Obit: Lewien, Peter (1896? - 1966)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lewien, Reinke

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 14 Jul 1966

Lewien, Peter (19 Jun 1896 - 8 JUL 1966)

Peter Lewien, 70, Thorp area farmer, collapsed and died while driving a tractor on a town road Friday afternoon. His 7-year-old granddaughter, who was riding with him, received monor injuries after the tractor went off the shoulder of the road and then overturned.

The granddaughter, Christine Lewien, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lewien, was taken to Victory Memorial Hospital where she was reported in satisfactory condition on Friday night.

A hospital spokesman said she did not receive any broken bones in the accident.

Clark County Corner Robert Lulloff of Neillsville was called, and fater investigating, ruled that because Mr. Lewien suffered an apparent heart seizure, the death will not be counted as a traffic fatality. Mr. Lewien had a history of heart trouble.

The body appeared not seriously injured in the accident.

Mr. Lewien reportedly was driving his tractor to get a load of hay to return to the Town of Reseburg farm he operated with his son, Joe.

Mrs. Walter Reinke, whose home is near the accident scene, heard the cries of a small child about 3 p.m., but thought is was someone playing in the area. However, Mrs. Reinke's mother later told her that she should check if anything was wrong.

When she arrived at the scene, Christine was pinned under the tractor, but not tightly. The girl was crying, "Granpa, talk to me."

Funeral services for Mr. Lewien were held Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Hedwig's Catholic Chapel, the Rev. Edward Masalewicz officiating.