Michael Wolken (1960)

WOLKEN, BUSH, WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 4/17/2007 at 08:44:43

Winterset Madisonian – February 24, 1960
Winterset, Iowa

RITES HERE FOR VICTIMS OF FIRE

Wolken Children Died Friday Night As Flames Swept Their Home

Funeral services were held Sunday from the Richards Funeral home here for Ricky Lee, aged 17 months, and Michael, aged 2 years, 6 months, the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Wolken, recently of Winterset. The Rev. Robert Lane of Waukee presided at the services. Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.

The two little boys died last Friday night when flames burned out their home in Shuler Camp, three miles northeast of Waukee. The family had moved to Shuler Camp from Winterset last October.

Cause of the tragic fire was not determined definitely, although there was an oil heater just outside the boys’ room. Wolken said he was awakened by smoke about 1:30 a.m. and found the boys’ bedroom in flames. He was unable to get to them, although he received burns on his hands and face in attempting to rescue them. Mrs. Wolken was not injured.

The family had moved to Shuler Camp from Winterset last October. Both boys were born at Winterset. Their mother was the former Irene Bush of this community.

The children are survived by their parents; and their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wray Bush of Winterset, Harvey Wolken and Laura Wilson of Marshalltown.