DeRoon, Peter 1908-1948

DEROON, DEKAM

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/26/2012 at 19:09:45

Feb 26,1948 Sioux Center News
Struck by Fast Freight Tuesday At Depot Crossing Wreckage and Body Carried Down the Track Quarter Mile
Peter De Roon, 40, a farm operator, was killed here Tuesday afternoon, when the westbound 'hot shot" fast freight train struck a loaded cattle truck which he was driving, at the Main street crossing.

The impact was such that the victim's body, wreckage and dead cattle were strewn along the right-of-way for almost a quarter of a mile, before the diesel-engine, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific freight was brought to a stop.

Came From South
Mr. De Roon was entering Rock Valley from the south with a load of cattle and a survey of the wreckage indicates that the truck was struck almost in the center. Three Of: the five cattle were evidently killed immediately, their carcasses landing almost directly in front of the depot. The remaining cattle were thrown clear and ran into a nearby lot.

Father of four children, Mrs. De Roon operated a farm five and a half. miles west and one mile south of Rock Valley. He was reported to be trucking his own stock into town, when the fatal accident occurred. Mrs. De Roon had preceded her husband in town in the family car
No Inquest
Just prior to the-crash a local eastbound freight on the south track was reported to have split, presumably to allow traffic to cross the tracks Coroner Charles Vander Ploeg stated Tuesday that no inquest would be held. Although there appears to be no admitted eyewitness to the tragedy, businessmen located near the depot said that they heard a sharp crack and a few minutes later heard-of the collision.
Survivors include the widow, Lena (DeKam) and the four children, Jennie, Nellie, Clarence and John. All are under 15 years of age. The body was taken to the Vander Ploeg funeral home in Sheldon and immediate members of the De Roon family said Wednesday that the funeral, services would probably be held at the Lebanon church, either today or Friday