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Voss, Lester 1919 - 1935

VOSS, WEBBER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/2/2017 at 11:56:16

Clayton County Register, Thur., 7 June 1935.

The greatest tragedy in the history of Garber occurred last Tuesday afternoon, May 28, at about 3:30 p.m., when Lester Voss, the fifteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Voss was fatally burned by coming into contact with electric wires on the Garber bridge north of town. Lester, in company with Lowell Zearley had climbed to the top of the bridge to pose for some pictures that were being taken by some other companions who were with the boys. Lester, more daring than Lowell, stepped out onto a board that was attached to the topmost part of the bridge and which was used to conduct electric wires.

The board being wet from a recent rain was highly charged and the shock threw the lad into a network of electric wires below. Instantly he became a mass of flames. Helen Fisko who was watching below ran for help - a distance of two or three blocks - and then returned with Mrs. E. J. Prolow, who had the presence of mind to pull the switch at the end of the bridge and thus shut off the current, but not before the body was horribly burned. He was immediately rushed to the Mercy hospital at Dubuque where everything possible was done to save his life, but the body was too badly burned, and Lester died at 9:15 that evening. He was conscious to the last and was able to relate the accident in every detail.

Lester was born at Garber, Iowa, on December 8, 1919, and was almost sixteen years of age. He had lived in our community all his life and was beloved by everyone. He possessed a charming personality and his friendly greeting and cheery smile, extended alike to young and old, will be a memory that will live long with us. He was a boy of exceptional ability and talent and his scholastic work since he entered school has been outstanding.

He had reached his sophomore year in high school and had been awarded many honors for his superior work. He was a leader of his group in school or in play and whatever was proposed, "Lac", as he was known to the boys, was always recognized as the one who would lead it, and administer the most efficiently. This was evidenced by the club organized several years ago called "The Semper Fedalis club," whose membership was composed of the young boys of the town and whose activities consisted of many things that young boys like to do in a group - swimming, hunting, modeling, etc.

Lester served as its president since its organization, and perhaps one of the most touching tributes on the casket was a large spray of flowers presented by the club, that was purchased from the dues collected for membership, as a recognition to their leader and counselor. The beautiful floral offerings that filled the room gave evidence of the respect and the place that Lester held in the community.

The passing of this young life from our midst whose future held such promise, leaves a void and a vacancy, but Lester's memory will be with us forever. The deep sympathy of the entire community is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Voss, and the brothers and sister whom this tragic accident has left so grief-stricken.

Lester is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Voss, one sister, Esther, who is assistant cashier of the State Bank of Castalia, two brothers, Menlo, who is a radio telegrapher on a boat on the Great Lakes, and Victor, a student at the Iowa State college at Ames, his grandfather, Conrad Webber, of Garber, and several aunts and uncles.

The funeral was held Friday morning at 9:00 from St. Michael's church at Garber and the church was taxed to its capacity. The active pallbearers were six members of the Sophomore class: Ralph Zearley, Melvin Webber, Gene Flaherty, Harlan Zittergruen, Cyril Vorwald, and Lawrence Thein. The honorary pallbearers were high school friends: Ronald Borrett, Ralph Kuehl, Raymond Kuehl, Bernard Smock, John Jaster, Lowell Zearley, Delbert Moser and Robert Prolow, and they also carried the flowers. Burial was made in St. Mary's cemetery at Guttenberg. The Rev. William Goetzinger officiated.


 

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