Steven Wentzlaff passes away in Mankato on Friday, April 29
Update from Steven Wentzlaff’s brother, Paul Wentzlaff: “At 1 a.m. today (Sunday, May 1), a team of four surgeons (who have been flown in) began removing Steven’s lungs, heart, kidneys, pancreas, liver and cornea. The liver will be transplanted almost immediately – to a woman who would have died tomorrow without the transplant. His kidneys will be going to two separate people. His corneas also have a recipient. His heart, lungs and pancreas will be going the University of Minnesota for research. This is a joyous time in the lives of many families. We will miss Steve immensely – and we are celebrating his life. To God be the glory.”
Sixty-eight-year-old Steven Wentzlaff of Butterfield lost his battle following a farm accident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, April 26, passing away in Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato, on Friday, April 29.
He had been hospitalized in intensive care in Mankato with life-threatening injuries after after being pulled from a grain truck in Watonwan County just after 3 p.m. last Tuesday.
The Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office says authorities were called to a site in Long Lake Township on Watonwan County Road 10 at 3:09 p.m.
Wentzlaff, a worker at the farm, was trying to get out of a grain truck when we fell backwards into a substance known as corn shaft or bee wings, and was trapped. St. James Fire Department Chief Jason Monnens stated that it is believed he may have been trapped for 20 minutes before crews were able to free him.
He was taken by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James and was airlifted to Mankato.
Currently there is no word on the extent of his injures.
St. James Fire Department and St. James Ambulance Squad assisted at the scene.
Steven Edward Wentzlaff was born on January 5, 1948. His family is grateful for all the support they have received, and are happy that, as an organ donor, Steven will provide improved life for many people.
