Ronald Emil Holzwarth

Independent Enterprise
Thursday, August 11, 1977

Collision kills youth

FRUITLAND - A 16 year old Fruitland boy was killed Tuesday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. east of Fruitland when the pickup truck he was driving struck a tree.

Ron Holzwarth, 16, and his step-brother Kent Johnson, 17, both of Fruitland, were traveling east on N.W. 3rd Ave. Tuesday afternoon when their vehicle swerved into the westbound land and sped head-on into a tree located a few feet to the side of the road. Holzwarth was dead at the scene when Payette County deputies arrived.

The boys had been working for Farmers supply Co-op and were driving home when the accident occurred. Holzwarth was found trapped behind the steering wheel which had to be cut before his body could be removed.

Payette county deputies are at a loss to explain how the accident occurred. They reported that there were no skid marks indicating an attempt to avoid the collision. The accident is still under investigation.

Johnson was reported in good condition, at Holy Rosary Hospital Wednesday morning. A spokeswoman for the hospital said he had sustained a broken arm and minor injuries.

Independent Enterprise (Thursday, August 18, 1977)

Ronald E. Holzwarth

FRUITLAND - Services for Ronald Emil Holzwarth, 16, Fruitland, who died August 9 in an automobile accident in Fruitland were conducted Saturday at the Payette United Methodist Church by Dr. Leonard Reifel, St. John's Church. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Payette, under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Chapel, Fruitland.

He was born March 8, 1961, in Coeur d'Alene, where he lived for a year, then moved with his parents to New Plymouth. They moved to Boise in 1964, to Weiser in 1970, and to Fruitland in 1976.

He attended Fruitland High School and was active in sports and various school activities.

Surviving are his father, Emil Holzwarth Jr., Puerto Rico; his mother, Mrs. Gail (Leta) Johnson, a half-brother, Thomas, a step-brother, Kent, and a sister, Bonnie, all Fruitland; two stepsisters, Gaileen and Donay, both Lewiston; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Nesbitt, New Plymouth, and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Holzwarth Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.