Obit: Olson, Steven L. #2 (1952 – 1973)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Olson, Briski, Hribar, Kohlnhofer, Wenger

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 26 Apr 1973

Olson, Steven L. (10 Dec 1952 – 21 APR 1973)

A rural Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.) youth died and three others were injured in a one car accident late Saturday afternoon on Highway 29 on the Poplar River bridge south of Owen.

Steven L. Olson, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Olson, route 3, Greenwood, was pronounced dead at the scen from ehad injuries sustained when he was thrown from the vehicle.

Authorities said the auton, heading west, was being driven by William T. Briski, 21, route 2, Greenwood. He and two other passengers, Walter J. Hribar, 20, Greenwood, and Robert L. Kohlnhofer, 20, route 3, Greenwood, were also thrown from the car and were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield by the Owen ambulance.

At the hospital Briski was reported suffering from chest injuries and a fracture left are, and Kohlnhofer a fractured shoulder and head lacerations. The condition of both was described as "goo." Hribar, wh suffered multiple abrasions, has been released from the hospital.

According to investigation officers, the four were returning from a smelt fishing trip to Ashland and had left the afternoon before. The car apparently skidded on wet pavement during a rain storm, and the rear of the car struck the guard railing on the north side of highway. On impact the car burst into flames and was destroyed.

The Owen volunteer fire department was called to the scene.

Steven Olson was a native of the Greenwood community and a graduate of Greenwood High School. He was to have graduate from the Technical and Vocational School at Eau Claire this summer. He is survived by his parents and three younger brothers, Michael, Terry, and Gary.

Funeral services were held yesterday, Wednesday, April 25 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greenwood, with the Rev. David Wenger officiating. Burial was made in the Greenwood Cemetery.