Hello,
The Tampico Area Historical Society is compiling information from descendants of soldiers and/or possible survivors of the SS Leopoldville Troop ship that was sunk by a German U 486 on December 24, 1944. We are interested in communicating with anyone that meets that criteria, but have a special interest in the Dronenberg family. T/Sgt. Donald P Dronenberg, son of Ralph & Nellie [nee: Brady), was one of the servicemen lost at sea. He was a ‘local boy’ from the Tampico, IL area.
I am contacting anyone with the surname of Dronenberg (mostly in Princeton or Peoria, IL area) in the hopes that they may connect to this family. If so, I’m hoping they have family stories or photos that could give us some insight into Donald’s short life, or perhaps share what their personal family history may reveal about that historic day. Donald was the only son of Ralph & Nellie (nee: Brady), however Ralph (1888-1976) had a brother, George (1881-?) and an adopted sister, Carrie.
If you think you may link to this family, have information on someone who does, or can offer any account of the SS Leopoldville on that tragic day, please contact me at your earliest convenience. My email is tampicohistoricalsociety@gmail.com (subject line should read: Dronenberg or Leopoldville), and my cell# is 815-590-2143. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.
Respectfully,
Denise Wranik McLoughlin
Family History Coordinator
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com