(Winneshiek County, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol this (Friday) afternoon, released the names of persons who died and injured in a crash that occurred Thursday afternoon southwest of Decorah. The victims were in a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country van that collided with a semi-tractor trailer. The driver of the van, 91-year-old Melvin Rausch, was injured in the crash.  He was transported by Decorah Ambulance to the Winnesheik Medical Center. His passenger, 87-year-old Mary Rausch, died. The Patrol says the couple, both of whom are from Fort Atkinson (IA), were wearing their seat belts.

The crash happened at around 4:05-p.m., Thursday, as the van was traveling south on Highway 52. The semi, driven by 62-year-old Rodney Freidhof, of Cresco, failed to stop at the posted stop sign with Townline Road. The van struck the truck on the driver’s side.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Police and Fire Department, and Winneshiek Medical.