More than 70 Iowa farmers help the Kingsley family with their harvest after their father dies in a farm accident

KINGSLEY, Iowa (KTIV) – On Saturday, October 5, a Kingsley man died in a farming accident during the harvest season.

It happened near his family home in rural Kingsley. 58-year-old Dana Sitzmann was working harvesting when he was struck 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 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 how much help we received for this,” Isminger said.

Dozens of cornfields were covered by an army of farmers on the Sitzmann homestead with the same 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 them 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, kind and fair to everyone,” said Tyler Sitzmann.

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

The Kingsley community in the area stepped up and helped complete his harvest.

“This could have happened to any of them. They, you know, I think everyone recognizes that and they want to help because they know it could have been them,” Isminger said.

It was a convoy with 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 receive 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’s wife, Linda, took the first ride in the combine in honor of her husband in the field behind their house.

Over at the community center, volunteers made sure all the farmers were fed and prepared 72 boxed lunches.

“Some people will be delivering meals,” Tyler Sitzmann said.

“So it was just anyone who could help. They find a way to help,” Isminger said.

Back in the fields, Wednesday’s harvest is a testament to the years 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 and said, “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, um to harvest these farms.”

Dana’s father, Dennis Sitzmann, tells KTIV that Dana was a 5th generation farmer.

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

Any financial contributions may be made in Dana’s name to the Kingsley Fire and Rescue Department.

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