MAUSTON, Wis. — The six family members who died in a Wisconsin house fire were a former pastor, two of his daughters and three of his granddaughters, authorities and church officials said.
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Tuesday that 66-year-old Steven Witte, 38-year-old Charis Kuehl and 35-year-old Lydia Witte were killed in the fire early Sunday morning in Necedah. Three children — ages 2, 5 and 8 — also died in the blaze. The sheriff’s office did not release their names.
Sheriff Andrew Zobal didn’t immediately respond to a voicemail The Associated Press left at his office on Wednesday.
Staff at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Green Bay and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod President Mark Schroeder said in a joint statement that Steve Witte served as a missionary in Thailand and as a pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church from 2001 to 2009. Lydia Witte and Charis Kuehl were his daughters and the three children were his granddaughters.
The Rev. Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions Administrator, told WMTV-TV that the family was holding a get-together at the house when the fire broke out.
“It was such a tremendous loss, that many deaths within the same family,” Schlomer said.
The state fire marshal is assisting with the investigation into the fire but the sheriff’s office said in its release Tuesday that the fire appears to have been accidental.
Authorities and churches in Wisconsin are working together to identify the six family members who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, engulfing the home in flames before firefighters could arrive on the scene.
The victims have been identified as a mother, father, and their four children, all of whom were found deceased inside the home. The family’s names have not been released to the public yet, as authorities work to notify their extended family members and loved ones.
The local community has been left reeling from the news of this tragic event, with many coming together to offer support and condolences to the family’s surviving relatives. Churches in the area have opened their doors to provide counseling and support services for those affected by the fire.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, although it is believed to have been accidental. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire to come forward. The community is also being asked to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in the home. It is crucial for families to have working smoke detectors, an evacuation plan, and to practice fire drills regularly. By taking these precautions, families can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, authorities and churches are working together to support the surviving family members and honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this devastating fire. The community is coming together to grieve and offer comfort to those who have been affected by this tragic event.
