Richard C Linsenmaier

Richard Carl Linsenmaier was born in Schmiden, Germany in 1920. I am Dick's neice, Barbi Jan (Ennis) Connolly, his wife, Janet is my Mother/Alta's sister, younger by 3 years.  Alta (1918-2009)  And I might add, Auntie Jan is my FAVORITE Aunt, and MY Middle name :)

Things I remember about this wonderful Uncle, are his incredible smile, lots of laughing, enormous Holiday dinners and Picnic's in the summer.  Dick and Janet built a stunning ranch home on the rise of the hill just a few miles from Doylestown...rolling hills and so abundant was the greenery, it is still called "Clover Hill".  From their grand view they could see the Golden Gurnsey milk cows grazing along.  I remember flowers all around, fun with our "younger" cousins ( a couple of years back then seemed like a LOT !) and many memorable times.  Janet lives there still, and enjoys the peace of the country.  There is no way to sum up a life, but this was one really super-duper UNCLE !  When at our house for Thanksgiving, he asked for the drumstick of the Turkey.... my wide eyes never figured out how he ate the whole thing ;)  Dick loved and was loved in return. . . I will always be glad for the "Uncle Dick memories" that I have of him.  Love, Barbi

February 28, 1920 Richard Carl Linsenmaier was born to Carl and Emilie Burkle Linsenmaier in the Burkle family farmhouse in Schmiden Germany outside Stuttgart. Awaiting his arrival was an older sister Erna Emilie. Family history spoke of a twin who was stillborn.

Another sister Bertha Marie arrived and their father left Germany for America. 3 of Emilie's sisters were already in Pennsylvania and Carl followed. When Richard was 3, his mother boarded an ocean liner with 3 preschoolers and made the journey to a new country.

Carl worked on farms and Emilie sewed to provide a life for their children. The children learned the skills of their parents. While Dick was in high school his father died of heart disease, and the family moved to an apartment in Doylestown, PA. After graduation, Dick worked at gas station in town and at the start of World War II he joined the Navy.

His time on the CVL23 USS Princeton gave him special friends, earned him self respect and Aviation Machinist Mate 2c and gave him an opportunity to travel to places he never expected to experience. October 24, 1944 while in the Leyte Gulf, the USS Princeton was bombed. Dick was burned on the head, face, arms and thighs and then as the fate of the Princeton got worse, was required to jump ship. He hung onto the side of a life raft until he was picked up by the USS Irwin. After 3 unconscious days on the Irwin, he was moved to the USS Samaritan. His first hospital stay was in Hawaii for a month and then San Diego for 2 months, however during that time he had leave to go home. He returned to the hospital and then spent 3 weeks at Camp Elliott awaiting “distribution”. Although he hoped for Philadelphia he got re-assigned to photography in Florida.- not taking pictures but keeping the planes that carried the photographers in the air. After 5 months in Florida, on September 9, 1945, Richard left Pensacola a civilian, having reached 1c.

October 12, 1946 Dick married a teacher, Janet Holmes in Doylestown, PA. In the early years of their marriage Dick owned a gas station and an ice business. Their first child- a daughter was born Nov 1948. and then in March of 51 came a son. Dick began working in golf course construction which he did for many years. He was Greens Superintendent at Doylestown Country Club after Gordon's closed the construction business. Prior to retirement he was Grounds Superintendent for Merck and Co.

Dick was active in the Lions Club, was 32nd Degree Mason, Association of Golf Course Superintendent's, and was an honored volunteer at Doylestown Hospital. In his free time he enjoyed playing golf, traveling and have friends and family visit.

After 18 months of treatment Dick died at home on March 13, 1997 of lung cancer.

Dick's Story was written by his loving wife, Janet, his daughter "CB" Caryl Beth Hoffman and his son, Rick Linsenmaier. . . .29 March, 2009