Alphonse Antonius Mauser was born on February 19, 1919 to Martin Mauser and Josephine Mervar in Indianapolis. He was baptized on March 16, 1919 at Holy Trinity Church by Rev. Fr. Cyrillus. His godparents were Joseph and Mary Mervar.

Alphonse’s first communion was in May of 1927. He was confirmed at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, October 28, 1928. His sponsor was Albert Mervar.

As a young man Fonzy competed for the Holy Trinity football team.

Alphonse had two frequently used nicknames, Al and Fonzy. The guys he worked with called him Al. People from Haughville, including his wife, Mary, preferred calling him Fonzy.

Pascalina Louise (Mary) Codarmaz was born on April 20, 1919 to Angelo Codromaz and Regina Durjavič one day before Easter (Latin: Pascha, Italian: Pasqua), which was celebrated on April 19 in 1919 – thus the name – Pascalina. She was baptized on May 18, 1919 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Indianapolis. At the time of her birth the family lived at 965 W. Pearl Street, Indianapolis. God parents: her aunt Luigia Codromaz (married Eugenio Velliscig) and Frank Bledič (Italian: Bledig).

Mary met Fonzy at school – Holy Trinity Grade School. Whenever there was a Church activity they saw each other. Parents met Fonzy as he came to the house a lot, and they liked him. Fonzy went to Mary’s dad to ask for her hand. Fonzy was very nervous, but dad made it easy for him and was agreeable. The wedding took place a couple of years later after Fonzy asked her dad for her hand in marriage.

On May 29, 1941 Mary Codarmaz married Alfons Mauser of 960 N. Haugh Street, Indianapolis. At the time of her wedding Mary resided with her family at 1140 N. Haugh Street, Indianapolis. Witnesses: Carl Mauser (Alfons’s older brother) and Helen Codarmaz – Mary’s younger sister. The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church. Fr. Edw. Bockhold officiated. Mary had six bridesmaids – it was a nice wedding.

Alphonse and Mary have six children:

1. Claudia Marie Mauser (February 22, 1942)
2. Kathleen Ann Mauser (February 2, 1944)
3. Joseph Louis Mauser (February 28, 1948)
4. John Martin Mauser (February 28, 1948)
5. Louis Christopher Mauser (July 15, 1952)
6. Thomas Anthony Mauser (April 11, 1956)

Alphonse served in WWII for two years. He fought in the Po Valley, Italy, in the front lines, in the fox holes. He did not like to talk about it. The second year in Europe he guarded German prisoners of war. He became friendly with some of the prisoners - young men, who did not want to be in the war in the first place. One of the POWs was an artist and he sketched a picture of Alphonse. It is a family treasure.

Fonzy, a decorated war veteran, served in the 34th Infantry "Red Bull" Division. He picked up wounded on the front lines. The 34th Division boasts a proud heritage of more than 85 years of service to the Army and Nation. Perhaps the Division's most noteworthy historical achievement is its Army-record 517 days in combat during World War II as part of the North African and Italian campaigns.

The Division participated in six major Army campaigns in North Africa and Italy. The Division is credited with amassing 517 days of continuous front line combat, more than any other division in the European theater. Portions of the 34th Division are credited with over 600 days of front line combat. The Division suffered 21,362 casualties, of which 3,737 were killed. Members of the Division were awarded 11 Medals of Honor and 98 Distinguished Service Crosses.

Mary Codarmaz (Mauser) recalled in 2005. Around 1940 she and Fonzy moved in with Sophie and Rudy Bozic in a rented house on Ketcham Street. The house is still there in the 900 block close to 10th Street. Mary and Fonzy lived upstairs. Mary said Sophie and Rudy were very good to them. They were like brothers and sisters to each other. They used to go together to the dances at Holy Trinity gym and the Indiana Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. When Donnie Bozic was born, Sophie and Rudy and the baby moved in with Martin and Josephine Mauser. Fonzy and Mary moved in with Mr. and Mrs. Codarmaz - Mary’s parents.

Washie was a milkman. He used to stop at Fonzy and Mary’s house on his way home and bring extra milk for their children. Fonzy and Washie were very close friends.

Mary said that Holy Trinity Church was the main place for socializing for the Slovenian community. She remembers chicken dinners as a child. Also she remembers dressing in Slovenian attire and going to the 500 Race Track. They would sell raffle tickets at the track. Life revolved around the church. Families were conscious about their gardens, flowers and grass.

Alphonse A. Mauser died on November 9, 1994 at the age of 75. He was buried in Indianapolis at Calvary Cemetery, Section 20, Row 1, Lot 174.

Click here to see images of Alphonse Mauser and Mary Codarmaz.