Community comes together to finish farmers’ harvest after tragic accident

KINGSLEY, Iowa (KTIV/Gray News) – An Iowa man was killed in a farming accident Oct. 5 during harvest season near his family’s home in rural Kingsley.

Dana Sitzmann, 58, was harvesting when he was struck by an unattended vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries.

Less than two weeks later, a group of over seventy farmers gathered to help the Sitzmann family complete the job.

Chad Isminger helped coordinate the Harvest Bee and described Dana Sitzmann for those who didn’t know him.

“Dana was a very caring, compassionate person. If the tables were turned, he would be the first to help someone else, which I think is a testament to the outpouring of help we’ve received for this,” Isminger said.

Dozens of plots of corn were covered by an army of farmers on the Sitzmann farm, all with one goal: to lend a helping hand to a family facing tragedy.

Tyler Sitzmann stood outside the family’s home Wednesday morning looking at the field where his father was killed; now the community is helping to complete the harvest.

“My father was a very generous and kind person. If you ever had any problems, he would come. He would be there to help you. He was there for others, kind and honest with everyone,” described Tyler Sitzmann.

News of Dana Sitzmann’s fatal accident spread quickly.

The Kingsley community and surrounding area mobilized to complete his harvest.

“This is something that could have happened to any of them,” Isminger added. “So I think everyone recognizes that and they want to help because they know it could have been them.

It was a convoy of equipment and more than 70 farmers. Every farmer with a combine, grain cart, tractor and truck who received the call reached the 850 acres of corn.

“In fact, when the news broke, we just kept receiving phone calls. As of last night we were still receiving calls from people wanting to come and help. We plan to announce all of that today,” Isminger added.

Dana Sitzmann’s wife, Linda, took the first ride on the combine in honor of her husband in the field behind their house.

At the community center, volunteers ensured that all farmers were fed and prepared 72 packed lunches.

“It’s just anyone who can help. They find a way to help,” Isminger said.

Back in the fields, Wednesday’s crop yield is a testament to the years Dana Sitzmann has spent in this industry.

There is a season for everything. In Kingsley it was a season of reaping and giving.

Tyler Sitzmann was very grateful.

“To all the farmers in the area, Kingsley and Pearson, or anyone who has helped outside of these small communities, we are so grateful for all the support and help we get here to get these farms harvested,” said Dana Sitzmann. .

Dana Sitzmann’s father, Dennis, said he was a fifth-generation farmer.

The Sitzmann family was overwhelmed by the response from the volunteers and thanked everyone who helped with the harvest.

Any financial contributions can be made on behalf of Dana Sitzmann to the Kingsley Fire and EMS Department.

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