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Submitted: 4/22/09 • Approved: 4/22/09 • Last Updated: 8/14/15 • R6974-G0-S3
March 29, 1953 - November 26, 1972
Nineteen year old Michael "Mike" Joneson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Joneson, Dell Rapids, was killed in a two car crash with occurred on the icy road near Doland Sunday evening. Deborah Park, also 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Park, also of Dell Rapids, was critically injured in the accident which also claimed the life of Kenneth Gienger, 22, Eureka, and his five month old daughter. Gienger's wife and two other passengers were also injured in the head on collision.
Mike and Deborah were enroute to Aberdeen where he was a sophomore at Northern State College and where she has been employed as a dental assistant.
Deborah suffered two breaks in her pelvis, a broken ankle and broken knee as well as facial lacerations. She will require surgery on her leg after they are able to remove her from traction, necessitated by the broken pelvis. Reports Wednesday morning indicate a long but successful recuperation.
Mike Joneson
A prayer service was held Tuesday evening in the Lutheran Church with the Rev. E.S. Skaar, former pastor of parish, officiated. Miss Ruby Hofer sang accompanied by Mrs. Neil Hainje at the organ.
Funeral services for Mike were held in the high school gym Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. Martin Haase in charge. Junior and senior high school students were dismissed from classes to attend the service. Mrs. Hainje was at the organ and Ron and Shirlene Peterson sang. Pallbearers were Steve Sittig, Bill Flaten, Bill Evans, Kevin Blinsmon, Steve Sherrill, Bill Kellogg. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Riley, Jerome Haak, Mike Stadem, Don Cheslic, Harold Munk and Tim Park. Interment took place in the Dell Rapids Cemetery, Hermanson-Kahler Funeral Home in charge.
Michael Myron Joneson was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 29, 1953. He attended school in Dell Rapids and was graduated from DRHS in 1971. He was active in sports and played both football and basketball in high school and served as co-captain of the football team. He was also a Letterman and served as Junior class president. Mike was an active member of Luther League also.
He is survived by his parents, brother Mark and sister Mary and grandparents Mr. ad Mrs. Herman Olson, all of Dell Rapids.
Contributed on 4/22/09 by dellsfig68
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Record #: 6974