Elderly Woman Killed, Husband Injured in Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash in Winneshiek County
WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — A tragic accident in northeast Iowa has left one woman dead and her husband injured following a two-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon, October 30, 2025. The crash occurred around 2:05 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 52 and Town Line Road, a rural stretch often traveled by local residents.
According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, the collision involved a 2016 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, driven by 91-year-old Melvin B. Rausch of Fort Atkinson, and a 2001 Mack semi-truck, operated by 62-year-old Rodney D. Freidhof of Cresco. Investigators say Freidhof’s truck failed to stop at a posted stop sign before entering the intersection, pulling directly into the path of the southbound minivan.
The minivan struck the semi on the driver’s side, causing a devastating impact that left both vehicles severely damaged. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and quickly began efforts to assist the victims.
Tragically, 87-year-old Mary Rausch, who was a passenger in the minivan, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Melvin Rausch, was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash. Officials have not yet disclosed his current condition.
Freidhof, the driver of the semi, was reportedly uninjured in the incident.
Authorities remained on the scene for several hours, closing the intersection as investigators examined the crash site, gathered evidence, and documented road conditions. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by local law enforcement, emergency medical services, and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.
The news of Mary Rausch’s passing has sent waves of grief through the Fort Atkinson community, where she and her husband were well-known and deeply respected. Friends and neighbors describe the couple as kind-hearted, active in their faith, and always willing to lend a hand to others.
As word spread of the fatal crash, tributes began appearing on social media, with community members expressing their condolences and offering prayers for Melvin’s recovery. “They were such a sweet couple — always together and full of kindness,” one neighbor wrote. “It’s just heartbreaking.”
The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether visibility or other factors may have contributed. At this time, no charges have been filed, but authorities have emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic control signs at rural intersections, where many serious accidents have occurred in recent years.
The Rausch family, now faced with unimaginable loss, is being surrounded by support from friends, relatives, and neighbors who remember Mary for her gentle nature, devotion to her family, and unwavering love for her community.
As investigators work to determine the full details of what led to Thursday’s tragic event, the residents of Winneshiek County are reminded once again of the fragility of life — and the enduring bonds of compassion that unite them in times of sorrow.
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