Obit: Zunker, Jason (1976 - 2008)
Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Zunker, Anderson, Kowalcyzk

----Source: Chippewa Herald (Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County, Wis.) Saturday, 5 Jan. 2008

Zunker, Jason (14 Sept. 1976 - 5 Jan. 2008)

Chippewa County Deputy Jason Zunker, 31, died Saturday from his injuries after being struck by an auto the scene of a semi on fire on Highway 53 south of Bloomer on Friday night.

Sheriff James L. Kowalcyzk confirmed Zunker's death at a news conference Saturday afternoon. A Wisconsin State Patrol spokesman said a Chippewa Falls woman was the driver of the car that hit Zunker, and has been cooperative with law enforcement officials.

Zunker, who has started as a reserve officer in July 2003 and became a deputy sheriff in March 2004 lived in rural Augusta.

Zunker was at the intersection of Highway 53 and Highway 40 to provide traffic control. The sheriff's department said he was hit by an auto traveling southbound on Highway 53 at approximately 9:44 p.m., or six minutes after he arrived at the scene.

Zunker was taken to Bloomer Medical Center where he was airlifted to Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash in the town of Woodmohr.

A civilian passerby reported an officer had been struck by a vehicle.

The semi truck on fire was a Wal-Mart truck. The fire was reported by Jason C. Anderson, of 2255 Highway 13, according to the log entry.

The fire forced authorities to close off southbound Highway 53. A back-up of about a mile was witnessed.

Bloomer Ambulance, Bloomer Police, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department and the State Patrol were among the crews that responded.

A wrecker was called to the scene around 10:15 p.m., and one lane was reopened around 10:54 p.m.

*** Note: His date of birth is from the Social Security Death Index.