Obit: Gurklis, Allan (1951? - 1965)

Contact stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gurklis

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 01/28/1965

Gurklis, Allan (1951? - 25 JAN 1965)

A 13-year-old Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) boy was found dead in a wooded area near his home Tuesday morning of self-inflicted gunshot wounds according to Clark County authorities.

Allan Gurklis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gurklis, Town of Worden, died of head wounds received from a .22 caliber rifle bullet. Coroner Robert Lulloff, Neillsville, said the death was a suicide and no autopsy would be conducted.

The youth was found in the woods, one-half mile from the family home, about 8 a.m., after being missing for 14 hours.

Allan's family told authorities that the boy was upset after having a disagreement with his brothers while working in the barn.

He went to the house, Lulloff reported, and took the rifle and left. He shot one bullet in the yard before going to the woods. The family said Allan took the gun to the woods last fall, but was found unharmed the next morning.

Allan was an eighth grade student. He is survived by six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church Chapel here, with burial in the church cemetery (Old St. Hedwig's). Friends may call at the Thorp Funeral Home from Thursday morning until funeral time. A parish rosary will be conducted there Thursday at 8 p.m.