Whitelaw crash kills tractor operator

Posted at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021

The Brillion News

WHITELAW - The collision of utility tractor and a Toyota Camry on Wednesday, December 30, claimed the life of the tractor operator.

Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig identified the deceased as Richard Dufek, 57, of rural Whitelaw.

He was operating a Ford 1110 model mini-tractor westbound on Polifka Road, west of Popelar Road in the Town of Kossuth.

His tractor was struck from behind by a 2007 Toyota Camry driven by Julie Zipperer, 60, also of rural Whitelaw, just before 6:30 p.m.

Dufek was ejected and died at the scene of blunt force trauma, according to the coroner's office. Zipperer suffered minor injuries.

The sheriff's department continues to investigate the crash. Attending at the scene were the Rockwood and Francis Creek fire departments, Manitowoc Fire/Rescue, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the county highway department, the coroner's office and Hi-Way 42 Garage. The county's joint dispatch center coordinated the emergency response.