After a tragic accident, the community comes together to finish the farmer’s harvest

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

Dana Sitzmann, 58, was harvesting when he was hit by an unattended car and suffered fatal injuries.

Less than two weeks later, a group of over 70 farmers came together to help the Sitzmann family complete the work.

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 roles were reversed, he would be the first to help someone else, which I think is a testament to the great help we received in return,” Isminger said.

Dozens of cornfields were worked by an army of farmers on the Sitzmann homestead, all with one goal: to help a family facing tragedy.

Tyler Sitzmann was outside the family home Wednesday morning, looking out 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 problems, he would have come. He would be right there to help you. He was there for others, friendly and fair to everyone,” described Tyler Sitzmann.

The news of Dana Sitzmann’s fatal accident spread quickly.

The Kingsley community and surrounding areas stepped up to help complete his harvest.

“This could have happened to any of them,” Isminger added. “They, you know, 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 over 70 farmers. Every farmer with a combine, grain wagon, tractor and semi-trailer who received the call made it to the 850 hectares of corn crops.

“Actually, after the news broke, we continued to get calls. Last night we were still receiving calls from people wanting to help us. We plan to release all of this today,” Isminger added.

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

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

“Everyone was there who could help. They find a way to help,” Isminger said.

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

There is a season for everything. In Kingsley it was a time of harvest 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 that we have here to harvest these farms,” said Dana Sitzmann.

Dana Sitzmann’s father, Dennis, said he is 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 may be made in Dana Sitzmann’s name to the Kingsley Fire and Rescue Department.

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