Bio: Koehler, Edgar (Barn Downed by Wind – 1969)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Koehler, Venzke

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 14 Aug 1969

The barn on the Edgar Koehler farm, located a mile north and three miles east of Abbotsford, blew down at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 1969, in the wind storm that struck the area that night.

The barn was a total loss. Only the silo and small portions of the foundation remained standing. Also destroyed was a milk house attached to the barn, and a feed shed beside the barn.

Nine heifers kept in the barn at the time were killed. Eight of those still remained in the wreckage the next day. Most of the 8,00 bales of hay and 700 to 800 bales of straw store in the barn were believed salvageable and were being removed by friends and neighbors.

Equipment in the milk shed included a bulk tank, hot water heater, and milking machines. Several days feed were store in the feed shed.

Mr. Koehler suffered cuts on his leg when the wind blew in a window that he was attempting to close. The cuts required several stitches later at the Marshfield Hospital.

Mrs. Koehler noted that they had no idea of the destruction of the barn till they went out to check on effects of the wind.

Also destroyed on the farm was a garage and shed combination located next to the house.

Other losses included another window and chiney of the house and a tree in the yar.

The Koehlers reported this week that they are doing their milking at the Alvin Venzke farm. They are still cleaning up from the effects of the storm and had no definite ideas on reconstruction.

The baled hay and straw salvage from the barn remained at the farm under protective coverings.