Wichers, Richard (Child) 1958-1972

WICHERS, ROGHAIR

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Sioux County Capital (8-10-1972)

Born: July 9, 1958
Died: August 7, 1972

BOY ON BIKE KILLED

A 14 year old Alton boy, Richard Wichers, was killed instantly after he turned his bike into the path of a car driven by John Broek, 45, of Orange City in a tragic accident on Highway 10 about one mile east of Orange City Monday morning.

The Wichers boy was the son of Myron and Hermina Wichers of Alton. He would have entering the 8th grade this fall at Floyd Valley School. His death was the 8th traffic fatality in Sioux County this year compared with 12 for all of 1971.

Broek was headng east on the highway when the Wichers boy, who was riding his bike west made a left turn across the highway directly into the path of the Orange City man's car, Broek hit his brakes and a light pole.

Richard's body was found more than 100 feet from the point of impact and his bike was thrown all the way across the highway landing some 200 feet from the point where the accident occurred. Damage to the Broek car was estimated at $800.

Funeral services were held at the First Reformed Church in Alton at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 9 with the Reverend Clarence Greving officiating. Burial was at Nassau Township Cemetery at Alton.

He is survived by his parents; four sisters: Jane of Montana, LaVon, Cynthia, and Kathleen and grandparents: Mrs. Gerrit Wichers of Orange City and Mr. and Mrs. Nick Roghair