A devastating house fire in Necedah, Wisconsin, has tragically claimed the lives of six individuals, leaving the community in mourning and shock. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of three adults and three children. Firefighters battled the blaze for three hours and remained on the scene for twelve hours, working tirelessly to control the flames and investigate the aftermath.
The incident began around 2:30 a.m. when emergency crews were called to a home on Morros Mile Road. Reports indicated that several people were trapped inside the house. Upon arrival, firefighters found some individuals already outside in the driveway, but tragically, six people remained inside. Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the intense blaze claimed the lives of Lena Henselin, Merci Henselin, Pastor Steve Witte, Lydia Witte, Charis Kuehl, and Stella Kuehl.
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is deeply mourning the loss of these six individuals, including Pastor Steve Witte, who was also a missionary in Thailand. Synod President Mark Schroeder expressed the profound grief felt by the community, stating, “The pain of losing six members of one family cannot be described with words. The only source of comfort in such a grievous time are the words that God Himself speaks to us.”
St. Mark Ministries in De Pere, where some of the victims were church members, also expressed their sorrow and support. In a heartfelt Facebook post, they wrote, “There is no doubt that our God is good, but at moments like this, it is difficult to understand His ways. Our hearts grieve for the Henselin family, even as we hold on to the hope of resurrection. We pray that Jesus might come quickly to usher in His New Heavens and New Earth.”
In response to this tragedy, the church’s pastoral team is offering support to those in need. They have created a GoFundMe account to assist the family financially and are organizing a meal train to provide immediate relief. The community’s response has been overwhelming, with many coming forward to offer their condolences and support to the grieving families.
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the fire is believed to be accidental, but the exact cause is still under investigation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice-State Fire Marshal has been requested to assist with the ongoing investigation to determine the specific circumstances that led to this tragic event.
Multiple emergency services, including the Necedah Fire Department, New Lisbon Fire Department, Mauston Area Ambulance, the Juneau County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice/State Fire Marshal, responded to the scene. Their combined efforts highlight the severity of the incident and the collaborative effort required to manage such a significant tragedy.
The Necedah community has rallied together in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have come forward to offer their support and condolences to the affected families. The GoFundMe campaign has seen generous donations, reflecting the community’s desire to provide some measure of relief to those who are suffering.
The loss of Pastor Steve Witte, who was also a missionary in Thailand, and the other victims, has left a deep void in the community. Pastor Witte’s dedication to his faith and his tireless efforts to help others will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy.
As the community navigates through this period of grief, local leaders and mental health professionals emphasize the importance of seeking support and coming together. Counseling services are being made available for those struggling to cope with the loss, and community gatherings are being organized to provide a space for collective mourning and remembrance.
The tragedy in Necedah serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fire safety. Local authorities are urging residents to review fire safety protocols and ensure that their homes are equipped with functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. While the investigation continues to determine the exact cause of the fire, the emphasis on preventive measures aims to reduce the risk of future incidents.
In the face of such profound loss, the strength and resilience of the Necedah community are evident. The support being offered to the grieving families, the shared mourning, and the collective efforts to provide assistance all highlight the community’s solidarity and compassion.
As the investigation progresses and more details emerge, the focus will remain on providing support to those affected and honoring the memories of Lena Henselin, Merci Henselin, Pastor Steve Witte, Lydia Witte, Charis Kuehl, and Stella Kuehl. Their lives, though tragically ended, will be remembered for their contributions to their community and the love they shared with those around them.
The Necedah house fire is a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the community. The loss of six lives in such a sudden and devastating manner is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The community’s response, marked by compassion and support, will be crucial in helping the affected families navigate through their grief and begin the long process of healing.
