Local farmer Rex Hannewald killed in auger accident

The Associated Press reported that 63-year-old Rex Hannewald was the victim of a fatal farm machinery accident Wednesday, March 20. Authorities say Hannewald, a local farmer and graduate of Stockbridge schools, died while working on a manure spreader and becoming caught in its auger.

That day around 12:40 in the afternoon deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 14000 block of Territorial Rd. in Waterloo Township for the report of a farming accident. Stockbridge Rescue responded to the scene as well, but injuries were too severe for treatment.

Hannewald was well known in the local community and has numerous family in the area. The Hannewald Barn at the Waterloo Farm Museum is named after his extended family.

Jackson County authorities say this tragic accident is a reminder of the dangers of farming and in particular working around farming implements.