Obit: Lenig, Jonas J. (1892? - 1961)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lenig, Gaddis

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 10/12/1961

Lenig, Jonas J. (1892? - 10 OCT 1961)

The death of Jonas J. Lenig, rural Withee (Clark Co., Wis.), who was killed in a car-truck collision Tuesday forenoon was the 678^th to be recorded in the state this year and the fourth in Clark County.

Lenig’s death occurred at 11:30 a.m. at a rural intersection six miles west of Withee on Highway 29.  His car was struck in the rear end by a tractor-semi unit driven by Frank W. Smale of Palmyra, Wis.

Lenig’s life may have been spared if he had had seat belts in his car, by the impact.  Dr. Phillip Jorgenses of Thorp said his death was due to a skull fracture and internal injuries.

Lenig, 69, was only a half-mile from his home when the accident occurred.  He was making his home with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gaddis.  His wife is living in Sacramento, Calif.

Investigating authorities learned that a meat truck driven by Orville Rogge of Wittenburg was following Lenig’s car.  In turn the tractor-semi unit operated by Smale was following the meat truck and didn’t see the Lenig car in front of the truck.  Smale told authorities that he followed the truck all the way from Withee and was hopeful of passing it but was unable to do so because of the many grades in the highway, and no passing zones.  "Suddely," he said, "I saw the meat truck veer to the right and I in turn swung off to the left to avoid striking it.  It was then that I first saw Lenig’s car which was making a left turn in front of me."  The truck caught the left rear of Lenig’s car, shoving it into a utility pole.  It was at this point that Lenig was thrown from his car, langing about eight feet away.

Meanwhile the foot pedal on the tractor-trailer became stuck and the unit bounded across the south ditch of the highway into a pasture.  It finally came to a stop after Smale shut of the fuel line 257 feet beyond the point of impact.  Previous to striking Lenig’s car, Smale’s skid marks were visible on the wet pavement for 161 feet.

Rogge told officers that Lenig didn’t use his signal lights nor a hand turn to indicate his intention of making a left turn off the highway.

Thorp’s chief of police Ed Harycki was the first officer to arrive at the scene, moments ahead of the county traffic officer, Richard Needham, Owen.  Other officers who assisted at the scene were David Bertz of the traffic department, Owen’s Chief of Police, Adolph Haavisto, Sheriff, Ray Kutsche, Coroner Robert Lulloff and District Attorney Everett Gorsegner.

Office Needham said that Smale will appear on the 18^th, being charged with following too close to another vehicle.

The body of Jonas Lenig was taken to the Hoeper and Kraut Funeral Home, Owen.  Friends may call there for particulars pertaining to funeral services, which are still indefinite, pending the arrival of members of the family.