World War II Veteran Celebrates 90th Birthday

Bong Veterans Historical Center hosts birthday party for one of their volunteers

Remembering the service and sacrifices made by those of the greatest generation were on display in Superior.

Imagine being only seventeen and pleading with your mom to enlist in the war effort, that’s exactly what World War II veteran and Superior native John Kanzler did.

He not only served but witnessed history in the making.

John Kanzler celebrated his 90th birthday in front of city leaders, friends and family but he doesn’t really like all the attention.

Kanzler served in the pacific aboard the Colorado and was an eyewitness to the Japanese surrender a ship away.

“I’ve often wondered how many people in Superior can say that, I don’t think anyone but me,” said Kanzler.

In geography class, Kanzler dreamed of seeing the world and it came true with a little pleading with his mom. Only 17 at the time, he couldn’t enlist without his parents consent.

He got it but with one condition, but he had to come back and get his high school diploma.

“How do you know you’re going to come back. I lost a lot of good friends out there,” said Kanzler.

But John Kanzler made it back and spent thirty-five years working on the railroad, raised a family, and became a volunteer with the Bong Veterans Historical Center.

“We had to pay the price but we won the war,” said Kanzler.

Many local representatives were on hand to wish John a happy birthday.