GROESBECK, Linda (1950-1969)

GROESBECK, PRINGNITZ, DOLAN

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 8/21/2013 at 13:46:55

Linda Groesbeck killed Friday in auto crash; 1 other; 2 hurt

Linda Groesbeck, her sister, Berdean, and the latter's fiance, Ronald Dolan, were on the way home for the weekend from Des Moines -- and, were just about to come out of the long curve south of the railroad trestle (south of Belmond on highway 69), when a car traveling south on 69 crashed almost head-on into their vehicle. Linda was driving Mr. Dolan's automobile, a 1967 Pontiac, and the other car was driven by Laverne Voight, 48, (a 1966 Ford) of Belmond, formerly of Eagle Grove. The terrible accident happened about 10:55 p.m. Friday night, May 2 -- which took the lives of Linda Groesbeck, age 18, and of Mr. Voight. Berdean Groesbeck was seriously injured with compound fractures of leg, pelvis bone, and other bones of the hip area; face cuts and bruises, chest injuries and possible internal injuries, rib fractures, and undetermined back injuries. Mr. Dolan, 19, Des Moines, had multiple bruises and face injuries, and possible serious internal injuries. Berdean and Mr. Dolan were taken to the Clarion hospital, but on Saturday, Berdean was taken to the hospital at Rochester, Minn., for prompt surgery, and Mr. Dolan was taken to a hospital in Des Moines. Berdean and Mr. Dolan were engaged just a day or so before the accident.

According to the Sheriff's office of Wright county, who investigated the accident, Linda Groesbeck and Mr. Voight were killed instantly. Linda was pinned in the wreckage behind the steering post, door, and the seat. Mr. Voight was also pinned in his auto. Both cars were totally demolished. (It is reported that the motors of both vehicles were driven back as far as the windshields. The sheriff's office commented that it was one of the worst crashes he had ever seen. They were assisted in the investigation by Highway Patrolman, Ben Urban, of Clarion.

It shows at the accident scene the brakes of the Voight car were applied for a short distance and the skid marks indicate that he was across the center line marker -- it is estimated that both automobiles were traveling at 55 to 60 miles an hour. Berdean Groesbeck was not conscious at the accident scene, however, Mr. Dolan was still conscious when the investigating officers arrived. Investigation of the accident is still continuing (Mr. Voight was recently divorced from his wife, and apparently was on his way to Eagle Grove.) He was just ready to go into the long curve on highway 69, headed southward, but apparently did not take note of the "Curve" sign.

Funeral services were held for Linda Groesbeck, age 18, from the United Methodist Church, Klemme, on Tuesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. George Brighton officiating. the vocalist was Bill Renner, and the organist, Mrs. Muriel Schulz. The hymns used were "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and, "How Great Thou Art." The pallbearers were; Dale Skoda, David Lange, Steve Groesbeck, Randy Mau, Roger Millin, Ricky Ott, and Doyce Pringnitz. Interment was made in the KIemme cemetery.

Miss Groesbeck was born at Mason City on July 1, 1950, the daughter of Mervin and Doris Pringnitz Groesbeck. She had lived her life In the Klemme community, except for recently, she has been in Des Moines. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, of Klemme. She attended the Klemme Community Schools and was graduated from high school in the spring of 1968. In Des Moines, she was employed by the Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Iowa.

Surviving are her parents, two sisters, Berdean and Myrna, and one brother, Bradley; as well as grandparents; Mrs. Emil Pringnitz, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Groesbeck, and Mrs. Sadie Groesbeck.

source: Garner Leader 8 May 1969

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Linda Groesbeck

KLEMME - Funeral services for Linda Groesbeck, 18, will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church of Klemme. The Rev. George Brighton will officiate. Burial will be in Klemme Cemetery with Johnston Funeral Home of Klemme in charge.

Miss Groesbeck was killed in an auto accident Friday night south of Belmond.

Born in Mason City July 1, 1950, she was the daughter of Mervin and Doris Groesbeck of rural Klemme. She was graduated from Klemme High School in 1968 and for the last year had been employed at Farm Bureau Insurance Company in Des Moines.

Surviving are her parents, two sisters, Berdean and Myrna; a brother, Bradley; grandparents, Mrs. Emil Pringnitz, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Groesbeck, all of the Klemme area and Mrs. Sadie Groesbeck, Colorado.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette