Submitted by Dan Rich

Oscar Richard Wilhelm

Apr. 3, 1874 – Sept. 26, 1946

South Bend Tribune 9/27/1946

Oscar Wilhelm, aged 72, of 1114 North Michigan street, died in Memorial hospital at 9 o’clock Thursday night after being crushed earlier beneath the rear wheels of a fully loaded lumber truck in the 300 block of South Main street.

Shortly after the accident about 3:15 p.m. at the site of the new Indiana Bell Telephone company structure at Main and Wayne street, the victim was taken in a city ambulance to the hospital where it was found he had suffered multiple fractures of both legs and left arm, internal injuries and severe shock.

The driver of the truck, Eugene Orban, 18, of 1513 South Catalpa avenue, police said, had first driven the truck north into the area between the temporary catwalk structure for pedestrians and curbing to deliver lumber to the workmen.  Police said Orban, an employee of the South Bend Lumber company, 1535 South Main street, was backing his truck south when the mishap occurred after being told to dislodge his cargo at another point.

Orban told police that as he neared the driveway entrance of the building site a parked motorist across the street motioned that some object was under his rear wheels and that he stopped immediately.  Police records showed that the pedestrian had been knocked known by the truck and then pinned beneath the wheels.

Orban further told police he had shouted caution to any pedestrians that might be in the path of the moving truck and estimated his speed at four miles per hour.

Mr. Wilhelm was born in Eger, Austria, April 3, 1874, and came to this country 64 years ago.  For several years he farmed near Lakeville before moving to South Bend. 

His wife, Elizabeth Landgraf Wilhelm, died in 1909.  Surviving are a son, Ernest J., and a daughter, Mrs. Joseph W. Lauber, both of South Bend, and four grandchildren. 

Friends may call in the residence after 7 p.m. today.  The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. today in the residence.  The requiem high mass will be recited at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph Catholic church by Rev. Philip S. Beaghan, C.S.C., pastor.  Burial will be in Cedar Grove cemetery.

South Bend Tribune 9/28/1946

Oscar Wilhelm

Pallbearers for Oscar Wilhelm, 1114 North Michigan street, truck accident victim whose funeral was held today in St. Joseph’s Catholic church were Clarence Myers, John Wilhelm, Herman Schang, Joseph E. Schang, George W. Jacox and James Gertsbauer.