Kenneth Otto Bilharz, son of Franz J. and Stella (Collier) Bilharz, was born March 28, 1920, on the home Bilharz farm, east of Orchard. He graduated from the Floyd high school in 1937, and prior to his induction into service, assisted his father in farming.

On July 23, 1943, he was married to Ruth Love, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Love, Osage. They lived on the Love farm until his entrance into service March 30, 1944. Just prior to his induction he became a member of the Osage Congregational Church.

His military training was at Camp Hood, Texas. A little over 5 months from his induction he left the states, in September, landing in Belgium. The following month, he was killed in Germany, on October 14, 1944.
Source of information: Mason City Globe Gazette, Monday, October 30, 1944