Wurster, Howard 1908-1956

WURSTER, BECK, RUFF, ENGEL, ALLISON

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 6/14/2007 at 17:33:26

HOWARD WURSTER DIES IN GUNSHOT WOUND MISHAP

Howard Wurster, 47-year-old farmer living two miles northwest of Maquoketa on the Caves State park road, was accidentally shot to death about noon Saturday in a mishap on his farm.

Dr. W. C. Zabloudil, Jackson county corner, ruled Wurster's death accidental. Wurster had been hunting earlier in the morning and when he failed to return to the house for the noon meal, Mrs. Wurster became concerned. She discovered her husband in a field a short distance south of the buildings.

Wurster's death was placed about 11:50 a.m. Sheriff Lorin C. Felderman reported it appeared Wurster, while walking along a fence stepped into a small snow-filled ditch and fell. The gun, a single barrel .12 guage shotgun, discharged, striking him in the back of the head.

Funeral services for the victim will be held this (Tuesday) afternoon at 1:30 o'clock in the Carson funeral home. The Rev. M. H. Nothdurft, pastor of the Maquoketa Methodist church, will officiate and internment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery.

He was born June 28, 1908, at Arlington, Ia., a son of the late John and Mrs. Elizabeth Beck Wurster. On Jan. 6, 1932, he was married in Maquoketa to Madge Ruff who survives.

In addition to his widow, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Wurster of Maquoketa; and two sisters, Mrs. Pearl Engel and Mrs. Alice Allison, both of Maquoketa.

DEATH DATE: Feb. 4, 1956
SOURCE: private collection of newspaper clippings