Jean Eleanor Vrooman Dahnke, daughter of Clare M (1892-1944) and Jessie (Baker) (1892-1969) Vrooman, was born 13 April 1923, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. She graduated from Oberlin College in 1944 with a teaching degree. Jean married Harold Lewis Dahnke, Jr. 27 April 1944, Shaker Heights, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County.
The Sandusky Register (Sandusky, Ohio) Wednesday 24 May 1944
SHAKER HEIGHTS GIRL AS BRIDE
Of wide interest to friends and relatives in Sandusky is the announcement made today disclosing the marriage of Miss Jean Eleanor Vrooman, daughter of Mrs. Claire Martin Vrooman and the late Mr. Vrooman, to Pfc. Harold L. Dahnke, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Dahnke, Sr. of Elyria.
The ceremony took place April 27 in the home of the bride's mother in Shaker Heights, Cleveland in the presence of the immediate families. Dr. Miles Krumbine of the Shaker Congregational Church officiated.
After a wedding trip Pfc. Dahnke returned to his post with the U. S. Army at Fort Jackson, S. C. His bride, who was graduated from Oberlin College in February, is residing with her mother at 22040 McCauley Rd., Shaker Heights while he is in service.
A native of Sandusky, Pfc. Dahnke attended Campbell school when his parents resided on Wayne St. He was graduated from Elyria High school in 1939 and from Oberlin College in February 1943. He enlisted in the service in July, 1942 under the Army specialized training program, and was called to active duty in May, a year ago.
His grandparents were the late Mr. and Mrs. William Dahnke, E. Jefferson st., and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Petersen, Wayne St.
The Chronicle-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) Monday 5 February 1945
PFC. HAROLD DAHNKE
Pfc. Harold Dahnke Jr., 22, who had been reported missing in action since October 22, is a prisoner of war of the Germans.
This word was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dahnke, 819 East Avenue, in a letter which ended nearly three months of uncertainty. His wife and parents had been informed last November 9 by the War Department that he was listed as missing in action in France since October 22.
Pfc. Dahnke, a graduate of Elyria High School and Oberlin College, entered the Army in May 1943, three months after graduation from Oberlin, and went overseas last September. He was serving with an engineering unit until he was taken prisoner by the Germans.
Pfc. Dahnke's wife, who was formerly Miss Jean Vrooman, also is an Oberlin College graduate and now lives in Cleveland. His father, first World War veteran, saw service in France in that war.
After the war Jean and Harold had 3 children. Jean taught English at Okemos High School, leaving the position in May 1967. She died 16 July 1998, Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 19 July 1998
JEAN ELEANOR VROOMAN DAHNKE, 75, of Boulder, Color., formerly of Okemos, Okemos High School English teacher, died Thursday. Memorial services 10 a.m. Monday at First Congregational Church, Boulder.
Returning from war, Harold, born 21 December 1921, attended Western Reserve University and received a master's degree in 1947 and a doctorate of philosophy in 1950. He went on to have a distinguished career with Michigan State University from 1957-1971 becoming a Professor Emeritus of Facilities, Planning and Management. Harold died 8 July 2006, Boulder County, Colorado.