MINNESOTA'S FALLEN WORKERS

These are a few of the men and women that went to work in Minnesota and recognize these men and women for their dedication and hardwork. We would like to sincerely thank the families that shared their loved one's picture and their tragic loss with USMWF.

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This photo was sent in by his wife Linda Evers

~11/13/1952-9/14/2020~

John Evers, 67

John was killed on the job in September 2020 while working for Gerken Inc. (Gerken’s Feed & Grain LLC.) in Wabasha, MN.  He was killed when he was engulfed in grain. 

MNOSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $128,000 penalty for six serious and on other than serious violations.  In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $104,000.  This case is still open.

Inspection: 1493504.015 - 102046 - Gerken Inc

The next time that I meet you will be at Heaven's door. You'll be there to meet me and I will cry no more. I'll put my arms around you and kiss your lovely face and then this broken heart will fall back into place. We love and miss you John!- Linda Evers

This photo was sent in by his mom, Michele Gran.

~ 6/12/2001 - 8/14/2019 ~

​Landon D. Gran, 18

Landon was killed on the job in August 2019 while working on a rural Norseland farm in Norseland, Minnesota. He died after making contact with a piece of equipment which was believed to have been an auger while in a grain bin. 

This case was not inspected by OSHA as they had no jursdiction.

This photo was sent in by his mother Jackie Spoden-Bolz.

~2/2/1979-2/2/2006 ~

​Christopher James Hansen

Christopher was killed in February 2006 while working at Jennie-O-Turkey in Melrose, Minnesota. He was killed when a piece of equipment crushed him.

​Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $31,000 penalty. The penalty was not reduced and the case is closed.

---- Christopher James Hansen was killed on February 2nd 2006 - His 27th Birthday!! My Son Christopher was killed at Jennie-O-Turkey Store in Melrose, Minnesota. Learn more about Christopher.

This photo was sent in by his mother Liz Lambrecht

~ 7/7/2008 ~

​Kevin Keane, 28

Keane was killed in July 2008 after working for Pipeline Systems, Inc. in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
He died after plunging threw a skylight and trying to recover from his fall.

MNOSHA currently has no information available.

His brother Nolan also died in a similar incident at Pipeline Systems, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his mother Liz Lambrecht

~ 10/28/1999 ~

Nolan Keane, 18

Nolan was killed in October 1999 while working for Pipeline Systems, Inc. in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

He died when the wind blew catching the insulation, sweeping him across the roof, plunging him 45 feet through a Plexiglass skylight

MNOSHA currently has no information available.

His brother Kevin also died in a similar incident at Pipeline Systems, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his wife Nicole Pumper

~8/19/2019~

Zachary “Zac” Patrick Theodore Pumper, 34

Zac was killed in August 2019 while employed by Ap Midwest Llc d/b/a Adolfson-Peterson Construction working for East Side Storage and Maintenance Facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Zac was fatally injured when he was struck-by a Caterpillar Wheel Loader as he walked from his work area. 

OSHA investigated the incident and no citations were accessed.

Inspection: 1429323.015 - 100174 - Ap Midwest Llc Dba Adolfson - Peterson Const

Her photo was shared by her mom, Lisa Sherman .

~12/3/1996-2/20/2021~

Mikayla Sherman, 24

Mikayla was fatally injured in February 2021 while working for Nexus-Gerard Family Healing Llc in Austin, Minnesota.  She was lost after trying to locate two patients that had ran-away from the medical facility at which time she and one of the patients fell to the ground and were directly struck by a vehicle.  Ms. Sherman succumbed to her injuries.

Inspection: 1517259.015 - 102538 - Nexus-Gerard Family Healing Llc

My daughter's motto was "I Got U" and she lived it till the day she died. I love you honey .- Mom-Lisa Sherman.

This photo was sent in by his widow Diane Tribitt.

~ 3/15/1950 - 7/4/2004 ~

​Randy Tribitt

Randy was killed in July 2004 while working at Little Britches Rodeo/Buffington Rodeo Co. in Hillman, Minnesota. He was killed when he was crushed while saving a 13 yr. old. 

​"NO MAN STANDS SO TALL AS WHEN HE STOOPS TO HELP A CHILD” This is a photo of my husband, Randy Tribitt, who died assisting a young bronc rider to safety at a Little Britches Rodeo in Elk River, MN on July 4, 2004. The bronc turned and crashed into them, causing Randy and his horse to crash into the arena ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 13-year old bronc rider was uninjured. Randy was a volunteer pick-up man for the Buffington Rodeo Co. Randy has always been my hero. He was a true friend and soul mate. He made me laugh and taught me love. He is a true cowboy. I love him and miss him so much. Diane.

This photo was sent in by his fiancé, Caitlin Christensen.

   ~5/26/1986-3/19/2022~

Wesley VonDeLinde, 35

Wesley was fatally injured in March of 2022 while working at Green Construction Services, Inc. in Osseo, MN. He was fatally injured when he was working alone, while infilling a hole in the concrete floor of a lift station. He removed the metal grate that was covering the hole in the 6-inch concrete floor and began to drill holes into the side of the concrete to place dowels and formwork for the concrete in fill. As he was drilling into the concrete at the side of the hole, he lost his balance and fell through the hole to the floor of the pump room.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $50,000 penalty for two serious violations. This case is still open.

"Wesley worked for the international painters union for over 15 years until he decided to leave and start his own business, VonDeLinde construction.
We were together for a little more than 10 years and have two young boys together.
Wes was a family man and truly did everything he possibly could for us. He was the most incredible father and fiancé.

We have been left with a huge hole in our life and it will never be the same.

Wesley, I hope I can make you proud and raise these boys into the men you wanted them to be. They will never forget what an amazing dad you were to them. We love and miss you so much."

Inspection: 1587296.015 - 104216 - Green Construction Services Inc

To see more on: Wesley