Ritchie, Dale L. 1929-1946

RITCHIE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/23/2011 at 20:44:33

From: Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, September 17, 1946

Despondent Youth Takes Own Life On Father's Farm

Dale L. Ritchie Died Friday In Union Township

Dale Laverne Ritchie, 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer M. Ritchie of Union township, committed suicide Friday afternoon in a barn on his parents farm. Afflicted with an incurable disease the youth hung himself and left a note addressed to his parents giving as reason for his act his poor health.

The note, found pinned to his clothing, was addressed to his parents and said that he had caused enough trouble. He further wrote to tell "Bobby," his best friend, that he was dead. Deputy Sheriff Leo Hentges stated that "Bobby" was his dog. The boy ended the note with the words that this was done Friday 13, 1946, at 2:30 p. m.

His mother found his body hanging from a hay track in the barn. Officials stated that the boy had evidently crawled hand over hand out onto the track.

Dale had been graduated from the Union township high school with high honors. In recent weeks he had been despondent, relatives reported to Sheriff Frank Scholer, and had threatened to take his own life. His parents watched him carefully, officials stated, and his body was found only a few minutes after he took his life.

He is survived by a brother, Joseph, and a sister, Eunice Zeigler. He was born in Union township January 27, 1929, and had lived since then on a farm in that community. Services were held at Mauer's Funeral Home Sunday afternoon with Rev. Jacob Heemstra of Orange City officiating. Burial was in Le Mars City cemetery.