Riegsecker, Miriam (1958-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Mar 1 p. 10

Birth date: 1958

text of obituary:

Four-Year-Old Girl Dies in Farm Fire

Goshen, Ind. — Four-year-old Miriam Riegsecker, one of seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Riegsecker, died when flames destroyed the family's farm home in Middlebury Township on Feb. 17.

The parents were asleep in a downstairs bedroom when awakened by flames and smoke. They roused Miriam and her sister Mary, 9, sleeping in a nearby bedroom, as well as Elizabeth, 18, Leon, 14, and Joe H., 7, who were sleeping upstairs.

The Riegseckers thought all of the children left the house with them, only to find Miriam missing. She apparently became confused and lost her way in the smoke-filled house. Her body was found later in the basement.

Mr. Riegsecker broke out a window and entered the burning house in an unsuccessful attempt to find his daughter. He was driven out by the smoke and flames and suffered a cut wrist and burns.

It is believed the fire originated at a kerosene stove. The Riegseckers are members of the Amish Church.