Snowy crash claims life of Spring Valley woman, injures three

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MARTELL -- A Spring Valley woman was killed Friday night after the vehicle driven by her sister lost control in slippery conditions and hit a power pole.

Jeri Brunkhorst, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene, on CTH J near 780th Avenue, about a mile west of Hwy. 63 in the town of Martell.

The car's driver, Marsha Brunkhorst, 56, was transported to River Falls Area Hospital with undetermined injuries, according to Pierce sheriff's deputy Jean Spletstoser.

Two others in the vehicle -- Ken and Denise Witucki, aged 67 and 50 respectively, also of Spring Valley - were also transported to RFAH as a precaution.

Spletstoser's news release indicated Brunkhorst was northbound on Hwy. J, negotiating a curve and descending a hill, when she lost control, crossed the road entered the north ditch and struck a pole.

Speed and snowy road conditions were both factors in the crash. Heavy snow was falling in the area about that time.

Ellsworth fire and ambulance crews responded along with deputies at about 9 p.m.

The Brunkhorst name is well-known in the Spring Valley area. Marsha Brunkhorst won re-election in April, 2007 as the Village President in Spring Valley.

Both women were active at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Jeri completed a term on the church council last year.

The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with burial in St. Michaels Cemetery in the town of Cady.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Keehr Funeral Home in Spring Valley, and an hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Keehr Funeral Home in Spring Valley is providing arrangements.

Tags: highway, pierce, wisconsin, fatality