Obit: Sauer, Walter M. (1946 - 1964)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Sauer, Miller, Koch, Borchardt, Green, Loos, Reimer

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 13 Aug 1964

Sauer, Walter M. (26 JUL 1946 - 7 AUG 1964)

Walter M. Sauer, 18, of route 1, Unity, was fatally injured in a two car collision just south of the Colby city limits on Highway 13 Friday night.

Injured in the crash, which took place about 11:30 p.m., were Pat Miller, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Miller, route 1, Colby, a passenger in the car driven by Sauer; Robert Borchardt, 27, Spencer, driver of the second car; and George Green, 24, rural Marshfield, a passenger in teh Borchardt car.

Borchardt is suffering from serious eye injuries, fractures and lacerations.

Miller underwent surgery for a shoulder injury and is reported to be in good condition.

Green suffered fractures and lacerations, and has been transferred to a La Crosse Hospital.

According to Clark County traffic officer David Bertz, one of the investigating officers, the Sauer car was traveling south on 13 when it collided with the Borchardt car. The impact was described as "almost head on." The investigation, thus far incomplete, indicates that both cars were near the center line at the time of impact. No charge will be made nor any blame placed until a statement can be taken from Borchardt, who is presently unable to speak, due to a fracture jaw and other complications, and further investigation can be made.

Authorities stated that the Sauer car landed on its top in the ditch on the west side of Highway 13, facing west. The Borchardt car (some words missing). Both cars were total wrecks.

Dr. J.W. Koch, Colby, rendered first aid to the victims and accompanied them to the hospital.

May other factors bearing on the case are still under investigation.

Funeral services for Walter Michael Sauer were held Monday morning at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Colby. The Rev. John B. Pinion officiated, and burial was made in St. Mary's Parish Cemetery. The body had lain in state at Lulloff Funeral Home, Colby. Rosary services were at 8 and 8:30 Sunday.

Pallbearers were Dennis Schraufnagel, Gary Palmerton, Glenn Weiler, Joseph Werener, Dean Loos and Darrell Loos.

Walter Sauer was born July 26, 1946, at Marshfield. He and his family lived in the Medford area until 1953 when they moved to Woodstock, Ill. In 1958 they moved to their present home on route 1, Unity. He was a 1964 graduate of Colby High School, where he had been an honor student. He had been active in 4-H and FFA, and planned to enter Wis. State University at River Falls next term.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sauer; two brothers, Clifford and Roger; and one sister, Eunice, all at home; his grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Sauer, Medford; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Loos, Colby; and by his great-grandmother, Mrs. Walter Reimer, Colby