Ottumwan Drowns In Cedar River: 1957

KUNZMAN, FIALA

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/23/2014 at 13:10:46

**Handwritten: 57

Ottumwan Drowns In Cedar River

The body of 24-year-old Russell Kunzman of Ottumwa was recovered today from the Cedar river at Cedar Rapids.

Kunzman disappeared last night while swimming in the stream, and Cedar Rapids police dragged the river for about 10 hours before finding his body.

The drowned man, authorities said, has a brother, John L. Kunzman, living at 101 South Lillian street in Ottumwa.

Joe Fiala, Cedar Rapids, reported that he and Kunzman were in a boat and the Kunzman disappeared after diving into about 20 feet of swift water about 10:25 last night. At the tiem they were a mile south of Brad's beach in Ellis park.

Fiala said he took the boat to shore to seek help when he was unable to locate Kunzman. An official search began about midnight. Fiala said he only knew Kunzman slightly.

Kunzman's home was reported in Ottumwa, but he had been living in Cedar Rapids recently.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 173, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA