Holthusen, Alan A. 1956-1973

HOLTHUSEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2017 at 22:55:34

Source: Sioux County Index (11-15-1973)

Born: May 29, 1956
Died: November 13, 1973

Alan Arnold Holthusen, 17, of Rock Rapids, and his passenger, Douglas Vander Ploeg, 17, of Rt 2, Doon, were killed and Jerry Brink, 24, of Rt. 1, Hospers was seriously injured Tuesday morning about 8 A.M. in a two-car head-on collision 4 miles west of Sheldon on Highway 18.

Holthusen, driving a “65 Ford, with his passenger, Vander Ploeg, was traveling east, enroute to classes at Northwest Iowa Vocational School at Sheldon. He pulled out to pass a third vehicle when he saw Jerry Brink, driving a “73 Oldsmobile, in the oncoming lane. Apparently, both drivers saw what was about to happen and turned toward the north ditch, meeting on the shoulder.

Vander Ploeg was dead at the scene and Holthusen was dead on arrival at the Sheldon Hospital. Jerry Brink suffered rib fractures, lacerations and internal injuries. Brink is reported in “satisfactory” condition at the Sheldon Hospital.

State troopers Bill Miller and Maynard Schutt of the Iowa Highway Patrol and Larry Hoekstra of the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident. Both vehicles were totaled.