Dad’s Friends – O'Donnell Family Archive

Dad’s closest friend, Jim O’Herrin (1918-1936), died young, when Dad was a high school senior.

“James O’Herrin, 17 Yrs, 7 Mo., Jan, 1936, Died Dec. 23, 1936” (1918-1936) Dad’s Childhood Best Friend

Afterward, he remained close to Jim’s younger brother, Bill (1920-2009), and the O’Herrin family. After Dad’s mother died in 1944, Mrs. O’Herrin wrote an affectionate letter to Dad as “Son,” signing it, “‘Mom’ O’Herrin” (below). Dad was best man at Bill O’Herrin’s wedding in 1948. His obituary is below.

Letter to Dad From Mrs. O’Herrin (July 6, 1944). Envelope, Front

Letter to Dad From Mrs. O’Herrin (July 6, 1944). Envelope, Rear

Letter to Dad From Mrs. O’Herrin (July 6, 1944), 1/3

Letter to Dad From Mrs. O’Herrin (July 6, 1944), 2/3

Letter to Dad From Mrs. O’Herrin (July 6, 1944), 3/3

Wedding Invitation, Bill O’Herrin, June 12, 1948

“Fall of ’44 Grandma O’H? Jim K. Phillip K. Eliz’s Front Yard” Probably Grandmother of Dad’s Friends, James and Bill O’Herrin

Dad’s other close friend was Roman J. Renk (1918-1983), his companion on his 1940 canoe trip. See the autograph version of his “Diary of a Mississippi River Canoe Trip, 1940.” The easier-to-read typeset version is here.

“Roman Renk 17 Yrs Aloysi[o]us Renk [“20 Yrs” crossed out] August 25–1935″

News Clip About Roman and Aloysious Renk

Mention of Wilbur Renk. Relative of Roman Renk? Milwaukee Journal, September 1, 1964

Dad acted as best man at the wedding of his friend Roman Renk and Arliene Noll, 1944 or 1945. The canoe pictures show Dad with fellow voyageur, Roman Renk.