The Jaeske Suicide

On Tuesday, February 22, 1955, the Marion County Sheriff’s office became aware of the suicide of an ex-Silverton woman in Salem around the time of Ervin Kaser’s murder, and investigated it to discover whether it might have any relationship to the murder.  I’ve collected here all of the snippets from the police reports regarding this.

Sheriff Denver Young, Tuesday, February 22, 1955:

9:00 A.M. Received information from John Zabinski that an ex-Silverton woman by the name of Jaeske, had committed suicide and had been investigated by the City. She may have known Kaser. Instructed Deputy Sheriff Zabinski to check for any possible connection with Kaser case.

Sheriff Denver Young, Thursday, February 24, 1955:

1:10 P.M. Received info from James Beard re: Mrs. Jaeske suicide.

Sheriff’s Deputy John T. Zabinski, Saturday, February 26, 1955:

RE: Lanora Jaeschke

State hospital reports that Lanora Jaeschke was committed to the hospital by a court order on 11-16-44.

Released to her husband George Jaeschke on 12-12-45. They then lived in Silverton, Oregon.

Sheriff’s Deputy John T. Zabinski, Tuesday, March 1, 1955:

RE: Mrs. Lanora Jaeschke, suicide

4:20 P.M. the writer contacted Mrs. Martha Thompson, 1795 Market Street, Salem, Oregon, who is the landlady of the Jaeschke residence. Mrs. Thompson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Jaeschke began renting from her in June, 1954. She considered Mr. and Mrs. Jaeschke very pleasant people. She stated that she never entered the house during this renting period, however, they did keep a neat yard. They would go for walks on occasion, they would be neat in appearance and seemed to appear pleasant. Mrs. Thompson stated that Mr. Jaeschke did not seem to have any outsdie activities, he enjoyed listening to baseball games over the radio. When paying his rent on Saturday, February 26, 1955, Mr. Jaeschke broke in to tears, stating he did not know how to dispose of some of the furniture. He stated that it was quite a problem after being married for thirty years. Mrs. Thompson stated that she has never seen Mrs. Jaeschke drive a car, however she believes that Mrs. Jaeschke may have driven in the past. Mrs. Thompson stated that Mr. Jaeschke is employed at Tillamook, Oregon, either as a lumber grader or checker.

Mr. Noonchester, realtor, 1595 N. Cottage Street, Salem, Oregon, recommended the Jaeschke’s as good renters to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson.

Sheriff’s Deputy John T. Zabinski (Badge #6), Thursday, March 3, 1955:

Re: Lanora Jaeschke suicide

At approximately 11:00 A.M. This date the writer contacted Ralfe Bentson, Goldie’s Tavern, 211 Main St., Silverton, Oregon, in regard to Mrs. Lanora Jaeschke. Mr. Bentson stated that he knew Mrs. Jaeschke approximately 25 years. He considered Mrs. Jaeschke an odd person. At times she would appear very friendly then again she would pass him by as if she did not recognize him. At times she had complained to Mr. Benston regarding Mr. Jaeschke’s drinking, however when they did come into his place of business she would order a soft drink, while her husband purchased beer. Mr. Bentson stated that he had never seen Mrs. Jaeschke drink any alcoholic beverages, but he felt certain that she did at her home. Mr. Bentson stated that it was common gossip that Mrs. Jaeschke held wild parties while her husband was working, as he came home only on weekends. Mr. Bentson believes that Mrs. Jaeschke may just be odd enough to be a little crazy. He referred to Mr. Jaeschke as a man who enjoyed his “bottle.”

Mr. Bentson referred the writer to Alice Lund, Tony’s Cafe, 213 Main St., Silverton Oregon, as he thought if anyone knew anything about Mrs. Jaeschke, Mrs. Lund would.

11:30 A.M. This date the writer contacted Mrs. Lund at Tony’s Cafe, in regard to Mrs. Jaeschke. Mrs. Lund stated that she knew Mrs. Jaeschke for about 20 years. She felt that she may have been Mrs. Jaeschke’s only real friend. She considered Mrs. Jaeschke very odd and moody, otherwise Mrs. Jaeschke was very nice and pleasant. After World War II, Mr. Jaeschke was in the habit of bringing friends home from Camp Adair, when coming home for the weekend, from his job in Tillamook, Oregon. This may be what people referred to as wild parties. Mrs. Lund considered Mr. Jaeschke an alcoholic. She does not recall, at any time, when Mr. Jaeschke mistreated his wife in any way.

Due to Mrs. Jaeschke’s odd nature, Mr. Jaeschke talked the matter over with Mrs. Lund and offered to pay Mrs. Jaeschke’s salary if Mrs. Lund would employ her in her cafe, as he felt this might help to keep her mind occupied. It seemed that Mrs. Jaeschke felt better if she was occupied. Mrs. Lund employed Mrs. Jaeschke on regular salary basis and not to terms mentioned by Mr. Jaeschke.

After a short period, Mrs. Lund had to dismiss Mrs. Jaeschke, as it reached the point where Mrs. Jaeschke was a hinderance to her business. Mrs. Lund stated that Mrs. Jaeschke felt very lost after the death of her mother, several years ago. Mrs. Lund stated that she was not surprised when she read about Mrs. Jaeschke committing suicide and thought that probably Mr. Jaeschke would do the same thing within a few months.

Mrs. Lund stated that Mr. Jaeschke was in her cafe Saturday, February 19, 1955, in an intoxicated condition. She tried to get Mr. Jaeschke to go home. She believes that Orrin Buell, brother-in-law, his wife and daughter took him home.

Mrs. Lund stated that Mrs. Jaeschke had driven a car several years ago, but since her accident, which occurred about two years ago, she has never seen her drive a car since.

The writer will make an effort to contact Mr. Jaeschke during the coming weekend, when he returns from Tillamook, Oregon, where he has been employed as a timber grader for several years.

Additional Information Re: Mr. Jaeschke and Casper Oveross

Mrs. Lund stated that her brother-in-law, Alvin Lund remarked that he had seen Mr. Jaeschke and Casper Oveross drinking together in Walt’s Tavern in Silverton during the evening of Saturday, February 19, 1955. Mrs. Lund also states that Melvin Lund is quite a “sportsman” and that she believes that Melvin and Casper Oveross have done some targtet shooting together. She feels that the answer to the Kaser case may be found within the area known as “Dutch Flats”, which is located between the Kaser residence and “Little Switzerland.”

Alvin and Melvin Lund reside at Route 3, Box 125, Silverton, Oregon. Alvin is considered quite a drinker. Melvin Lund is believed to be a hunter and fisherman.

Mrs. Lund requests that her namne be kept confidential.

This information was given to Sheriff Young and Sergeant Huffman, State Police, at Silverton City Hall, this date.

State Police Officer Sergeant Wayne G. Huffman, Friday, March 4, 1955:

Alvin Lund, brother to Melvin Lund, same address was contacted. He stated he has never target practiced with Casper Oveross on his place and did not see him in any tavern with a George Jaeschke. He stated he knows of this Jaeschke but not to visit with him or be friendly, only just by sight.

Sheriff’s Deputy Amos O. Shaw, Monday, March 7, 1955:

5:00 PM Contact JACK TOWE, bar tender at Walts Tavern Silverton. Doesn’t know Jaeske at all.

 Salem City Police Reports pertaining to Jaeske suicide:

RE: COVER IN WITH FIRST AID CAR
DATE: 2-19-55  TIME: 12-15 AM
NAME: GEORGE JAESCHKE
ADDRESS: 1735 Market St., Salem

At the above time DR. REYNOLDS of 1737 Market St. called the station and reported that MR. JAESCHKE could be seen through the front window of his home at 1735 Market St. lying on the floor in the front room. DR. REYNOLDS thought perhaps MR. JAESCHKE had harmed himself following the suicide of his wife (refer to report on Investigation on 2-18-55 by HALBLACK, EDWARDS and ROCQUE).

The writers, OFFICER STEWARD and the 1st Aid Car went to the JAESCHKE home where he could be seen lying on the floor of the front room. We gained entrance to the house through the garage door. Mr. JAESCHKE was aroused, appeared to be alright except that he was very intoxicated. He was eventually put to bed and immediately went to sleep. A relative, RALPH SEARS, was contacted. MR. SEARS came to the house and the situation explained to him. He agreed to spend the night with MR. JAESCHKE.

Calvin J. Steward S.K. Friese, Capt. J. J. Schuetz, Sgt.

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RE: Missing man

NAME: George Jaeschke TIME: 10-50 PM
ADDRESS: 1735 Market St., Salem DATE: 2-20-55

At the above time JUNE ARNOLD of 2555 Cherry Ave. Salem Ph. 3-8857 reported that JAESCHKE was missing and she feels that he may go on an extended drinking spree. He is the husband of the Mrs. Jaeschke who committed suicide last week.

JAESCHKE is desc. As about 50 yrs, 5’6” 130 lbs, slight build, has left hand amputated. Wearing dark trousers, green cruiser type jacket and dark brown hat.

W. Esplin

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So, no connections were found, and apparently that’s as far as this avenue of investigation was explored.

Blogically yours,Everett