Quentin H. Fackler

Quentin Hanus Fackler, 102, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Private services were held on Monday, February 1, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mount Pleasant. Graveside services were held at Rogers Grove Cemetery near Ely, Iowa, on Tuesday, February 2.
Quentin was born September 5, 1918, in Ely, Iowa, to Anne Hanus and David Charles Fackler. He attended elementary school in Ely and other communities while his family moved from town to town, as his father looked for work during the Depression. He attended Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids and graduated in 1937 from West High School in Waterloo. He recalled years later that a friend of his father's lent him a sport coat for his graduation picture, while the photo studio, located in a department store, found a tie for him to wear.
Quentin fought in the European Theater, including the WWII Battle of the Bulge, as a member of Field Artillery, U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division. He always downplayed any personal danger and declined being called a hero. Nearly 80 years later during his 100th birthday celebration, he was deeply moved to receive the veteran's Quilt of Valor.
Quentin's artillery unit was one of the first to use the proximity fuse, designed to maximize firing results. He was surprised to learn years later that the fuse was invented by James Van Allen, a Mount Pleasant native. Serving as recorder for his unit, he was asked to make a brief announcement to his fellow soldiers gathered in a small theater overseas - an atomic bomb had been dropped on Japan. No one knew at the time; they would be going home after VE Day instead of the Pacific Theater.
After living in Mount Pleasant for many years, he befriended the German immigrant owner of a dry-cleaning shop in Mount Pleasant. Their friendship endured even after they realized that they fought in some of the same battles but on opposite sides.
After he was discharged, Quentin returned to Waterloo where he bought a Chevrolet Coupe with his savings and moved to the Des Moines area. He was hired by the Green Colonial Furnace Company, assigned to sales in southeast Iowa, and stayed with the company all of his professional life.
He is survived by two nephews and a niece and their families; Warren (Fern) Fackler, Julie Fackler Gillespie, Clark Fackler of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Todd Fackler of Iowa City, Iowa; Christine Stratton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ruth Fackler Richards of Okemos, Michigan; Clint (Anne) Richards, D.J. Castaldo, Skyler Richards of Raleigh, North Carolina; Laura Richards (David) Gwatney, Ayla Gwatney, Eryn Gwatney of Sarasota, Florida; Dr. Carl (Carla) Fackler of Tiger, Georgia; Martin (Yukari) Fackler, Dylan Fackler, Lukas Fackler of Tokyo, Japan; Nate (Ayca) Fackler of Athens, Georgia; Ben (Boriana) Fackler, Kosara Fackler and Otto Fackler of Mill Valley, California.
Quentin was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Charles and Norbert Gail.
A special thanks to Kay, Sandy, and all of the staff at Van Vorhies Haus for their companionship and care lovingly given to Quentin during his years with them. Also, to the Director of EveryStep Hospice, Mike Breese, staff member Suzanne Porth and other staff. Quentin's family is most appreciative of their expert and caring attention during his last days. And, to Charlie Yoder of Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel for his respectful handing of the services for Quentin.