Joseph Donndelinger was born January 13, 1901. Joe and his wife, Clara, had four children. Around December 1937, the family was excitedly waiting to move into the new house that Joe was building for them.

On December 5, 1937, Officer Donndelinger’s was assigned a beat car with a rookie officer by the name of Granville (Granny) Smith. While on patrol in their cruiser on Jackson Street, they both observed a vehicle shoot through the intersection of Fifth and Jackson Streets. Not only was it speeding, the driver also ignored a stop sign.

The Officers stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Floyd Wagener. Unknown to the Officers, Wagener was driving a stolen vehicle. He had just dropped off two companions at Sears, and they were burglarizing the business in an attempt to crack the safe inside.

Officer Smith made contact with Wagener and told him the reason for a stop. It was determined that Wagener be cited, and he was told to report to the Police Station. Wagener told Smith that he didn’t know where the Station was, and to the surprise of Officer Donndelinger, Smith got in the car with Wagener to direct him to the Station.

Officer Donndelinger began to follow Wagener. At the intersection of Fifth and State Streets, Wagener told Smith he had to roll down his window, but instead armed himself with a revolver. Wagener shoved the revolver into Smith’s ribs and demanded that Smith direct him to the Minnesota border. Officer Donndelinger immediately recognized there was a problem and began pursuing the vehicle as it sped through traffic. Eventually, Officer James Christie joined the pursuit.

While heading over the bridge toward Minnesota, Wagener fired at the pursuing Officers and Christie returned fire. Approximately 200 feet from MN, Officer Donndelinger was able to pull alongside Wagener and force him off the road. Officer Donndelinger ran towards the vehicle and found Officer Smith still in the front seat. He shortly found himself face-to-face with Wagener who was now armed with his own and Officer Smith’s revolvers, intent on escaping at all costs.

Officer Donndelinger ordered Wagener to drop his weapons, but instead, Wagener opened fire and Donndelinger returned. In the end, both were hit three times. Wagener was struck three times in the arm, shattering the elbow. Officer Donndelinger was struck in the right arm, the right leg, and under his heart. He was rushed to the hospital by Officer Christie.

Joe waged a five-day battle for survival, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 1937.

This story is based on extensive research completed by retired LCPD Lieutenant Daniel J. Marcou and summarized based on Lt. Dan's historical writings. The date of death was confirmed by an uncertified Death Certificate provided by the La Crosse County Register of Deeds.