A Hero's Return Home, Francis Wiemerslage-- Part 5: Buried Next to His Mother Who Never Gave Up Hope

From there, a procession led by the Chicago, Elmwood Park and River Grove police departments was followed by the hearse containing Francis Wiemerslage's remains, with the Patriot Guard Riders and Rolling Thunder members following close behind on their flag-draped motorcycles.

During the 13-mile drive from Midway to the Elms Funeral Home in Elmwood Park, many cars pulled over and pedestrians stopped to stand and salute.

Once at the funeral home, Wiemerslage's casket was brought inside by members of the American Legion and Rolling Thunder.

Wiemerslage's niece Karen Hansen said thinking about the efforts of many that resulted in her uncle's returning home was overwhelming and wonderful and she hoped it would give hope to the thousands of families who haven't received closure about a missing loved one who served in World War II.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for October 23 at St. Crypian Church, then Wiemerslage will be buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in the same crypt as his brother's remains, and next to his mother Vivian, the woman who never gave up hope that her son somewhere survived.

Quite the Story.  --GreGen