Dubois County Veterans Council to host annual Memorial Day Observance

Navy veteran David Stockberger to lead ceremony honoring fallen service members, with special tribute to MSgt Dennis Englert

The Dubois County Veterans Council plans to host its Annual Memorial Day Observance at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, on the Courthouse Square in Jasper, Indiana. The ceremony brings together all veterans organizations throughout Dubois County to honor fallen service members.

David Stockberger, a U.S. Navy veteran and member of American Legion Post 147, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Stockberger is also affiliated with the Legion Riders, 40/8, and Navy Club Ship #90 in Jasper, and currently serves as President of the Dubois County Veterans Council.

Father Luke Hassler, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Ireland, Indiana, will provide both the opening blessing and the benediction for the ceremony.

This year’s guest speaker is newly elected State Senator Daryl Schmitt from Ireland, Indiana.

The observance will feature a special tribute to MSgt Dennis L. Englert, United States Marine Corps (Retired), who is this year’s honored local deceased veteran. Englert, born in Huntingburg, Indiana, on March 24, 1951, passed away on February 27, 2024.

A 1969 graduate of Jasper High School, Englert earned an Associate Degree from Vincennes University before embarking on a distinguished 22-year career in the Marine Corps, where he reached the rank of Master Sergeant.

Englert’s military service in logistics and supply operations took him around the globe, including postings at Parris Island, South Carolina; Camp LeJeune, North Carolina; Naval Station in Memphis, Tennessee; Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona; Iwakuni, Japan; Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California; San Diego and Anaheim, California; Okinawa, Japan; Naval Station Glenview, Illinois; Camp Pendleton, California; and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, from where he retired.

During his service, Englert participated in combat operations in the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm aboard the U.S.S. Nassau, an amphibious ship that struck a sea mine while carrying embarked Marines.

Englert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Frances (Mendivil) Englert, two daughters, five grandchildren, two sisters, and two brothers, many of whom plan to attend the memorial service.

Throughout his life, Englert maintained active involvement in numerous local organizations. He served as a long-time Adjutant and Plank Holder with the Marine Corps League, Southern Indiana Leatherneck Detachment 931, VFW Post 673 in Jasper, and American Legion Post 147. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, Jasper Outdoor Recreation, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

The Memorial Day Observance will include a Bell Ceremony and Reading of the Names to remember all veterans who have passed away since last year’s observance. The ceremony will honor all deceased veterans with a 21-Gun Salute, the National Anthem, and “Taps.”

Newly elected Congressman and Jasper native Mark Messmer will play both the National Anthem and “Taps” during the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, American Legion Post 147 in Jasper will host a reception for family and friends of MSgt Dennis Englert, as well as all participants and guests of the ceremony.

Organizers encourage all citizens throughout the county to attend the ceremony. Attendees are advised to bring a chair or use the bleachers that will be set up for the event.

The Dubois County Veterans Council consists of all veterans organizations throughout Dubois County, working together to honor those who have served.

The annual observance serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and provides an opportunity for the community to gather in remembrance and gratitude.

This year’s ceremony continues the tradition of honoring both local veterans who have recently passed away and all fallen service members who have given their lives for their country.

The event is open to the public, and all are invited to attend this moving tribute to America’s fallen heroes.