Over 70 Iowa farmers help Kingsley family with harvest after father killed in farm accident

KINGSLEY, Iowa (KTIV) - Back on Saturday, Oct. 5 a Kingsley man lost his life in a farming accident during the harvest season.

It happened near his family's home in rural Kingsley. Fifty-eight-year-old Dana Sitzmann was working on harvest when he was struck by an unattended wagon and suffered fatal injuries.

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

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 one there to help somebody else, which I think, you know, is a testament to the outpouring of help that we received for this," said Isminger.

Dozens of plots of corn were covered by an army of farmers at the Sitzmann farmstead all with one goal, offering a helping hand to a family facing a tragedy.

Tyler Sitzmann was outside the family's home on Wednesday morning looking at the field where his father was killed, now the community is helping them finish the harvest.

"My dad was a very generous and kind person. If you ever had any problems, he'd come. He'd be right there to help you. He was there for others, kind and he was fair to everyone," said Tyler Sitzmann.

The news about Dana Sitzmann's fatal accident spread quickly.

The Kingsley community surrounding area jumped into action helping to finish his harvest.

"This is something that could have happened to any one of them. So they, you know, I think everybody recognizes that, and they want to help because they know it could have been them," said Isminger.

It was a convoy of equipment, and over 70 farmers. Every farmer with a combine, grain cart, tractor, and semi truck who received the call made it out to the 850 acres of corn.

"Actually, it was once the word got out, that we just kept receiving phone calls. We were still receiving phone calls as of last night, with people wanting to come help. We plan on getting that all out today," added Isminger.

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

Over at the community center, volunteers were making sure all the farmers were fed, making 72 sack lunches.

"Some people are going to be delivering meals," said Tyler Sitzmann.

"So it's just been anybody that can help. They're finding a way to help," said Isminger.

Back in the fields, Wednesday's crop yield is a testament to the years that Sitzmann gave in this industry.

To everything, there is a season. In Kingsley, it was a season of harvest and giving.

Tyler Sitzmann was very thankful saying, "To all the farmers around the area, Kingsley and Pearson, or anybody that helped outside of those small communities. We're so thankful for all the support and help that we're having here to get these farms harvested."

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

The Sitzmann family was overwhelmed with the response from the volunteers and said thank you to all who helped with the harvest today.

Any financial contributions can be made in Dana's name to the Kingsley Fire Department & Ambulance Service.