Lavern Robert Voigt (1922-1969)

HALVERSON, NOLTE, OFF, REIBER, THURMOND, VOIGT

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

The Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, May 08, 1969
Page 1, Columns 1 & 2

Lavern Voigt, Girl From Garner Killed In Crash

Lavern R. Voigt, 47, formerly of Eagle Grove, and a Garner girl, Linda Mae Groesbcck, 18, were killed in a head-on auto collision Friday night, May 2, on Highways 3-69 east of Clarion.

Both were the drivers of their respective cars, which collided on the highway curve five miles east of Clarion at the site where tbe Labor Day Rest Stop is held every year.

Hospitalized as a result of the accident were Miss Groesbeck’s, sister Berdine, 19, and Ronald Dolan, 19 of Des Moines. Both were taken to the Clarion hospital, Miss Groesbcck in critical condition with a compound fracture and extensive lacerations of her upper right leg, broken ribs and possible back injuries. She was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn, on Saturday.

Dolan suffered facial cuts and bruises and was listed in good condition. Voigt was alone in his car.

The accident occurred about 10:55 p.m. with the Voigt car southbound and the Groesbcck car northbound. Both accident victims were pinned in their cars, both of which were crumpled nearly back to the firewall by the force of the impact.

The Groesbcck sisters and Dolan were traveling from Des Moines to the Groesbeck farm for the weekend. Dolan and Berdine Groesbeck had just recently announced their engagement. Investigating officers learned that Berdine had driven to Blairsburg, just a few miles to the south, and then Linda took the wheel.

Voigt, who was employed as a station agent for the Chicago Great Western Railroad at Belmond, was apparently enroute to Eagle Grove. He was formerly station agent at Vincent, moving from there to Mankato, Minn, and then to Belmond. He was a member of the National Guard for 17 years and served as First Sergeant of the local unit for many years.

Services for Voigt were held Monday, May 5, at the Eagle Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. H. W. Schiller officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Survivors include his children, Robert of Waterloo, Thomas, a patient in University Hospitals, Iowa City. Linda (Mrs. Raymond Thurmond, Jr.) of Iowa Falls, and Mary (Mrs. Duane Halverson) of Ames; four grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Voigt of Iowa Falls; two brothers, Keith M. of Eagle Grove and Francis E. of Radcliffe; two sisters, Mrs. Lloyd Reiber and Mrs. Jacob Off, both of Iowa Falls.

The Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, May 08, 1969
Page 6, Column 3

Lavern Robert Voigt was born on February 25, 1922 at Iowa Falls, Iowa to August F. and Leulla Nolte Voigt. He died as the result of an automobile accident, on May 2, 1969 after reaching the age of 47 years, 2 months and 7 days.

Lavern attended schools in Iowa Falls and after graduation began working for the Chicago Great Western Railroad. In 1942 he joined the Air Force and served in India. After his discharge in 1946 he returned to the railroad coming to Eagle Grove. He served as station agent at Vincent, 4 years at Mankato, Minnesota and last year transferred to Belmond, Iowa. He has been a member of the national guard for 20 years and was a member of the American Legion.

Those who mourn his departure are his children: Robert of Waterloo, Thomas at home, Linda, Mrs. Raymond Thurmond, Jr. of Iowa Falls and Mary, Mrs. Duane Halverson of Ames; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Voigt of Iowa Falls; four grandchildren; two brothers: Keith M. of Eagle Grove and Francis E. of Radcliffe; two sisters: Rosemary, Mrs. Lloyd Reiber and Miriam, Mrs. Jacob Off both of Iowa Falls besides other relatives and friends.

February 25, 1922 – May 2, 1969