PETERSON, Erwin W - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Covington—It has been learned that Irwin Peterson, soldier who lost his life in a motorcycle accident west of Covington a week ago, was coming here to visit Hank Miller, of Cloverdale, who works for Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Hughes on a farm northeast of Covington. Later in the day the two men were going to Cloverdale.

  Mr. Miller and Mr. Peterson became friends when they served together in the army a short time ago. Miller visited Peterson at the latter’s family home in Otisco, Minnesota.

Source: Kingman Star Friday, May 9, 1947

  Pfc. Erwin W. Peterson, 28, of Otisco, Minn., was killed instantly about noon Sunday when his motorcycle, reported to have been traveling east at a high rate of speed, went out of control when it crossed a bridge on State Road 34 and crashed head-on into the left front side of an automobile driven by William Stade, 24, of Bluffton. The accident occurred near the intersection of Road 34 and Foster Road.

  Peterson suffered internal injuries, the left side of his head was crushed and his left leg almost severed. He died instantly.

  Stade and Miss Joan Milks, 22, of Garrett, Ind., who was riding with him, escaped injury. The Stade car was thrown against the bridge by the impact of the collision and was damaged.

  Dr. Roy Goodrick, Warren County Coroner and State Trooper James Frazier, who conducted an investigation, ruled Peterson’s death accidental. Army authorities have been notified and the body is at the Bodine and Shelby Funeral Home in Covington pending receipt of instructions.

  Peterson was returning to his station after a 20 day furlough. – thanks so much to S&E