Utesch, Charles A 1903-1930

UTESCH, JANS, HALWEG

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/13/2010 at 14:17:38

LE MARS WEEKLY SENTINEL, LE MARS, PLYMOUTH, IOWA, USA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2,1930

FATALLY HURT IN COLLISION
Charles Utesch, Well Known Farmer, Meets Death At Railroad Crossing

WAS RETURNING HOME
Leaves a Young Wife and Three Little Children

Charles Utesch, aged 27, well known and popular young farmer of Washington township, was fatally injured Wednesday afternoon when the automobile he was driving was struck by a Chicago and Northwestern passenger train at the crossing two miles south of Brunsville.

The accident occurred between four and five o'clock as Mr. Utesch was returning from a shopping trip to Brunsville to his home.

Utesch's car was struck broadside by the train and was dragged the length of seven or eight cars before the the train was stopped.

The car was demolished. The victim whose body was mangled,was extricated from the wreckage and
taken to Merrill by the crew of the train. A physician at Merrill ordered that Utesch be taken to a hospital in Le Mars. He died after his arrival at the hospital there.

Injuries suffered by Utesch were numerous. The causes of death were a fractured skull and internal injuries.

The crew of the train consisted of W. Flowers, of Huron, S. D., engineer; W. P. Keairns, of Sioux City, fireman, and O. M. Pangborn, of Sioux City, conductor.

Relatives said Mr. Utesch had gone to Brunsvllle to do some shopping for Thanksgiving and was hurrying to meet his little boys at the. School house and take them home.

Lived Here All His Life

Charles Utesch had lived here all life being born and reared in this vicinity. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Utesch, of Washington township and was born November 16, 1903. He was united in marriage with Viola Utesch December 31, 1922. With his wife he leaves tow boys aged seven and five and a baby girl ten days old to mourn his death. He also leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Utesch, three sisters and two brothers who are Mrs. Mamie Jans, Mrs. Leo Halweg, Mrs. George Halweg, Theodore and Ed Utesch.

Many at funeral.

The funeral was held at St. Paul's Lutheran church in Johnson township Sunday afternoon, Rev. Theodore Meyer officiating and was one of the most largely attended funerals ever held in the township. It is estimated a thousand people were present.

At the service Rev. Meyer preached an impressive sermon. Miss Meyer sang two beautiful solos, "Pace to Face" and "There is No Night