Farmers and ranchers participate in one of the most hazardous industries around, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but that doesn’t make it any easier when tragic tractor accidents happen. Edward Gary Wyfels of Marshall died in a farm implement accident at 2:41 p.m. Oct. 3, 2022. Just days prior, on September 30, a tractor pulling a grain trailer struck and injured a young child in Iowa.
According to a press release from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota, Edward Gary Wyffels of Marshall was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Horvath Funeral Service shares that Wyfells was 78 at the time of his death, the second of eleven children who grew up on the family farm. Wyfells was a U.S. Army veteran who returned home after an honorable discharge in 1971 to continue farming. He continued farming until 1986, and then began work at the CHS Elevator until he retired in 2016. According to the obituary, Marshall had been driving a truck for the elevator during the spring and fall.
The obituary reads, “Gary liked to stay busy, whether it be at home, helping the neighbors, or working with local farmers. He loved tinkering with gadgets and being the mastermind behind his wife and daughter’s big ideas. He loved nature and all animals, especially his birds and barn cats.”
Lyon’s County released an accident statement on October 3, stating that Lyon County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa responded to an accident where a young child ran into the street and was struck. The 85-year-old, Norwood Geerdes was driving a 2006 International pulling a grain cart. The child was transported to Avera Hospital in Rock Rapids and then Sioux Falls. No further reports have been released.
Our condolences go out to these the victim’s family and friends.
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