Surnames: Martens, Croell, Garbisch, Westberg, Tuchscher, Andrew, Allsop, Bladl

The Loyal Tribune 08 February 1945

Martens, William M. #2 (8 FEB 1896 - 1 FEB 1945)

William Martin Martens, 48, of Loyal, route two, was fatally injured in a logging accident at a logging camp in the town of York at about 3:14 last Thursday afternoon. The camp is operated by the Kurtzweil- Lange- Niewolny Logging Co. of Edgar. He had been employed at the camp since last Nov. 1.

Mr. Martens had stooped down to pick up a chain with which to fasten the logs on the truck when one of the logs was dislodged and rolled off the truck, striking him on the left side. It crushed his head, shoulder and chest, and he died en route to St. Joseph’s hospital in Marshfield, where he was being taken by Ben Straub, Edgar banker, who was at the camp at the time of the accident.

Born at Appleton on Feb. 8, 1896, he was about 1 ½ years old when he came, with his parents, to Chili, residing there until coming to this vicinity seven years ago. The family operates a 160 acre farm between Loyal and Spokeville.

The deceased is a veteran of the first World was, having served with the United States army for six months, and he was a member of Loyal American Legion Post 175. He was married to Sophie Croell on June 23, 1919, at St. Stephen’s Catholic church in Chili.

To this union were born the following children, all of whom survive; Mrs. Lee (Helen) Garbisch of Chili, Mrs. Erland (Dorothy) Westberg and William (Sonny) Martens of Colby, and Richard, Jean, Della, Mabel, Hilbert, Ted and Tim (Twins) and Judy, all at home. Also surviving are a granddaughter, Joyce Westberg, and four sisters, Mrs. John Bladl of Plain, Mrs. John Tuchscher of Marshfield, Mrs. Peter Andrew of Hilbert, and Mrs. Walter Allsop of London, Ontario, Canada.

A requiem high mass, with the Rev. Aloys Zinthefer officiating, was held at 9 a.m. Monday morning from St. Anthony’s Catholic church here, Military rites were conducted by the Loyal Legion post. Interment was in St. Anthony’s cemetery.

The Tribune adds its sympathy to that of friends and neighbors to the bereaved relatives.