GUSTAVE AND WILLIAM KRIESER
Two Killed By Car At Cooperstown Sunday
Gust and William Krieser, Cousins, Warned Off Highway By Horn of Truck,
Step Into Path of Car Coming From Other Direction.
Gust Krieser, 63, and William Krieser, 43, cousins, were killed Sunday
afternoon on Highway 141 in Cooperstown as they stepped out of the way
of an oncoming truck into the path of an automobile driven by Hartwig
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Kreiser, who was carried nearly 90 feet on the
bumper of the Bittner car, had a skull fracture and a compound fracture of
the left leg. He died in an ambulance while being taken to a Green Bay
hospital.
Both men reside on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. Gust Krieser,
a widower, was a town supervisor. His cousin, who was single, was employed
as a member of a stone crushing crew.
District Attorney John Cashman announced this afternoon there will be an
inquest. A jury of six men was impaneled and was to view the bodies later
in the day at the Knutson undertaking parlors, Denmark.
"From what I have learned of the accident, I believe there should be an
inquest and I believe one has been ordered," the district attorney said
after he conferred with Dr. Gerald Rau, coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller,
Jr.
Carl Reetz, Denmark, driver of a Denmark brewery truck, told Dr. Gerald Rau,
coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller Jr., who were called to the scene of the
accident, that the two Kriesers were standing on the pavement in front of
the Cookle tavern, just north of the junction of highway 141 and highway 147.
The truck driver said he blew his horn to warn the men from the road.
Step Into Path of Car
Reetz said the two men stepped quickly to the east side of the highway into
the path of the Bittner car, bound north on highway 141.
Bittner said he was unable to avoid striking both men. Gust Krieser was hit
squarely by the front bumper of the car and thrown to the pavement. William
Krieser, according to marks on the Bittner car, ran into the side of the
machine. His head struck the glass ventilator shield in the left front door
and he was caught on the fender and bumper.
Measurements taken after the accident indicated he was carried between 80
and 90 feet before dropping off and crawling 27 feet to the side of the road.
Dr. Joseph May, Maribel, who was called, pronounced William Krieser dead and
ordered Gust Krieser moved to a hospital. The latter died on the way. The
bodies were taken to the Knutson mortuary at Denmark.
No Other Witnesses
Aside from the drivers and passengers in the truck and Bittner car, Coroner
Rau found no actual witnesses to the accident.
Riding with Reetz in the brewery truck was Edward Pelishek, Denmark. In the
Bittner car were Mr. and Mrs. Bittner, Melvin Bittner, Mr. and Mrs. William
Georgenson and Vernon Georgenson. All reside near DePere.
Gust Krieser was born in Cooperstown and spent his entire life on a farm. He
married Miss Louise Kunz 33 years ago and purchased a farm near Rosecrans.
Mrs. Krieser died two years ago.
Mr. Krieser took an interest in town affairs and two years ago was named a
"side" supervisor on the Cooperstown board.
Survivors are an adopted son, Henry; four brothers, Raymond, city, Arnold,
Maribel, John, Millbank, S.D., Benjamin, Long Beach, Calif.; four sisters,
Mrs. Herman Specht, Rockwood, Mrs. Helen Neuman, Chicago, Mrs. John Nuenburg,
Platteville, Wis., Miss Emma Krieser, Cooperstown.
William Krieser was also born in Cooperstown, 43 years ago. He
(Continued on Page 2) TWO KILLED BY CAR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
(Continued from Page 1)
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krieser, Sr., and never married. Survivors
are the parents; three brothers, Clarence, Daniel and George, all of this
city; five sisters, Mrs. Frank Othersoll, Antigo, Mrs. Edward Krainik, Mrs.
Hugo Kohls, Mrs. Harvey Eggert, Mrs. Adolph Mencl, all of this city.
While funeral arrangements are incomplete, it is expected both men will be
buried Wednesday afternoon. There may be a double funeral.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, June 22, 1936 P. 2
*********
PLAN DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR ROAD VICTIMS
Krieser Cousins To Be Buried Wednesday Afternoon In West Cooperstown Cemetery
Double funeral services will be held tomorrow for Gust Krieser, 62, and
William Krieser, Jr., 43, cousins, residing on adjoining farms on Route 1,
Maribel, who were killed Sunday afternoon when struck by an automobile on
highway 141 at Cooperstown.
Plans Completed
The body of Gust Krieser was removed to the farm home today from the Knutson
undertaking parlor, Denmark. The body of William Krieser is to remain at the
funeral home until Wednesday. A hearse will take the body to the Gust Krieser
home for brief joint services at 2 p.m. Two hearses will head a funeral
procession to the St. John's Evangelical church, Lark, where the Rev. H. J.
Jordan will officiate at the joint rites.
Burial will be in the West Cooperstown cemetery.
World War Veteran
William Krieser Jr., one of the victims, was a World war veteran. He served
22 months in France and was to have received an adjusted compensation
certificate this week.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 2
*********
DRIVER FREED IN CRASH CASE
A coroner's jury today failed to find Merlin Bittner guilty of "gross
negligence" in the accident in which Gust and William Krieser, town of
Rosecrans cousins, were killed on June 21. The inquest was held at
Cooperstown this afternoon.
The jury returned the "not guilty" verdict after District Attorney John
Cashman instructed them that they were to decide whether Bittner was
guilty of "gross negligence." Bittner, 45, route 3, Denmark, testified
at the hearing.
Gust Krieser 63, and William Krieser, 43, were killed June 21 in front
of the Cookle tavern on Highway 141, Cooperstown, when they stepped out
of the way of an oncoming truck into the path of a car driven by Merlin
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
Both Men Farmers
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Krieser, who was carried along on the bumper
of the Bittner car, died on the way to a Green Bay hospital.
Both men resided on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. They were
standing talking on the pavement when a Denmark brewery truck, driven by
Carl Reetz, came along. The Kriesers stepped to the east side of the
highway just as the Bittner car came north.
Bittner told the sheriff and district attorney after the accident that
he was unable to bring his car to a stop before striking the two men.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Thursday, August 13, 1936 P. 1
Two Killed By Car At Cooperstown Sunday
Gust and William Krieser, Cousins, Warned Off Highway By Horn of Truck,
Step Into Path of Car Coming From Other Direction.
Gust Krieser, 63, and William Krieser, 43, cousins, were killed Sunday
afternoon on Highway 141 in Cooperstown as they stepped out of the way
of an oncoming truck into the path of an automobile driven by Hartwig
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Kreiser, who was carried nearly 90 feet on the
bumper of the Bittner car, had a skull fracture and a compound fracture of
the left leg. He died in an ambulance while being taken to a Green Bay
hospital.
Both men reside on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. Gust Krieser,
a widower, was a town supervisor. His cousin, who was single, was employed
as a member of a stone crushing crew.
District Attorney John Cashman announced this afternoon there will be an
inquest. A jury of six men was impaneled and was to view the bodies later
in the day at the Knutson undertaking parlors, Denmark.
"From what I have learned of the accident, I believe there should be an
inquest and I believe one has been ordered," the district attorney said
after he conferred with Dr. Gerald Rau, coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller,
Jr.
Carl Reetz, Denmark, driver of a Denmark brewery truck, told Dr. Gerald Rau,
coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller Jr., who were called to the scene of the
accident, that the two Kriesers were standing on the pavement in front of
the Cookle tavern, just north of the junction of highway 141 and highway 147.
The truck driver said he blew his horn to warn the men from the road.
Step Into Path of Car
Reetz said the two men stepped quickly to the east side of the highway into
the path of the Bittner car, bound north on highway 141.
Bittner said he was unable to avoid striking both men. Gust Krieser was hit
squarely by the front bumper of the car and thrown to the pavement. William
Krieser, according to marks on the Bittner car, ran into the side of the
machine. His head struck the glass ventilator shield in the left front door
and he was caught on the fender and bumper.
Measurements taken after the accident indicated he was carried between 80
and 90 feet before dropping off and crawling 27 feet to the side of the road.
Dr. Joseph May, Maribel, who was called, pronounced William Krieser dead and
ordered Gust Krieser moved to a hospital. The latter died on the way. The
bodies were taken to the Knutson mortuary at Denmark.
No Other Witnesses
Aside from the drivers and passengers in the truck and Bittner car, Coroner
Rau found no actual witnesses to the accident.
Riding with Reetz in the brewery truck was Edward Pelishek, Denmark. In the
Bittner car were Mr. and Mrs. Bittner, Melvin Bittner, Mr. and Mrs. William
Georgenson and Vernon Georgenson. All reside near DePere.
Gust Krieser was born in Cooperstown and spent his entire life on a farm. He
married Miss Louise Kunz 33 years ago and purchased a farm near Rosecrans.
Mrs. Krieser died two years ago.
Mr. Krieser took an interest in town affairs and two years ago was named a
"side" supervisor on the Cooperstown board.
Survivors are an adopted son, Henry; four brothers, Raymond, city, Arnold,
Maribel, John, Millbank, S.D., Benjamin, Long Beach, Calif.; four sisters,
Mrs. Herman Specht, Rockwood, Mrs. Helen Neuman, Chicago, Mrs. John Nuenburg,
Platteville, Wis., Miss Emma Krieser, Cooperstown.
William Krieser was also born in Cooperstown, 43 years ago. He
(Continued on Page 2) TWO KILLED BY CAR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
(Continued from Page 1)
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krieser, Sr., and never married. Survivors
are the parents; three brothers, Clarence, Daniel and George, all of this
city; five sisters, Mrs. Frank Othersoll, Antigo, Mrs. Edward Krainik, Mrs.
Hugo Kohls, Mrs. Harvey Eggert, Mrs. Adolph Mencl, all of this city.
While funeral arrangements are incomplete, it is expected both men will be
buried Wednesday afternoon. There may be a double funeral.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, June 22, 1936 P. 2
*********
PLAN DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR ROAD VICTIMS
Krieser Cousins To Be Buried Wednesday Afternoon In West Cooperstown Cemetery
Double funeral services will be held tomorrow for Gust Krieser, 62, and
William Krieser, Jr., 43, cousins, residing on adjoining farms on Route 1,
Maribel, who were killed Sunday afternoon when struck by an automobile on
highway 141 at Cooperstown.
Plans Completed
The body of Gust Krieser was removed to the farm home today from the Knutson
undertaking parlor, Denmark. The body of William Krieser is to remain at the
funeral home until Wednesday. A hearse will take the body to the Gust Krieser
home for brief joint services at 2 p.m. Two hearses will head a funeral
procession to the St. John's Evangelical church, Lark, where the Rev. H. J.
Jordan will officiate at the joint rites.
Burial will be in the West Cooperstown cemetery.
World War Veteran
William Krieser Jr., one of the victims, was a World war veteran. He served
22 months in France and was to have received an adjusted compensation
certificate this week.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 2
*********
DRIVER FREED IN CRASH CASE
A coroner's jury today failed to find Merlin Bittner guilty of "gross
negligence" in the accident in which Gust and William Krieser, town of
Rosecrans cousins, were killed on June 21. The inquest was held at
Cooperstown this afternoon.
The jury returned the "not guilty" verdict after District Attorney John
Cashman instructed them that they were to decide whether Bittner was
guilty of "gross negligence." Bittner, 45, route 3, Denmark, testified
at the hearing.
Gust Krieser 63, and William Krieser, 43, were killed June 21 in front
of the Cookle tavern on Highway 141, Cooperstown, when they stepped out
of the way of an oncoming truck into the path of a car driven by Merlin
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
Both Men Farmers
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Krieser, who was carried along on the bumper
of the Bittner car, died on the way to a Green Bay hospital.
Both men resided on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. They were
standing talking on the pavement when a Denmark brewery truck, driven by
Carl Reetz, came along. The Kriesers stepped to the east side of the
highway just as the Bittner car came north.
Bittner told the sheriff and district attorney after the accident that
he was unable to bring his car to a stop before striking the two men.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Thursday, August 13, 1936 P. 1
GUSTAVE AND WILLIAM KRIESER
Two Killed By Car At Cooperstown Sunday
Gust and William Krieser, Cousins, Warned Off Highway By Horn of Truck,
Step Into Path of Car Coming From Other Direction.
Gust Krieser, 63, and William Krieser, 43, cousins, were killed Sunday
afternoon on Highway 141 in Cooperstown as they stepped out of the way
of an oncoming truck into the path of an automobile driven by Hartwig
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Kreiser, who was carried nearly 90 feet on the
bumper of the Bittner car, had a skull fracture and a compound fracture of
the left leg. He died in an ambulance while being taken to a Green Bay
hospital.
Both men reside on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. Gust Krieser,
a widower, was a town supervisor. His cousin, who was single, was employed
as a member of a stone crushing crew.
District Attorney John Cashman announced this afternoon there will be an
inquest. A jury of six men was impaneled and was to view the bodies later
in the day at the Knutson undertaking parlors, Denmark.
"From what I have learned of the accident, I believe there should be an
inquest and I believe one has been ordered," the district attorney said
after he conferred with Dr. Gerald Rau, coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller,
Jr.
Carl Reetz, Denmark, driver of a Denmark brewery truck, told Dr. Gerald Rau,
coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller Jr., who were called to the scene of the
accident, that the two Kriesers were standing on the pavement in front of
the Cookle tavern, just north of the junction of highway 141 and highway 147.
The truck driver said he blew his horn to warn the men from the road.
Step Into Path of Car
Reetz said the two men stepped quickly to the east side of the highway into
the path of the Bittner car, bound north on highway 141.
Bittner said he was unable to avoid striking both men. Gust Krieser was hit
squarely by the front bumper of the car and thrown to the pavement. William
Krieser, according to marks on the Bittner car, ran into the side of the
machine. His head struck the glass ventilator shield in the left front door
and he was caught on the fender and bumper.
Measurements taken after the accident indicated he was carried between 80
and 90 feet before dropping off and crawling 27 feet to the side of the road.
Dr. Joseph May, Maribel, who was called, pronounced William Krieser dead and
ordered Gust Krieser moved to a hospital. The latter died on the way. The
bodies were taken to the Knutson mortuary at Denmark.
No Other Witnesses
Aside from the drivers and passengers in the truck and Bittner car, Coroner
Rau found no actual witnesses to the accident.
Riding with Reetz in the brewery truck was Edward Pelishek, Denmark. In the
Bittner car were Mr. and Mrs. Bittner, Melvin Bittner, Mr. and Mrs. William
Georgenson and Vernon Georgenson. All reside near DePere.
Gust Krieser was born in Cooperstown and spent his entire life on a farm. He
married Miss Louise Kunz 33 years ago and purchased a farm near Rosecrans.
Mrs. Krieser died two years ago.
Mr. Krieser took an interest in town affairs and two years ago was named a
"side" supervisor on the Cooperstown board.
Survivors are an adopted son, Henry; four brothers, Raymond, city, Arnold,
Maribel, John, Millbank, S.D., Benjamin, Long Beach, Calif.; four sisters,
Mrs. Herman Specht, Rockwood, Mrs. Helen Neuman, Chicago, Mrs. John Nuenburg,
Platteville, Wis., Miss Emma Krieser, Cooperstown.
William Krieser was also born in Cooperstown, 43 years ago. He
(Continued on Page 2) TWO KILLED BY CAR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
(Continued from Page 1)
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krieser, Sr., and never married. Survivors
are the parents; three brothers, Clarence, Daniel and George, all of this
city; five sisters, Mrs. Frank Othersoll, Antigo, Mrs. Edward Krainik, Mrs.
Hugo Kohls, Mrs. Harvey Eggert, Mrs. Adolph Mencl, all of this city.
While funeral arrangements are incomplete, it is expected both men will be
buried Wednesday afternoon. There may be a double funeral.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, June 22, 1936 P. 2
*********
PLAN DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR ROAD VICTIMS
Krieser Cousins To Be Buried Wednesday Afternoon In West Cooperstown Cemetery
Double funeral services will be held tomorrow for Gust Krieser, 62, and
William Krieser, Jr., 43, cousins, residing on adjoining farms on Route 1,
Maribel, who were killed Sunday afternoon when struck by an automobile on
highway 141 at Cooperstown.
Plans Completed
The body of Gust Krieser was removed to the farm home today from the Knutson
undertaking parlor, Denmark. The body of William Krieser is to remain at the
funeral home until Wednesday. A hearse will take the body to the Gust Krieser
home for brief joint services at 2 p.m. Two hearses will head a funeral
procession to the St. John's Evangelical church, Lark, where the Rev. H. J.
Jordan will officiate at the joint rites.
Burial will be in the West Cooperstown cemetery.
World War Veteran
William Krieser Jr., one of the victims, was a World war veteran. He served
22 months in France and was to have received an adjusted compensation
certificate this week.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 2
*********
DRIVER FREED IN CRASH CASE
A coroner's jury today failed to find Merlin Bittner guilty of "gross
negligence" in the accident in which Gust and William Krieser, town of
Rosecrans cousins, were killed on June 21. The inquest was held at
Cooperstown this afternoon.
The jury returned the "not guilty" verdict after District Attorney John
Cashman instructed them that they were to decide whether Bittner was
guilty of "gross negligence." Bittner, 45, route 3, Denmark, testified
at the hearing.
Gust Krieser 63, and William Krieser, 43, were killed June 21 in front
of the Cookle tavern on Highway 141, Cooperstown, when they stepped out
of the way of an oncoming truck into the path of a car driven by Merlin
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
Both Men Farmers
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Krieser, who was carried along on the bumper
of the Bittner car, died on the way to a Green Bay hospital.
Both men resided on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. They were
standing talking on the pavement when a Denmark brewery truck, driven by
Carl Reetz, came along. The Kriesers stepped to the east side of the
highway just as the Bittner car came north.
Bittner told the sheriff and district attorney after the accident that
he was unable to bring his car to a stop before striking the two men.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Thursday, August 13, 1936 P. 1
Two Killed By Car At Cooperstown Sunday
Gust and William Krieser, Cousins, Warned Off Highway By Horn of Truck,
Step Into Path of Car Coming From Other Direction.
Gust Krieser, 63, and William Krieser, 43, cousins, were killed Sunday
afternoon on Highway 141 in Cooperstown as they stepped out of the way
of an oncoming truck into the path of an automobile driven by Hartwig
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Kreiser, who was carried nearly 90 feet on the
bumper of the Bittner car, had a skull fracture and a compound fracture of
the left leg. He died in an ambulance while being taken to a Green Bay
hospital.
Both men reside on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. Gust Krieser,
a widower, was a town supervisor. His cousin, who was single, was employed
as a member of a stone crushing crew.
District Attorney John Cashman announced this afternoon there will be an
inquest. A jury of six men was impaneled and was to view the bodies later
in the day at the Knutson undertaking parlors, Denmark.
"From what I have learned of the accident, I believe there should be an
inquest and I believe one has been ordered," the district attorney said
after he conferred with Dr. Gerald Rau, coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller,
Jr.
Carl Reetz, Denmark, driver of a Denmark brewery truck, told Dr. Gerald Rau,
coroner, and Sheriff Max Hiller Jr., who were called to the scene of the
accident, that the two Kriesers were standing on the pavement in front of
the Cookle tavern, just north of the junction of highway 141 and highway 147.
The truck driver said he blew his horn to warn the men from the road.
Step Into Path of Car
Reetz said the two men stepped quickly to the east side of the highway into
the path of the Bittner car, bound north on highway 141.
Bittner said he was unable to avoid striking both men. Gust Krieser was hit
squarely by the front bumper of the car and thrown to the pavement. William
Krieser, according to marks on the Bittner car, ran into the side of the
machine. His head struck the glass ventilator shield in the left front door
and he was caught on the fender and bumper.
Measurements taken after the accident indicated he was carried between 80
and 90 feet before dropping off and crawling 27 feet to the side of the road.
Dr. Joseph May, Maribel, who was called, pronounced William Krieser dead and
ordered Gust Krieser moved to a hospital. The latter died on the way. The
bodies were taken to the Knutson mortuary at Denmark.
No Other Witnesses
Aside from the drivers and passengers in the truck and Bittner car, Coroner
Rau found no actual witnesses to the accident.
Riding with Reetz in the brewery truck was Edward Pelishek, Denmark. In the
Bittner car were Mr. and Mrs. Bittner, Melvin Bittner, Mr. and Mrs. William
Georgenson and Vernon Georgenson. All reside near DePere.
Gust Krieser was born in Cooperstown and spent his entire life on a farm. He
married Miss Louise Kunz 33 years ago and purchased a farm near Rosecrans.
Mrs. Krieser died two years ago.
Mr. Krieser took an interest in town affairs and two years ago was named a
"side" supervisor on the Cooperstown board.
Survivors are an adopted son, Henry; four brothers, Raymond, city, Arnold,
Maribel, John, Millbank, S.D., Benjamin, Long Beach, Calif.; four sisters,
Mrs. Herman Specht, Rockwood, Mrs. Helen Neuman, Chicago, Mrs. John Nuenburg,
Platteville, Wis., Miss Emma Krieser, Cooperstown.
William Krieser was also born in Cooperstown, 43 years ago. He
(Continued on Page 2) TWO KILLED BY CAR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
(Continued from Page 1)
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krieser, Sr., and never married. Survivors
are the parents; three brothers, Clarence, Daniel and George, all of this
city; five sisters, Mrs. Frank Othersoll, Antigo, Mrs. Edward Krainik, Mrs.
Hugo Kohls, Mrs. Harvey Eggert, Mrs. Adolph Mencl, all of this city.
While funeral arrangements are incomplete, it is expected both men will be
buried Wednesday afternoon. There may be a double funeral.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, June 22, 1936 P. 2
*********
PLAN DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR ROAD VICTIMS
Krieser Cousins To Be Buried Wednesday Afternoon In West Cooperstown Cemetery
Double funeral services will be held tomorrow for Gust Krieser, 62, and
William Krieser, Jr., 43, cousins, residing on adjoining farms on Route 1,
Maribel, who were killed Sunday afternoon when struck by an automobile on
highway 141 at Cooperstown.
Plans Completed
The body of Gust Krieser was removed to the farm home today from the Knutson
undertaking parlor, Denmark. The body of William Krieser is to remain at the
funeral home until Wednesday. A hearse will take the body to the Gust Krieser
home for brief joint services at 2 p.m. Two hearses will head a funeral
procession to the St. John's Evangelical church, Lark, where the Rev. H. J.
Jordan will officiate at the joint rites.
Burial will be in the West Cooperstown cemetery.
World War Veteran
William Krieser Jr., one of the victims, was a World war veteran. He served
22 months in France and was to have received an adjusted compensation
certificate this week.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Tuesday, June 23, 1936 P. 2
*********
DRIVER FREED IN CRASH CASE
A coroner's jury today failed to find Merlin Bittner guilty of "gross
negligence" in the accident in which Gust and William Krieser, town of
Rosecrans cousins, were killed on June 21. The inquest was held at
Cooperstown this afternoon.
The jury returned the "not guilty" verdict after District Attorney John
Cashman instructed them that they were to decide whether Bittner was
guilty of "gross negligence." Bittner, 45, route 3, Denmark, testified
at the hearing.
Gust Krieser 63, and William Krieser, 43, were killed June 21 in front
of the Cookle tavern on Highway 141, Cooperstown, when they stepped out
of the way of an oncoming truck into the path of a car driven by Merlin
Bittner, 45, route 3, DePere.
Both Men Farmers
William Krieser was killed instantly. He sustained a fractured skull and
a fractured left leg. Gust Krieser, who was carried along on the bumper
of the Bittner car, died on the way to a Green Bay hospital.
Both men resided on farms west of the village of Rosecrans. They were
standing talking on the pavement when a Denmark brewery truck, driven by
Carl Reetz, came along. The Kriesers stepped to the east side of the
highway just as the Bittner car came north.
Bittner told the sheriff and district attorney after the accident that
he was unable to bring his car to a stop before striking the two men.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Thursday, August 13, 1936 P. 1
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