Iowa Old Press
Ottumwa Daily Courier
April 2, 1943
MAN KILLED BY TRAIN AT IOWA AVENUE
George B. Seitz, 52, of 802 Hayne street, was killed shortly before 8 a.m. today when crushed beneath Burlington switch engine No. 78 at the Iowa avenue crossing.
County Coroner Gordon Traul said his investigation showed that Seitz, an employe of John Morrell & Co., for 17 years was walking north on Iowa avenue. He said that the guard gates at the crossing had been lowered as the engine approached the place. Seitz, he said apparently ducked under the gate and tried to get over the track before the engine, which was backing up, reached him.
The victim was dead when a doctor reached the scene 10 or 15 minutes later. The body was badly mangled.
Seitz had been working in the dry salt department at Morrell’s.
Survivors include include his father, George W. Seitz, Ottumwa; a brother, Roy Glenn Seitz, Ottumwa; and a son, Ruell Seitz, stationed at Camp Hood, Texas.
Seitz body was removed to the Traul funeral chapel pending funeral arrangements.
Ottumwa Courier, April 5, 1943
DEATHS - SEITZ FUNERAL
Funeral services for George B. Seitz of Hayne street, who died Friday morning when he was crushed under a Burlington switch engine at the Iowa avenue crossing, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Traul funeral chapel. The Rev. E.L. Welshons will be in charge of the services and burial will be in Eldon cemetery.
[transcribed by L.Z., Sep 2021]