John T. Beranek

BERANEK, BERINGER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/23/2019 at 07:31:58

9 January 1958 - The Tipton Conservative

John T. (Tommy) Beranek, 26, Oxford Junction, died early Jan. 1 as the result of injuries received in a car-truck crash about two miles east of Clarence on highway 30.

Beranek was alone in his car when it was hit in the rear by an empty auto transport driven by Frank C. Edison, 26, Manitou Beach, Mich. The accident occurred about 5:30 a.m.

The rear of the Beranek car was demolished and the young Oxford Junction farmer was trapped in the front seat of the vehicle. Beranek died about a half hour after the crash. Death was due to a crushed chest and head injuries.

Edison, who was unhurt, said that he did not see any lights on the Beranek car and was not able to stop his truck in time to avoid the crash. Skid marks showed that Edison had applied his breaks 72 feet from the point of impact. Edison was on his way back to Michigan after delivering cars to Sioux City.

Beranek had attended the dance at Stanwood earlier and was believed on his way home at the time of the accident. Investigating officers surmised that the Beranek car had stalled on the highway or was traveling at a slow rate of speed when the crash occurred.

The crash took place on a straight stretch of highway before daylight. The temperature at the scene of the accident was five below zero at 6 a.m.

Beranek is survived by his father, Anton, who farms east of Oxford Junction; two brothers, Pvt. Robert Beranek, stationed in Oklahoma and Richard, at home and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Beringer of Canton.

His mother and a younger brother, Roger, preceded him in death. Roger was drowned in a Jones county gravel pit about two years ago.

Beranek was born in Clinton county and lived most of his life near Oxford Junction where he graduated from high school. He served in Korea and received three bronze campaign stars.