Kropf, Ray (1918-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 April 3 p. 1

Birth date: 1918

text of obituary:

Three Young Men Lose Lives In Oregon Plane Crash

FINAL SERVICES HELD FOR ONE OF VICTIMS AT PROPHETSTOWN, ILLINOIS

Prophetstown, Ill. — This community was shocked on Monday, March 17, to learn of the tragic deaths of three young men in an airplane crash in Oregon, one of them Raymond Hostetler, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hostetler of this vicinity. The other two victims were Donald Headings and Ray Kropf of Oregon.

Funeral services for young Hostetler took place here on Sunday, March 23. His father, John Hostetler and grandfather, L. C. Hostetler, were in Florida at the time of the tragedy, but returned here for the funeral. Also present were a brother, Roy Hostetler, and two sisters, Mrs. David Eash and Mrs. Roy Headings, all from the state of Oregon. Other survivors include the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kaufman of Shelbyville.

The deceased had left this community some time ago for Oregon, where he was employed.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Apr 10 p. 1

text of obituary:

HOLD SERVICES FOR THREE YOUNG MEN WHO DIED IN OREGON PLANE CRASH

Oakland, Oregon. — A triple funeral took place at the Harrisburg church recently for Ray, Kropf, Raymond Hostetler, and Donald Headings, who were instantly killed in the crash of their light plane on the Elmer Hostetler farm near here. The services were largely attended.

The tragedy occurred following the visit of the three young men at the Elmer Hostetler home. The plane, piloted by Mr. Kropf, apparently stalled on the take-off and nosed into the ground and burned. The bodies were burned beyond recognition. Members of the Elmer Hostetler family were watching the take-off and witnessed the crash.

Ray Kropf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kropf, was 29 years of age, and is survived by his wife Bertha, two children, the parents, four sisters, two brothers, and two half brothers. Donald Headings, 20, leaves his wive Verna, and a baby daughter; his father, Harvey Headings; two brothers and two sisters. Raymond Hostetler, 18, is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hostetler of Prophetstown, Ill., two brothers and three sisters.

The body of Raymond Hostetler was sent to Prophetstown for burial.