By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
It was a night folks could not believe happened.
Saturday night, Jim Smith of Correctionville and Lee Schroeder of Anthon were flying back from Las Vegas in a friend's plane when it crashed south of Correctionville, killing both Smith and Schroeder.
"Total devastation, disbelief. It was unimaginable," said Denise Wright after hearing of the news. Wright's husband drove for Smith's trucking company.
Smith delivered a repaired semi-truck to Las Vegas and needed a way to get back home.
His friend, Gaylen Knaack of Correctionville offered to pick him up in his private plane.
Folks who knew smith said he was a "go-getter" and always wanted to help out, that's why he made the trip.
"His mind always went as fast as his legs," said Wright. "He was always on the go. It didn't matter if he was on the phone or in the truck going somewhere, he never stayed home. I always joked with him, stay in and relax for a weekend."
Lee Schroeder was asked by Knaack to come along for the trip.
Schroeder was a long-time volunteer with the Anthon and Oto fire departments, and those who worked with him said he was a role model for the town.
"He was a pillar for the community. He took everyone under his wing," said Craig Hendke who had volunteered for 14 years with Schroeder in the Anthon Fire Department. "If you didn't know something he would make sure that you did by the time you were done. He really took care of everyone, just a good man,"
For years, Schroeder had volunteered to be Santa in local Oto and Anthon Christmas celebrations.
Folks said there wasn't anything he wasn't involved with.
"Anything he could do to serve the community or people that was him," said Hendke.
