NYSWONGER, Duane (1907-1946)

NYSWONGER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/23/2020 at 20:12:26

Duane Alfred Nyswonger
(August 21, 1907 – April 26, 1946)

Tragic Accident Fatal To Father, Son at Redfield
Two bodies, a father and his little son, were lowered into the family lot in the Indianola Cemetery, following a double funeral service at the Orr Funeral Home Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Services were conducted by the Rev. Bernard E. Mott, pastor of the Indianola Friends Church. The father, Duane Nyswonger, 38, and his son, Stanley, 5, were probably instantly killed at Redfield last Friday, when a tractor, pulling a harrow, tipped back over them while it was being propelled up a steep incline.
Bodies Found By Son
The exact time of the tragic accident is not known but it was some time in the afternoon. To add to the shock of the tragedy, the bodies were found by another son, Claire, 11, who saw the over-turned tractor in the field as he was returning home in a bus from school about 3 o’clock. He rushed to the house and inquired of his mother whether, “daddy had been hurt.” The information led to a search and the bodies were found a short time later. The Nyswongers moved to Redfield March 1 from a farm owned by John VanClark, southwest of Indianola adjoining the Harry L. Browne place. Mr. Nyswonger had been VanClark’s tenant. Duane is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Nyswonger who live just south of Indianola below the Brown turkey farm. Mr. Nyswonger was born in Lucas County in 1907. He moved to Lacona with his parents at the age of 2 years. He is a graduate of the Indianola high school.
Surviving Relatives
Surviving are his wife; son Clair; his parents; three sisters, Mrs. Marie Ruble, Indianola, Mrs. Audrey Meeks, Des Moines, and Mrs. Lois Shipley, Prole; four brothers, Marvin, Merle and Billy, Indianola, and Olind, Des Moines.

Ora Franklin Freeborn
(August 23, 1921 – April 14, 1946)
Ora Franklin Freeborn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Freeborn, was born at New Virginia Aug. 23, 1921, and died at Des Moines, April 14, 1946, at the age of 24 years, 7 months, and 21 days. Ora was a veteran of World War II, with three years of service to his credit. He entered the armed forces Oct. 21, 1942. He served his country honorably in the United States, Australia, New Guinea, the Netherlands, Indies and the Philippines. He had three major battle stars to his credit and was awarded the bronze star medal for heroic meritorious achievement overseas, and the good conduct medal for services in this country. Ora was wounded once. He suffered five attacks of malaria while in the service. He had been in poor health the past four months since his discharge from service. Before entering the service, he was employed for three years in the sand prairie territory, north of Carlisle, where he made many friends. His father preceded him in death four and one-half years ago. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Frances Freeborn of Des Moines; four brothers, Albert and George, Des Moines, Walter, Carlisle, and Johnny in the armed forces; two sisters, Mrs. Travis Deaton and Mrs. Lyle Kennedy, Des Moines; 10 nieces and nephews. Ora was a devoted son, a loving brother and a friend to all. Funeral services were held Thursday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the Methodist church in Carlisle, with the Rev. E. E. Josten in charge. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Thomas had charge of the music. Burial was in the Carlisle Cemetery.
[Copied from a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, Iowa]