Person:Ralph Helferich (1)

Ralph Helfrich Kills Chester F. Colerick and Then Suicides - Motive of Tragedy Not Clear - Had Been Friends

Chester F. Colerick, 63, well known Peninsula Orchardist; was shot and instantly killed this morning on his farm by his neighbor and close friend Ralph Helfrich, 51, who returned to his nearby farm home after the shooting and committed suicide with the same gun. Motive for the shootings is not clearly established. Officers who investigated the case stated that Colerick and Helfrich both prominent fruit growers, have been frinds for years, working together on their farms, which are located north of Mapleton on the Penninsula. Each spent much time visiting the other and his home. Thursday Mr. and Mrs. Helfrich came into Traverse City and purchased a house trailer with which they planned to go on a motor trip through the south, leaving next Monday. Helferich had been troubled with bronchitis for the past several years, officers reported necessitating a trip south for relief each year. The trailer was purchased but since there was no coupling on the car for attaching it Helferich left it there and planned to return and get the trailer today and paint the interior before leaving. Yesterday morning Helferich had made a remark to his wife concerning Colerick's presence in their home, so Mrs. Helfrich went to Colerick's farm and told him that to avoid any trouble it would be better for him to remain away from the Helfrich home. Colerick agreed and Mrs. Helferich returned home and told her husband. He replied that that was satisfactory. Early this morning Helfrich drove to Colerick's farm, located one-half mile north of Mapleton, and apparently waited for Colerick to make his appearance. Colerick came out of the house about 630 and started for the barn to do his morning chores. Officers stated that it is not definitely known whether Helfrich fired the shot while sitting in his car. Colerick died instantly from a charge of buckshot fired from Helfrich's12-gauge shotgun, which penetrated his heart. Helfrich then returned home, entered the house where his wife was sleeping and said "Well I've done for Joe" He then kissed his wife and 8 year old daughter, went out the front door and around a corner of the house, placed the shotgun loaded with a one ounce ball against his forehead, and pulled the trigger. The charge carried away the entire upper part of his skull. Helfrich's stepson, Thomas Fitzgerald, 19, who was in the house heard the shot and thought it was a door slamming. He looked through a window and saw Helfrich's body, Helfrich's own son, Harvey, 20, was also in the house when the shooting occurred. State Police and the sheriff's department were notified and they took over the investigation of the case. Word of the double tragedy was not received until Colerick's son Elgin, 22, found his father's body lying on the ground between the house and the barn at 7:15. Mrs. Colerick collapsed and was placed under the care of a physician, while Mrs. Helfrich and her small daughter who yesterday accompanied her parents on on the southern trip, were taken to the home of a neighbor. Coroner H.B. Kyselka announced after investigating the case that an inquest would be held. The bodies were brought to the Sampson Funeral Home, Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Saturday Oct 23, 1937 Record -Eagle, Traverse City Michingan

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Geboorte-overlijden, in Find A Grave.

   Find A Grave

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 The body of Mr. Helfrich will remain at the Sampson Funeral Home where strictly private services will be conducted Sunday afternoon by Rev. R.J. Lautner, pastor of the Evangelical church. Internment will be at Ogdensburg.