Surnames: HODAR COMMER

----Sources: MARSHFIELD DAILY NEWS (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) 08/21/1929; P.1

Hodar, Michael (1871? - 20 Augl 1929)

Michael Hodar, 58, Riplinger, Clark County, Wis., is dead and Mrs. Otto Commer, 27, wife of Otto Commer, section foreman at Riplinger, is at St. Joseph’s Hospital here receiving treatment for gun wounds in her left arm and mouth resulting from a shooting affray at the Commer home in Riplinger about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. A third party, Miss Lolo Pickett, neighbor of Mrs. Commer was also fired upon by Hodar but was uninjured.

No other motive, other than one of temporary insanity, advanced by Riplinger citizens, is believed to have prompted Hodar’s actions. He is said to have know Mrs. Commer and had his laundry done at her home. Yesterday he called for his finished laundry and Mrs. Commer at the time was visiting at the Picket home.

She saw Hodar approach the house and expressing fear of bing alone with him she asked Miss Pickett to come home with her while she attended to his wants. Hodar entered the home with them through the rear door and secretly locked the door upon his entrance. As Mrs. Commer was about to hand him the package containing his laundry he drew a loaded 32 caliber revolver and fired three shots at her. Two inflicted wounds while the third went wild. He then directed his gun at Miss Pickett but failed to strike her with several shots. Rushing from the house Hodar fired five shots into his own body and died about fifteen minutes later. He apparently reloaded his weapon.

Neighbors attracted by the shots gathered at the Commer home shortly after the shooting occurred. Mrs. Commer’s serious condition necessitated immediate removal to the hospital by car, where she underwent an operation early last evening. Reports this morning declare she May recover.

Hodar, who is a bachelor and is employed at the Riplinger Box factory, was generally looked upon by Riplinger people as a good citizen. From reports received, there are no known facts of any previous quarrels or threats that might have been responsible for Hodar’s actions.