In October 1970, an unidentified man’s body was found near the railroad tracks just outside of Page, ND.
For 55 years, the man rested in Page Cemetery with a simple stone marker as “Unknown Male.” Thanks to the efforts of a group from Southeast Missouri State University, the body was exhumed and identified as William Howard Tate, born June 1, 1914. William Tate was a WWII veteran, a Silver Star recipient, and honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Though his family was located, all his children had passed away, and no living relatives responded to outreach. William Tate’s body was returned to Page Cemetery and reburied. Cass County Veterans Service has ordered a Bronze Veteran marker, but I believe William Tate deserves more—a proper headstone to honor his service and memory.
In one of the pictures attached shows the local Pastor, George Gutzman, and Cass County Deputy Oscar England—both Korean War veterans—photographed by Funeral Director Mark Lindsey as they paid their respects to the Unknown Male. Oscar was a Silver Star recipient, and George was featured in a famous photo cradling a dying soldier. Oscar England and Mark Lindsey helped recover the body and ensured he was cared for with dignity. The Lindsey Funeral Home covered Sgt. Tate’s funeral expenses above the allotted welfare burial benefits of that time. When I asked Mark Lindsey why they did that, his reply was simple and powerful: “That’s who we were back then.”
I am from Page, ND, and though I no longer live there, my roots run deep. My wife and I grew up together in Page, our grandparents lived across the street from each other, and relatives—many being veterans—are buried in the same cemetery. My father, brothers, and uncles all served, and I spent 30 years in law enforcement. Memorial Day services in Page taught me to value those who served, especially those whose stories have been forgotten or untold. I have learned the importance of honor and respect from my family and community. Sgt. Tate’s mystery has been partially solved, but his recognition is not yet complete.
The photos included here help tell this story: one from 1970 shows the moment Pastor Gutzman and Deputy England paid their respects to the Unknown Male, and others show the devastating storm damage from July 2025, which destroyed nearly all the cemetery’s mature trees and damaged many headstones. Tree removal and new plantings are needed to restore the grounds.
I am seeking funds to provide a respectful headstone for Sgt. Tate. Any extra funds will go to the Page Cemetery and/or City to help recover from the storm. Your support will help honor Sgt. Tate and support the cemetery that has cared for so many over the years. Please join me in giving Sgt. Tate the recognition he deserves and in supporting our community’s history.
For 55 years, the man rested in Page Cemetery with a simple stone marker as “Unknown Male.” Thanks to the efforts of a group from Southeast Missouri State University, the body was exhumed and identified as William Howard Tate, born June 1, 1914. William Tate was a WWII veteran, a Silver Star recipient, and honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Though his family was located, all his children had passed away, and no living relatives responded to outreach. William Tate’s body was returned to Page Cemetery and reburied. Cass County Veterans Service has ordered a Bronze Veteran marker, but I believe William Tate deserves more—a proper headstone to honor his service and memory.
In one of the pictures attached shows the local Pastor, George Gutzman, and Cass County Deputy Oscar England—both Korean War veterans—photographed by Funeral Director Mark Lindsey as they paid their respects to the Unknown Male. Oscar was a Silver Star recipient, and George was featured in a famous photo cradling a dying soldier. Oscar England and Mark Lindsey helped recover the body and ensured he was cared for with dignity. The Lindsey Funeral Home covered Sgt. Tate’s funeral expenses above the allotted welfare burial benefits of that time. When I asked Mark Lindsey why they did that, his reply was simple and powerful: “That’s who we were back then.”
I am from Page, ND, and though I no longer live there, my roots run deep. My wife and I grew up together in Page, our grandparents lived across the street from each other, and relatives—many being veterans—are buried in the same cemetery. My father, brothers, and uncles all served, and I spent 30 years in law enforcement. Memorial Day services in Page taught me to value those who served, especially those whose stories have been forgotten or untold. I have learned the importance of honor and respect from my family and community. Sgt. Tate’s mystery has been partially solved, but his recognition is not yet complete.
The photos included here help tell this story: one from 1970 shows the moment Pastor Gutzman and Deputy England paid their respects to the Unknown Male, and others show the devastating storm damage from July 2025, which destroyed nearly all the cemetery’s mature trees and damaged many headstones. Tree removal and new plantings are needed to restore the grounds.
I am seeking funds to provide a respectful headstone for Sgt. Tate. Any extra funds will go to the Page Cemetery and/or City to help recover from the storm. Your support will help honor Sgt. Tate and support the cemetery that has cared for so many over the years. Please join me in giving Sgt. Tate the recognition he deserves and in supporting our community’s history.