for reuniting hundreds of brothers. The Darkhorse Family continues to grow and thrive and will be forever grateful to Dave. Dave was an Honorary Aero Rifleman, a Distinguished Trooper of the 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, Quarter Horse Association, member of the Vietnam Pilots Association. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Lake County Chapter 951. For those who attended the Celebration of Life at Fezzy Fest-what an honor.
A memorial procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at the intersection of 11th and Country Club in Lucerne, past Lucerne Elementary School to Hwy 20, to 7th Street. Military and Fire Services will commence at the Lucerne Fire Station following the procession. Dave was a husband and best friend, a great Daddy, a fun Poppa Pie, a kind son, an amusing brother, a respected comrade, a spirited co-worker, a true friend, a loyal employee and an honest neighbor. We miss you so much. You will forever be in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fesmire Trust Fund at any Westamerica Bank branch.

Jack Allen “Al” Vick

Jack Allen “Al” Vick, 58, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011 with his family by his side at his home. Al was born March 8, 1952 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was the son of the late William Henry and Gladys Roberts Vick. He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife Magdeline “Maggie” Vick Whitfield; and his son, William Russell Vick.
Al was well known by his friends and family as “Cowboy Al” because of the love for his horses and many trips out west to ride horse back through the mountains. Al served his country proudly in the US Army during the Vietnam Era.
Upon returning home from serving his country he met the love of his life and they began their journey through life together. They raised their three daughters in Portsmouth where he lived most of his life. In 1991, Al found himself on a new journey when he moved his family to a new home in Keysville, VA. This is where he established “Ricochet Ranch” where he enjoyed raising his animals and working for himself.
Al is survived by his three daughters, Marie Vick Morgan and husband Jeff of Rocky Mount, NC, Kelly Vick Carter and husband Earl of Spring Hope, NC, his beloved baby girl, Crystal Vick Mitchell and significant other John Marks of Louisburg, NC; and special friend, Donna Whitaker of Keysville, VA; his grandchildren whom he adored, Amanda Woodson, Amy Woodson, Preston Carter, James Allen Carter, and Lane Vick (his grandchildren thought he hung the moon!); a special nephew, Bennie Goddard of South Mills, NC; brothers, Billy Vick and wife Barbara Ann of Chesapeake, VA, Bruce Vick of Keysville, VA; and sister, Linda Wilborn and husband Rowland of Portsmouth, VA and many more nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his companions, seven horses, and two dogs-they were like his children.
“Daddy you will be dearly missed and our memories
will remain forever in our hearts.”
Funeral services will be held 2 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 pm prior to the services at the church. A committal service will immediately follow with military honors. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the National Liver Foundation at www.liverfoundation.org or to the AMVETS national service foundation at www.amvetsnsf.org. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.