Jaus - Grewe- Friedrichs Car Crash of 1968

Dec. 31, 1968: Emma Bentz Grewe, William Friedrichs & Agnes Bentz Friedrichs, Otto Jaus & Anna Friedrichs Jaus died in a car accident. Everybody died at the scene except for Anna Friedrichs Jaus who died at the Gaylord hospital.

The accident happened at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as the victims were returning to Gibbon after attending the funeral of Mrs. Anna Maass, 95, of Gaylord. Mrs. Maass was an aunt of Mrs. Jaus.

The two couples and Mrs. Grewe were related. Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Jaus were brother and sister, and Mrs. Friedrichs and Mrs. Grewe were sisters. They apparently were on their way home from the funeral, heading west on Highway 19, when the 1962 Ford driven by Mr. Friedrichs was struck head-on at the intersection of County Road 4 (Bernadotte road) three miles east of Winthrop. Mrs. Maass was an aunt of Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Jaus.

According to Mr. Herman Schulte, Sibley County Sheriff, blowing and drifting snow obscured the driver’s vision and probably was the cause of the accident. Tire break marks on the pavement indicated that the cars saw each other prior to the crash. An eye witness following the Friedrichs car reported the speed just prior to the mishap at 40 m.p.h.

Emma Bentz Grewe	William Friedrichs & Agnes Bentz Friedrichs	Otto Jaus & Anna Friedrichs Jaus

1962 Chevrolet

This is 1962 Chevrolet in which five persons were killed on the last day of 1968, one of the worst accidents in this area in several years.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Death Car

Death Car in which five Gibbon persons died. The 1962 Ford car driven by Wm. Friedrichs is shown above on the flatbed of a Gaylord truck as it was taken from the accident scene. The crank shaft of the engine was protruding through the grill as the result of the head-on crash Tuesday.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Caskets at Funeral

THE CASKETS of Mr. and Mrs. William Friedrichs and Mr. and Mrs. Otto Jaus during graveside services Saturday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke. The two couples, and Mrs. Otto Grewe were killed in a head-on crash Tuesday, January 4. Services for Mrs. Grewe were held that morning at Immanuel Lutheran in Gibbon with interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Church services for the two couples were held at 1:30 p.m.

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Karla Tate This event was very traumatic. I loved Uncle Otto like one would a close grandparent; he had such a tender and kind disposition and because they lived in the other house on the farm we saw them daily.

Uncle Otto had gone down to the barn because He was concerned about driving to the funeral as the weather was bad. Dad encouraged him not go, but the final decision was they would go. We got a phone call during dinner and as dad got up to answer it he sadly said, "They are all dead." The call confirmed the devastating news. I always thought that my dad never stood as straight after that day.

The funeral home was overwhelming with five caskets and the smell of so many flowers was almost sickening; I kept thinking that no number of flowers could soften the horror of what had happened.

There was a post in the Gibbon History on Facebook about the accident, even reading it and seeing the pictures were hard yet

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Obituaries

Otto Jaus

Otto Jaus was born July 13, 1887 to Martin and Louise Harms in Moltke Township. He was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church July 24, 1887 and Confirmed there March 23, 1902.

Mrs. Otto (Anna) Jaus was born October 3, 1889 to John Friedrichs and Rosa Demn in Moltke Township. She was baptized at St. Peter’s Oct. 22. 1899 and Confirmed at St. Peter's Mar. 16th, 1913.

They were married November 8, 1941 and farmed until their retirement several years ago. They continued living on the Jaus farm.

Surviving Mr. Jaus are one brother and one sister, Martin of New Ulm, and Mrs. Henry Gruenhagen of New Ulm.

Survivor of Mrs. Jaus is Albert Friedrichs, a brother, of Gibbon.

Mr. Jaus died at the scene of the accident. Mrs. Jaus was transferred to the Gaylord Hospital, where she died at 2:32 a.m. January 1, 1969.

Funeral services were held January 4, 1969, from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Paul G. Porisch officiating. Interment was in the Church cemetery.

Wm. Friedrichs’

Mr. William Friedrichs was born July 13, 1897 to John Friedrichs and Rosa Demn in Sibley County. He was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church July 23, 1897 and Confirmed at St. Peter’s Apr. 9, 1911.

Mrs. William (Agnes) Friedrichs was born May 20, 1898 in Moltke Township to John Bentz and Anna Jaus Bentz. She was baptized May 29, 1898 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and Confirmed there March 31, 1912.

Surviving are one son, Robert, R2, Gibbon, one grandson, Randall Friedrichs, a member of the U.S. Navy. One brother, Albert Friedrichs of Gibbon survives Mr. Friedrichs. Additional survivors of Mrs. Friedrichs are three brothers, Albert and John Bentz of Gibbon, and George Bentz of St. Cloud, and one sister, Mrs. Alfred (Lydia) Bothman of Winthrop. One son, Wilfred, died in 1955.

There were married June 9, 1921 at St. Peter’s Lutheran, and farmed until 1950, when they moved into Gibbon, where Mr. Friedrichs was employed at the Gibbon Cooperative Creamery. Mrs. Friedrichs was an honorary member of St. Peter’s LWML<ref>Lutheran Women's Mission League</ref>.

They both died at the scene of an accident Tuesday, December 31, 1968, three miles east of Winthrop along Highway 19.

Last rites were held January 4, 1969 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke with Rev. Paul G. Porisch officiating. Interment was in the Church cemetery.

Mrs. Emma Grewe

Mrs. Otto (Emma Emelie) Grewe was born June 4, 1896 in Moltke Township to John Bentz and Anna Jaus. She was baptized at [[]St. Peter’s Lutheran Church]] in Moltke June 14, 1896, and was Confirmed March 25, 1910 by Rev. Seltz.

She was married by Pastor Selz at St. Peter’s Lutheran to Otto Grewe April 19, 1914. They farmed and in February, 1947 moved into Gibbon. Mr. Grewe died December 21, 1951.

Two sons, Melvin and Martin, Gibbon, and three daughters, Mrs. Martin (Orpha) Schwartz, Gibbon, Mrs. Ray (Helen) Schwartz, Stewart and Mrs. Clarence (Ruth) Kiecker survive, besides 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A daughter, Mrs. Edgar (Dorothy) Buboltz, preceded her in death several months ago.

She died December 31, in an automobile accident three miles east of Winthrop.

Last rites were held from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gibbon with Rev. L. A. Hohenstein officiating. Interment was in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Moltke Township.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Obituaries

Wl.Friedrichs

William F. Friedrichs was born July 13, 1899 to John Friedrichs and Rosa Demn in Sibley County.

He was married June 9, 1921 to Agnes Bentz at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He farmed in Moltke Township until about 17 years ago when they moved to Gibbon. He worked at the Gibbon Co-op Creamery, on a part-time basis the last few years as a milk delivery man.

Survivors include one son, Robert, R2, Gibbon, one grandson, Randall Friedrichs, a member of the U.S. Navy and one brother, Albert Friedrichs, of Gibbon.

Wm. Friedrich’s pall bearers will be Henry Micke, Wm. Ruschmeyer, Lawrence Buerkle, Edward Podratz, Oliver Loftness and Harry Gatzke.

Mrs. Friedrichs

Mrs. William Friedrichs was born May 20, 1898 in Moltke Township to John Bentz and Anna Jaus. She married Wm. Friedrichs June 9, 1921.

Surviving are one son, Robert, of Gibbon, one grandson, Randall, a member of the U.S. Navy, and three brothers, Albert and John Bentz of Gibbon and George Bentz of St. Cloud.

Pall bearers for Mrs. Friedrichs will be Jerry Bentz, Paul Sievert, Waldemar Grewe, Arthur Bentz, Kenneth Bentz and Ronald Siemers.

Mrs. Emma Grewe

Mrs. Otto (Emma Emelie) Grewe was born June 4, 1896, in Moltke Towship to John Bentz and Anna Jaus. She was married to Otto August Grewe April 19, 1941, and they farmed in Moltke Towship until 1947, when they retired and moved to Gibbon. Mr. Grewe passed away December 21, 1951.

Two sons and three daughters survive: Melvin and Martin, both of Gibbon, Mrs. Raymond (Helen) Schwartz, Steward, and Mrs. Clarence (Ruth) Kiecker of Fairfax.

Twenty-four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Pall bearers for Mrs. Grewe will be six of her grandsons: Donald Grewe, Dwayne Grewe, Neil Grewe, Gary Schwartz, Norbert Kiecker and Norlin Kiecker.

Otto Jaus

Otto John Jaus was born July 13, 1887 to Martin Jaus and Louise Harms in Moltke Towship. He married Anna Jaus November 8, 1941. They farmed in Moltke Towship and retired several years ago, but remained living on the Jaus farm.

One brother and one sister survive Mr. Jaus: Martin and Mrs. Henry Gruenhagen, both of New Ulm.

Pall bearers for Mr. Jaus will be Elton Vorwerk, Harvey Meyer, Roman Jaus, Martin Jaus, Rev. Roland Scheele and Ed Jaus.

Mrs. Jaus

Mrs. Anna Jaus was born on October 3, 1899 to John Friedrichs and Rosa Demn in Moltke Township. She was married to Mr. Jaus November 8, 1941.

One brother, Albert Friedrichs of Gibbon, survives.

Mrs. Jaus's pall bearers will be David Demn, Rawlin Demn, Roy Scharping, Albert Gruenhagen, Donald Friedrichs and Elmer Friedrichs.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Five from Same Family Killed in Year-End Crash

Gaylord -- An elderly Gibbon woman, Mrs. Otto Jaus, who died in Gaylord Community Hospital Wednesday, raised to five the number of people killed in a two-car collision halfway between Winthrop and Gaylord on Highway 19 Tuesday. All the victims were riding in one car.

Dead are Mr. and Mrs. William Friedrichs, 71 and 70; and Mrs. Emma Grewe, about 72; all of Gibbon. All except Mrs. Jaus died at the scene.

The accident happened at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as the victims were returning to Gibbon after attending the funeral of Mrs. Anna Maass, 95, of Gaylord. Mrs. Maass was an aunt of Mrs. Jaus.

Their car collided head on with one driven by [[[Jacob J. Burk]], 35, of Pipestone. Burk is listed today in satisfactory condition at Gaylord hospital. He was alone in his car and driving towards Gaylord.

Authorities said the vision of the drivers was hampered by blowing snow.

William Friedrichs was a brother of Mrs. Jaus.

A joint funeral service will be held for four of the victims -- Mr. and Mrs. Otto Jaus, Mr. and Mrs. William F. Friedrichs.

The service will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Moltke Township, north of Gibbon, Saturday 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Rev. Paul G. Porisch officiating.

Visitation is Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Minnesota Valley Chapel in Gibbon.

Visitation at the church will be from noon until time of rites Saturday.

Otto J. Jaus, Route 1, Gibbon was born July 13, 1887, in Moltke Township. He lived on the farm where he was born all his life. He married Anna Friedrichs November 1941 in Gibbon.

Otto is survived by a brother, Martin, of New Ulm and sister, Mrs. Anna Gruenhagen<ref>Tante Anna</ref> of New Ulm.

Mrs. Jaus was born Oct. 3, 1899 in Moltke Township. Mrs. Jaus is survived by a brother, Albert Friedrichs of Gibbon.

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William F. Friedrichs was born July 13, 1898 in Sibley County, and was married June 9, 1921 to Agnes Bentz in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

He was a farmer but lived in Gibbon the past 17 years. He is survived by a son, Robert, of Route 2, Gibbon; brother, Albert, of Gibbon. Friedrichs was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Friedrichs. A grandson in the U.S, Navy also survives.

Mrs. William Friedrichs was born May 20, 1898, in Moltke Township to Mr. and Mrs. John Bentz. She is survived by brothers, Albert Bentz and George Bentz, of Gibbon and George Bentz of St. Cloud; sister, Mrs. Alfred Bothmann of Winthrop.

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Mrs. Emma (Emelie) Grewe. 72, was born June 4, 1896, in Moltke Township, to Mr. and Mrs. John Bentz. She was a sister of Mrs. Friedrichs.

She was married April 19, 1914 to Otto Grewe, who died Dec. 22, 1951. She had lived in Gibbon since 1947.

Funeral for Mrs. Grewe will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday from the Immanuel Lutheran Church Gibbon, with the Rev. L.A. Hohenstein officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s cemetery. Visitation is the same time as for the others.

She is survived by children Melvin and Martin Grewe, Mrs. Martin Schwartz of Gibbon, Mrs. Clarence Kiecker of Fairfax, and Mrs. Raymond Schwartz of Stewart.

There are 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Also surviving Mrs. Grew are the same brothers and sisters as Mrs. Friedrichs.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Five Gibbon people killed in head-on car accident

Funerals for victims Saturday

Funeral services will be held Saturday for the accident victims.

Last rites for Mrs. Emma Grewe will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gibbon with Rev. L.A. Hohenstein officiating. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke Township, where Mr. Grewe is buried.

Visitation at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in Gibbon will be Friday, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. for all the victims.

Combined services for Mr. and Mrs. Friedrichs and Mr. and Mrs. Jaus will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke, with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul G. Porisch will officiate at the last rites.

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The Gibbon community was saddened Tuesday by the death of five people in a tragic two-car head-on collision at 3:45 p.m. December 31, 1968, which claimed the lives of five occupants of a car driven by Mr. William Friedrichs.

Dead at the scene of the accident were:

• William F. Friedrichs, 71.
• Mrs. William (Agnes) Friedrichs, 70.
• Mrs. Otto (Emma Grewe), 72.
• Mr. Otto John Jaus, 81.

Transferred to Gaylord Hospital was Mrs. Otto (Anna) Jaus, 69, who died the following morning, January 1, 1969, at 2:32 a.m.

The lone occupant in the other car involved in the crash was Mr. Jacob Julius Burk, 35, of Pipestone, MN, who was transferred to Gaylord Hospital and is still listed in critical condition.

The two couples and Mrs. Grewe were related. Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Jaus were brother and sister, and Mrs. Friedrichs and Mrs. Grewe were sisters.

They had attended the funeral that afternoon at Gaylord of Mrs. Anna Maass, 95, Gaylord’s oldest resident, which was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Gaylord. They apparently were on their way home from the funeral, heading west on Highway 19, when the 1962 Ford driven by Mr. Friedrichs was struck head-on at the intersection of County Road 4 (Bernadotte road) three miles east of Winthrop. Mrs. Maass was an aunt of Mr. Friedrichs and Mrs. Jaus.

According to Mr. Herman Schulte, Sibley County Sheriff, blowing and drifting snow obscured the driver’s vision and probably was the cause of the accident. Tire break marks on the pavement indicated that the cars saw each other prior to the crash. An eye witness following the Friedrichs car reported the speed just prior to the mishap at 40 m.p.h.

The death raised the Minnesota traffic count to a record 1,032, which surpassed the 1966 record of 983.

source:Myrtle Jaus Meyer collection.

Memories

Ramona Meyer Potter

"We were all up at Grandpa Jaus's for our annual New Year's get-together. I remember the phone ringing and the quiet pall that came over the place when the news was relayed. Amazing that that is the thing I remember. I am sure we were at the funeral but I remember none of that. Just that awful phone call."

Karen Meyer Gilreath

"I remember the funeral! Sat in the balcony I think..... Remember looking down in the caskets for some reason....."

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