Wacker, Donald 1917-1931
WACKER, KRIEG
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/11/2014 at 12:19:24
Elgin Echo, Thur., 18 June 1931.
The body of Donald Wacker, 16 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wacker, was taken from the Turkey River at Elkader shortly after 11 o'clock Sunday night, after it had been found with an improved dragline. Donald and two companions were swimming in the river near Lovers' Leap, about a quarter of a mile north of the Central States Power and Light Corporation dam. The Wacker boy apparently got into water beyond his depth and being an inexperienced swimmer he sank before his companions could come to his rescue. Efforts to locate the body were started at once by between 50 and 100 persons. The flood gates of the dam were opened to lower the water and guards set out to watch for his body. Shortly after 11 o'clock, after the improvised dragline had been made, the body of the boy was located about 150 feet from the spot where he drowned. He is survived by his parents, one sister and two brothers.
--- --- ---
Clayton County Register, Thur., 18 June 1931.
Donald Wacker, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wacker, was drowned near Lover's Leap here Sunday afternoon, June 14th, at about four o'clock, while swimming with two of his companions. His body was recovered shortly after eleven o'clock the same evening, about 150 feet below the spot where it passed from sight, after many friends had aided in the search.
Donald was born August 03, 1917, the second child of Frank and Anna (Krieg) Wacker, on the old Wacker farm near Mederville. When he was about three years of age the family moved to Elkader, where they lived in the Krieg house on the East Side. Six years ago the family moved to the farm a short distance east of Elkader, where Donald has lived with his parents, sister, brothers and grandmother.
He entered the Elkader public school in its first grade and last month successfully completed his freshman year in the high school, well prepared to continue next year as a sophomore. A year ago he was confirmed by his pastor, the Rev. C. H. Franke.
Donald was of a pleasing disposition; always cheerful and with a smile. He respected his elders and enjoyed his companionships. It was these traits which endeared him to his parents and his family, his teachers and his companions, and because of these the loss will be more keenly felt. His family have the deepest sympathy of the entire community in this sad accident.
Besides the father and mother, he is survived by one sister, Louise, three brothers, Jack, Joseph and Robert, two grandmothers and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held at the home yesterday afternoon at 1:30 and the Evangelical church at 2:00 o'clock, with interment in the cemetery at Mederville, the Rev. C. H. Franke officiating.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen