Zwak, William, 1922-1940

ZWAK, VANMAANEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/7/2022 at 15:40:36

From the Hawarden Independent, July 11, 1940:

NEARBY-NEWS NOTES -- Happenings of Interest in Towns and Country Around Us

William Zwak, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zwak of Rock Rapids, was killed Sunday night in an automobile accident. Zwak died of a fractured skull before help arrived on the scene. He was riding in a car driven by John Hop and Peter Warheim was also a passenger. Hop and Warheim escaped with bruises. It is stated that Hop lost control of the car on a curve and that the machine rolled over four times.

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From the Alton Democrat, July 12, 1940, Rock Valley news:

Willie Zwak, a nephew of Bert Van Maanen, was killed instantly in an automobile accident Sunday night near Rock Rapids. Will is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zwak, formerly of Rock Valley.

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RESEARCH NOTES

No Rock Valley or Rock Rapids newspapers were available online for this time period.

His death certificate (informant Herman Zwak) has William Zwak, a student; born Sept. 1, 1922 in Alvord, Iowa; parents Herman Zwak, born in Holland, and Lucey VanMaanen, born in Perkins, Iowa; lived in Rock Rapids 2 years; died about 9 p.m. July 7, 1940, dead when doctor arrived; cause: “fractured cervical vertebraes, multiple fracture of skull & complete evulsion of scalp. Accidental death—automobile.”

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Zwak, William, born 1 Sep 1922, died 7 July 1940, Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley IA. His FindaGrave.com page has a photo of his headstone (no additional information).