Surnames: Bukovich, Clute, Zetsche, Schields, Zetche, Plantz (this was actually Plautz)

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis) Thursday, 07/05/1923

Bukovich, Joe (1907? - 24 June 1923)

BOY DROWNED AT WILLARD

Joe Bukovich, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bukovich Sr. at Willard lost his life Sunday afternoon, June 24.

The lad, together with several others, went to Eau Claire Dam to take a swim. At a certain spot the swimming hole is quite deep and Joe got into the deep hole. Not being much of a swimmer it was impossible for him to get out. There were about fifteen young folks there at the time, who, upon, seeing what was going on, became frightened and ran for help. A Plantz (Plautz) boy was the only one who remained and he made several dives and tried to save Joe.

Vern Clute, Frank Zetsche, Chet Schields and Rob Zetche were in that neighborhood and were called to help. They at once went after the boy but before they could locate the body and get it to shore it was too late. They worked hard trying to bring back life but without success.

Greenwood Gleaner.

*** Note: The young man who tried to save the Bukovich boy was Joe Plautz (Plantz was a typo. There was actually another young boy there as well.

George J. Plautz, Jr.; Family member & Historian