Dozens travel to funeral of Vietnam veteran they’ve never met: “He deserves every bit of this”

SPOONER, Wis. — Persons from throughout the Midwest traveled to western Wisconsin to shell out their respect to a guy they never ever met.

Barron County Veteran Service Business let the group know that Vietnam veteran Gayle Seefluth would be buried in Spooner right now. As WCCO’s Jennifer Mayerle studies, with no future of kin, strangers confirmed up to honor him.

They all arrived.

“I thought mileage doesn’t matter, it can be just honoring a fellow soldier,” Military veteran Marlin Rochester reported.

For the exact same cause.

“Humbling, incredibly humbling to see so quite a few men and women for a gentleman that did not have family,” veteran John Taitt said.

U.S. Marine Gayle Seefluth was given a entire army funeral and burial. Neighbor Holly Champagne suggests he was distinctive to her relatives.

“He was just a major gruff, grumpy, tall gentleman who was just super awesome if you bought underneath that exterior,” Champagne mentioned.

The Vietnam veteran died in January, and when the friend who was to care for his ashes also died, the county veteran company workplace prepared a funeral and burial. They invited absolutely everyone by way of social media to thank Gayle for his dedication to the country, and to honor his life.

“In the previous 5 many years, I’ve carried out this four occasions for veterans that failed to have households. So, it is to convey recognition that if it truly is likely to occur below in tiny Barron County, it truly is occurring all throughout the United States,” Tami Saleska, assistant veteran provider officer reported.

Legion Riders, veterans, civilians, strangers, all wanted to pay out their regard.

“He is a veteran, I am a veteran so there is kinship even though I by no means understood the male,” Dan Reynard mentioned.

“We are so grateful for folks that have designed our liberty possible,” Vickie Lunceford claimed.

Her partner David included, “it is a touching problem to honor this veteran.”

And for the kinds who did know him: they are grateful.

“He deserves each individual little bit of this, he didn’t believe he did, but he deserves each and every bit of this,” Champagne reported.

Gayle is survived by his dog Brandy, who we are told is staying cared for by neighbors.