Westhoff, Dietrich Janssen 1881-1935

WESTHOFF, LUDWIGS, POPKEN, KRUSE

Posted By: Kathy Carlson (email)
Date: 11/30/2019 at 01:58:30

INSTANTLY KILLED WHEN STRUCK BY TOPPLING TREE

Dietrich Westhoff, Popular Grant Township Farmer, Victim Of Accident

Back of Head Crushed

Was Resident Of County All Of His Life

Dietrich J. Westhoff, 53, a life long resident of Grant township, was killed late Friday afternoon at his home when a tree fell on him.

Mr. Westhoff was engaged in chopping down a tree in the grove at his place. Working with him were his son, Dick, his nephews, George Westhoff and Harry Ludwigs, and his son-in-law, George Popken.

Final strokes of the ax by workers had severed the trunk of a large tree which was toppling and the workers rushed into clear at the same time shouting to Mr. Westhoff, who was some distance away. According to reports the trunk of the tree, which efforts of the workers were trying to direct in an easterly direction as it fell, swerved and fell over in a southwesterly direction. A limb struck Mr. Westhoff on the back of the head, splitting his skull and crushing him face first into the muddy ground. Coroner S. H. Luken was called out from Le Mars to investigate the accident.

The tragic death cast a gloom over the community where he had lived all his life.

Sorrow Follows Joy

The evening before his death the family celebrated the recent marriages of one of his daughters and of his only son. Another daughter was married a few weeks ago.

Mr. Westhoff was contemplating retiring from the farm this spring and was making arrangements to move to Le Mars to live and was making a deal to buy a residence, final details of which were to be settled Saturday, according to friends.

Life Long Resident

Dietrich J. Westhoff or "Dick" as he was almost universally called, lived here all his life. He was born May 6, 1881, and was married to Gratje Ludwigs in 1905. He is survived by his wife, his son, Dietrich J. Westhoff, two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Kruse and Mrs. Emma Popken, two brothers, John and Gerd Westhoff, and two sisters, Mrs. Carl Ahrendt and Mrs. Theodore Plueger, all residing in the vicinity.

Mr. Westhoff was a successful industrious farmer. He was known as a great worker. Of a jovial and pleasant disposition his friends were numbered by his acquanintances. He was a devoted husband and father and a helpful neighbor, who always looked on the sunny side of life.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at Christ Lutheran church in Grant township, Rev. F. Bunge officiating and interment made in the Grant township cemetery.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
February 12, 1935