Obit: Luepke, Dennis (1954 - 1970)
Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Luepke, Gennett, Dare, Haumschild, Ruhbusch, Krokstrom, Mellenthin, Neumann

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) Monday, 8 June 1970

Luepke, Dennis (24 Apr. 1954 - 7 June 1970)

Dennis Luepke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Luepke, 400 W. Main St., Spencer, drowned at North Wood County Park Sunday afternoon. The youth was on an outing with the Roger Gennett family of Spencer.

David Dare, Wood County coroner, said the boy was swimming in 6-foot-deep water beyond the rope barrier at the crowded pool. Apparently no one saw that he was in trouble until Dan Haumschild, Marshfield, observed him bob to the surface briefly about 3:30 p.m.

Haumschild pulled him out of the water and the two lifeguards, and later officers called to the scene, attempted artificial respiration.

A Marshfield ambulance arrived at the scene and efforts to revive the victim continued on the journey to St. Joseph's Hospital. At the hospital a team of physicians took over, but Dennis was declared dead on arrival at 4:10 p.m. His family, on a fishing trip, was informed of the tragedy by a Marathon County officer on their arrival home last night.

Funeral services for Dennis Luepke will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. The Rev. William Ruhbusch, pastor, will officiate and burial will be made in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at the Jasperson Funeral Home in Spencer beginning at noon Tuesday until noon Wednesday, and then at the church.

Dennis Luepke was born April 24, 1954. He had completed his sophomore year at Spencer High School, where he was active in school sports. Dennis was also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Walther League.

Survivors include his parents, a sister, Mrs. Paul (Jean) Krokstrom, Lincoln, Neb., a brother, Neil Luepke, Marshfield; and his grandparents, Mrs. Elsie Mellenthin and Herman Neumann, both of Spencer.