Michael C. Kelter (1896-1944)

KELTER

Posted By: John Davis (email)
Date: 2/4/2020 at 21:31:04

M.C. Kelter Dies; Seek Car Driver
Michael C. Kelter, 47, Veteran of World war I and an employee of the Lowenberg, bakery, died at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the St. Joseph, hospital of injuries sustained earlier in the day when struck by the hit and run car. Police and sheriff’s officers said today they have been able to uncover little, if any information relative to the driver of the death machine. An attempt is being made to contact all persons who might have any knowledge or the mishap which occurred about 12:15 a.m. in the 800 block of East Main street. An employee of a service station about half block west of the scene of the accident reported seeing a gray car traveling east at a high rate of speed about the time Kelter was hit.
Waiting For Bus.
The victim was conscious after arriving at the hospital in an ambulance and was quoted as saying he could remember waiting for a bus when a car hit him. The impact, authorities said threw him a considerable distance, crushing his chest, both legs and his skull. Police said they have interviewed a man who saw Kelter sitting on the railing if front of Mick’s café, 812 East Main street about midnight. It is assumed the victim had walked across the street, intending to catch a us to his home, 510 Ellis avenue.
At Bakery 25 Years
Kelter was born January 10, 1896, at Shenandoah, the son of Samuel and Catherine Kelter. He served with the 11th ordnance guard company in the last war, was a member of General Shields council, Knights of Columbus of the local Bakers union, No. 412 A.F.L. and O.B. Nelson post, American Legion. He had worked at the bakery approximately 25 years. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Catherine Kelter; two brothers, John E. and Dennis F. Kelter, both of Ottumwa, and two sisters, Margaret M. and Ellen Kelter, both of Ottumwa. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers. Funeral services will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Kelter home, 510 Ellis avenue, and at 9 o’clock at St. Patrick’s church where the Rev. T.C. Donohoe will celebrate a requiem high mass. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery and a military service will be held at the grave. Member of the Knights of Columbus will beet at their home on West Third street at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and go to the Kelter residence to recite the rosary.