Taycheedah chairman hospitalized with severe injuries following 11-foot fall in well
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TAYCHEEDAH, Wis. (WFRV) – David Kieffer knew that something was amiss when he saw a helicopter descending on his quiet farming neighborhood on Ledge Rd. in Taycheedah Friday afternoon. It was a surprising sight, but he hoped for the best.
“I was just out and I saw the helicopter coming, and I thought it was odd, never seen that helicopter before. I just thought maybe it was a business thing going on, I don’t know,” Kieffer said. “And then I found out later that there was an accident.”
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His neighbor, 62-year-old Joe Thome, the chairman of Taycheedah, had fallen 11 feet into a well on his farm, according to Jim Rosenthal, one of the town supervisors. He was airlifted to ThedaCare in Neenah.
“He was replacing some well casing,” Rosenthal said. “We’re expecting a long-term recovery.”
According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Thome was in critical but stable condition Monday afternoon.
Rosenthal said that he and the other supervisors are meeting next week to plan how they will carry out Thome’s duties while he is recovering.
“He’s a great man and a thoughtful leader,” Rosenthal said. “Joe is not only instrumental in his work in Taycheedah but also the agricultural community.”
Kieffer said that Thome and his family are selfless neighbors.
“Joe’s a good guy, a good guy. Always friendly, very friendly, always courteous. Just all around a good person, really,” Kieffer said. “They’re always willing to help, it’s just who they are. If you ever needed anything they’re always there.”
Kieffer describes the Ledge Rd. neighbors as tight-knit, and enjoy spending time with each others’ families.
“They’re our neighbors, and we used to have a block party all the time, or a road party, whatever you want to call it,” he said. “We’re country people, so everybody’s a neighbor that lives on your road.”
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It is unclear if there is anything that the community can do to help the grandfather and his family at this time. Kieffer says that prayers are the best thing community members can give the family at this time.
“Just prayers, prayers will always work. Prayers will always work.”
