BEN VOLLENDORF (d. 1926)

LOSES LIFE WHILE ON DUCK HUNT
B. VOLLENDORF LOSES LIFE ON PORTAGE BAY
Breaks Through Ice and Carried Down—to Bring Body Here
Benjamin O. Vollendorf, former Manitowoc man who for years has been superin-
tendent with the Ford automobile company interests at L’Anse, Mich., met death
by drowning on Portage bay, near Chassel last evening, messages to relative
here early today bring news of the tragedy. The body of Mr. Vollendorf, which
was recovered within a short time, will be brought here for burial and will
arrive in the city tonight. Funeral announcement will be made later.
News of the tragedy came as a great shock to the family and friends here. Mr.
Vollendorf is a son of Mrs. Otto Vollendorf South 20th street and was here a
few months ago for the funeral of his father.
Was on Duck Hunt
Mr. Vollendorf, who was superintendent of the wood department of the Ford Auto
Co. at L’Anse and Pequaming, Mich., was starting on a duck hunting trip
accompanied by Dr. Winkler and Chester Ratellic of L’Anse, the three having gone
to Chassel, a lumber camp, late yesterday and had started to cross Portage bay
on the ice when the fatal accident happened. Mr. Vollendorf who wore high top
boots and carried a pack plunged through the ice when it gave way and his body
did not come to the surface. His two companions, also precipitated into the water
saved themselves by grasping the edge of the ice and succeeded in reaching safety
but Mr. Vollendorf, weighted by heavy clothing and the pack, sank instantly. The
two survivors of the accident, secured help from the camp and the body of Mr.
Vollendorf was recovered but too late to resuscitate him. The body was taken to
L’Anse and prepare for shipment here.
Held Important Position
Benjamin Otto Vollendorf was born in this city June 14, 1888 and graduated from
the old West High in 1906. He learned the electrical engineering trade with the
Anderson company here and later was employed with the Aluminum Goods Company for
several years and then located in northern Michigan where he was employed with
several large mining concerns. When the Ford Motor Co. established its plant at
Iron Mountain Mr. Vollendorf became associated with the company and had advanced
rapidly to become superintendent of the mills at L’Anse and Peqauming, which
position he held at his death.
During the war Mr. Vollendorf was in the naval service as an engineer and upon
his return to Iron Mountain became associated with E.C. Kinford, related to the
Ford family and advanced to superintendency in a few years.
Leaves Wife and Family
Mr. Vollendorf was married to Flossie Wilke, of this city, on January 11, 1915
and his wife and two children Phyllis and Mayo, survive him at L’Anse. His mother,
four brothers, John., William and Marvin, this city and Dr. Harvey Vollendorf of
Sheboygan, and one sister, Mrs. William Krainik, this city, also survive.
Mr. Vollendorf was a member of the local Masonic lodge. He was well and favorably
known and his tragic death is received with keen sorrow by a host of friends.
Manitowoc Herald News, November 13, 1926 P. 3
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Funeral of B.O. Vollendorf From Temple
The body of Ben Vollendorf, who was drowned near L'Anse, Mich., Friday
afternoon, arrived here Saturday night. The funeral will be held tomorrow,
Tuesday, from the Masonic temple and will be in charge of the local lodge
with Rev. Schreiber as chaplain. The body will be taken to the temple
tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock and will lie in state until the hour of the
service set for 2 o'clock. Burial will be at Evergreen.
Manitowoc Herald News, Monday, November 15, 1926 P.2