SHUPE, Gene W. (1918-1944)

SHUPE, TRASTER, MEEDLES, NEEDLES, WHITMORE, LASSAHN

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 12/30/2013 at 15:43:58

Body Of Local Man Is Found Beside Tracks

Shupe, 25, Believed to Have Been Struck by Northbound Train

The body of Gene Wade Shupe, 25, was found along the Rock Island - Great Western railroad tracks early Sunday morning and it was believed that he had been struck by a train near the crossing at 9th street northwest.

Police received the first report of the tragedy at 6 a.m. from V. Ciavareilt, Great Western towerman, who was told by a man going fishing that a body was lying near the tracks. After investigation, identity of the victim was established.

Investigation along the track indicated that Shupe had been struck about 30 feet from where the body was found and that the train which hit him was northbound. Coroner R. E. Smiley was notified and took part in the investigation, as well as A. H. McCreery and William Peterson, agents from the Rock Island and Great Western.

It was assumed that Shupe was struck early Sunday, when 2 northbound trains went over the tracks, the Rock Island at 3:55 a.m. and the Great Western at 4:51 a.m. The left leg of the victim was severed, the right hand mangled and the body bruised.

Mr. Shupe, who was employed by the Farm Service company, had lived in Mason City for about 13 months. His home was at 714 Tyler avenue northwest.

Born Dec. 5, 1918, at Woodburn, Mr. Shupe was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Shupe, who reside at McIntire.

Surviving, besides his parents, are his wife, Elsie, 2 children, Wanda, 3, and Ronald, 9 months; 3 brothers, Allen of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Kenneth of California, Leslie of McIntire, and 4 sisters, Mrs. C. D. Needles of Loveland, Cal., Mrs. Merrell Traster of Hopkins, Mo., Mrs. Harold Whitmore of McIntire, and Mrs. Altha Lassahn of McIntire. A daughter, Joan, preceded him in death Jan. 10, 1940.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:30 at the Meyer funeral home. The Rev. Alvin N. Rogness, pastor of Trinty Lutheran church, will officiate, and burial will be at Britt. The Meyer funeral home in charge.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette 15 May 1944, page 1

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Gene Wade Shupe, 25, Funeral Service Held Tuesday Afternoon

Funeral services for Gene Wade Shupe, 25, who was killed accidentally when struck be a train early Suday morning, were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.at the Meyer funeral home. The Rev. A. N. Rogness of Trinty Lutheran church officiated and burial was at Britt.

Pall bearers were Henry Dietz, Alfred Isaacson, Steve Kiroff, George Hostetler, Henry Groh and Lionel Scherf. Mrs. Harold Wolf sang, accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Carl Carlson.

Out of town attendants at the service included a sister, Mrs. Merrill Traster of Hopkins, Mo.; 3 uncles, Kenneth, Ray and Clyde Shupe of Liberty Center, and a niece, Mona Meedles of Chariton.

The Meyer funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette 18 May 1944, page 4