The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois

November 26, 1935 - STuesday, pg 2 

JOSEPH  ELMENDORF 

Neck Is Broken In Accident Near Centralia, Wash., - Joe Elmendorf Killed When Car Overturns -- Wife Seriously Hurt 

Details concerning the death of Joe R. Elmendorf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Elmendorf of Centralia, Wash., former residents of this community, which occurred November 20 in an auto accident have been received by a relative, Mrs. Clarence Scott of Rock Falls.  The story of the accident is told in a newspaper clipping sent from the family. 

Mr. Elmendorf and his wife were driving their car near Oakville when the machine skidded on a curve, hit a stump and railing of a bridge, and overturned.  Mr. Elmendorf was killed instantly, his neck being broken.  A passing motorist rushed Mrs. Elmendorf to a hospital.  She received chest injuries and is suffering from shock.  Fear was expressed at first that she was bleeding internally, but later her condition improved.  Mrs. Elmendorf was not told of her husband's death. 

The accident victim had been employed as a fireman by the Northern Pacific railway since 1910.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, and also of the I.O.O.F. and Froman lodges.  In addition to his wife who has been operating a cafe, he is survived by two sons, Verol and Billy; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Elmendorf, of Centralia, and two brothers, Roy, Centralia, and Ray, Tacoma, Wash. 

Mr. Elmendorf was 43 years of age and was born in Galesburg.  He had resided in Centralia since 1912.