WISCONSIN'S FALLEN WORKERS

These are a few of the men and women that went to work in Wisconsin and were fatally injured never going home to their families at the end of their shift. We remember, honor 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 her Mom, Kerrie Baures.

~4/9/1993 - 12/1/2014~

​Brooke “Tink” Baures, 21

​Brooke was killed on the job in December 2014 while working for WingDam Saloon and Grill in Fountain City, Wisconsin. Brooke was fatally injured after getting her head caught in a descending second-floor dumbwaiter while working a banquet at the restaurant.

This photo was sent in by his wife Karen Burkhalter.

~ 3/20/1965 - 5/4/2015 ~

​Derrick B. Burkhalter, 50

Derrick was injured on the job in on April 27th, 2015 later passing away on May 4th, 2015 while working for The Calumet County Highway Department in Rantoul, Wisconsin. A car ran beneath his street sweeper and he later died from his injuries.

This photo was sent in by his daughter Lisa Gretzinger.

~ 5/24/1950 – 2/21/2014 ~

​Michael Lee Clauson , 63

Michael was killed on the job in February 2014 while working for Olmsted Trucking in Bear Creek, Wisconsin. He was killed when a truck slid backwards on ice and pinned him between the truck and a barn wall.
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Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed no penalties or violations. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 959674.015 - Keith R Olmsted & Sons Inc.

My name is Lisa Gretzinger and this is my Dad. Michael Lee Clauson born May 24th,1950. He passed away at the age of 63 on February 21st,2014 from Mechanical Asphyxiation when the milk truck he was driving that day slide backwards on the ice and pinned him in between the truck and the milk house. He was employed by Olmsted Trucking of Bear Creek, WI. Ask anyone who knew my Dad and they will tell you how much they liked Dad. Everyone said his smile would always brighten their day. He loved to talk to anyone, and considered everyone a friend. He was one who was always there to help if he was able. He loved his Farmall 300 tractor, and also loved to collect Pez dispensers. OH and we cant forget his love of mowing the lawn on the farm. We always teased him about that. Mom would call me up and say Guess what Dad is doing and I would say mowing lawn. He served in the Vietnam war, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. There is so much I could say about my Dad. He was not only my Dad, but he was my friend. On February 21st,2014 the world lost a wonderful man and Heaven received an wonderful Angel.

This photo was sent in by his widow Kelly Heilert.

~ 1/23/1968 - 9/9/2004 ~

​Scott Heilert, 36

Scott was killed in September 2004 while working at Custom Structural Inc. (iron worker) in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He died after being struck by a vehicle on a construction site.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $3,000.00 penalty for two serious. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced a $1,000.00 for one serious violation and one other than serious violation.

Inspection: 307057562 - Custom Structural, Incorporated.

This photo was sent in by her mother Lee Joslyn.

~ 1/12/1980 - 10/24/2004 ~

Nicole Chartre' Joslyn, 24

Joslyn was killed on the job in October 2004 while working for Arby's in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was shot by a disgruntled employee.

This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

Nicole Chartre' Joslyn, 24 was killed on the job on 10/24/04 while working at Arby's in West Milwaukee, WI. She was murdered by a disgruntled employee. Murdered by a coworker and a disgruntled former employee in a planned robbery and intentional double homicide. She was found in the Arby's cooler/freezer an hour or so after closing time; shot multiple times.

This photo was sent in by his mother Denise Byrd.

~ 8/28/1984 - 2/28/2014 ~

Michael R. Kittle, 29

Michael was killed on the job in February 2014 while working at Wieser Concrete in Portage, Wisconsin. He was killed when chains holding a cement block gave way and crushed him.

Federal OSHA investigated and proposed a $ 21,000.00 penalty for three serious violations and $0.0 one other than serious violation. This case is being contested and still open.

Inspection: 960596.015 - Wieser Concrete Products, Inc.

His picture was sent in by his mom, Stacy Ann Sebald.

~9/2/2000-11/11/2019~

Mitchell Eugene McDaniel, 19

Mitchell was fatally injured in November 2019 while working for Vandoske Dairy Farms LLC in Cleveland, Wisconsin. Mitchell was killed while working all by himself inside an old concrete silo, while an exposed and completely unprotected & unguarded auger was running the entire time he was inside the silo.

Mitchell's incident was not inspected by OSHA as it was out of their jurisdiction.

A life lost is still always a precious life lost and every single accident and death on the workplace deserves a thorough and proper investigation by the properly trained authorities who specialize in this area. 

Mitchell had a personality that was larger than life. You could be having the worst or cruddiest of days and just his goofy antics, regular dance moves & jiving around the house or him displaying that mischievous & half crooked little smile he always carried around.....he would brighten up your day. He was one of those young men who always stood up for what he believed in, always stood up for the underdog, and he was most definitely always there for his buddies. He is loved beyond measure & greatly missed every single day by his parents, younger brother, older sister, entire family & everyone who knew him. Mitchell touched more lives than anyone can ever imagine. I will forever hold him close in my heart until I can hold him again in heaven. Love You Mitch💙-Mom

This photo was sent in by his mother Mary Van Dyke.

~ 3/27/1983 - 6/29/2011~

Nicolas M. Van Dyke, 28

Nicolas was killed in June 2011 while working at Lockhart's Services, Inc. in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He died when a car fell off of an automotive lift (aka "hoist).

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,200.00 for one serious violation. There were no reductions. Inspection: 77208.015 - Lockhart Service, Inc.