It took 80 years, but a Cole County World War II hero has found his final resting place.
The Jefferson City area family of United States Army Private First Class Wilbert Linsenbardt, who was missing in the jungles of New Guinea for more than 80 years, welcomed him home to his final resting place at a cemetery in Lohman on Friday.
He was killed during World War II fighting the Japanese army. His remains were identified through dna about two years ago. After going through all the red tape between the countries, his remains were returned to mid-Missouri last week.
Family members reportedly said Linsenbardt’s funeral at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was full of emotion. The war hero received full military honors including a helicopter flyover from Whiteman Air Force Base.
United States Army Private First Class Wilbert Linsenbardt, buried next to his parents, home at last.