Vincent L. Stoddart

Vincent L. Stoddart, 95, Jamestown, ND died Thursday, March 6, 2014 at his home, with his caregivers at his side.

Vincent was born October 5, 1918 in Lippert township, the son of Andrew T. and Elizabeth M. (Lippert) Stoddart. He was the eighth of eleven children, having four brothers and five sisters, and one baby unknown. He grew up on a farm south of Jamestown and attended Lippert schools. He farmed with his father and also with a neighbor, Barnie Houston. Vincent married Mary L. Perry on May 23, 1941.

Vincent entered the US Army on November 18, 1942 at Ft. Snelling, MN and was stationed in California and Texas. He attended 9 weeks of artillery training in Ft. Knox, KY before joining the 13th Armored Division, nicknamed the "Black Cats," serving under George S. Patton. He was deployed to France, Germany and Austria and was at Burgess Gardens, also known at "Hitler's Retreat." He served as a heavy machine gunmen and half track car commander. He was discharged on February 13, 1946 at Camp Grant, IL. Vincent was awarded the following medals for his service: one service stripe, one overseas service bar, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 bronze battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Vincent returned to Jamestown and began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad on April 1, 1946 and later for Burlington Northern , as a secretary stockman and later a call clerk. He retired in 1979 after 33 years with the railroad.

Vincent loved to hunt and fish, work in his garden and flowers and doing yard work. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and VFW Post 760, Dakota Anglers, and Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship clerks. He regularly called bingo and was a part-time caretaker of the VFW park.

Vincent is survived by two children, Judy (Roy) Seckerson and David Stoddart, both of Jamestown; four grandchildren, LeAnn (Tyler) Davies, Eric (Monica) Seckerson, Brandon (Cassandra) Stoddart and Michael (Tehia) Stoddart; four great-grandchildren with one more on the way; one brother-in-law, Richard (Terry) Perry, Great Falls, MT; one sister-in-law, Pauline Perry, Browns, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, of 72 years; parents; four brothers, five sisters and one unknown infant sibling.