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Officer Anton Gaetz Melrose Police Department Died - September 24, 1919 On July 5, 1919 while arresting a suspect, Officer Gaetz was violently assaulted and injured in his abdomen. Officer Gaetz developed cancer in the area of his injury. The Supreme Court decreed that "the evidence in this case is sufficient to sustain a finding that an injury received by a deceased officer while in the course of his employment was a contributing case of his death. |
During the summer of 1919, Officer Gaetz developed cancer in the area of his injuries. He had surgery and remained in the hospital for 19 days. He then had another operation which was successful and hopes were bright for his recovery. His sudden decline after the second operation was unexpected and his death came as a big surprise to his many friends.
Mrs. Gaetz pursued legal action against the City of Melrose for worker’s compensation damages, claiming that Anton died as a result of injuries he received while arresting Frank Krampka. Eventually, Helen prevailed at the district court, later affirmed by the Supreme Court of Minnesota. The Supreme Court of Minnesota decrees that “the evidence in this case is sufficient to sustain a finding that an injury received by a deceased police officer, while in the course of his employment, was a contributing cause of his death.”
Officer Gaetz was survived by his wife, Helen, five daughters and three sons. His funeral was at St. Boniface Church on Saturday.
Story submitted by Richard Gaetz, great grandson
My great grandparents, Anton and Helen Gaetz were married in New Trier, Minnesota on October 14, 1879. Shortly after their wedding the Gaetz family moved to Wadena, Minnesota following some of Helen’s family who had already located to this area. After a twenty year career in blacksmithing and the birth of nine children the Gaetz family moved to Akeley, Minnesota at the turn of the century. A short attempt at a hotel operation in Akeley proved unsuccessful and prompted a move to Melrose, Minnesota in 1902. Here in Melrose, Anton established the Palace Hotel, which he operated while also working part-time as a police officer. By 1916 Anton’s career is dedicated solely to police work which continues until his death. Anton dies September 24, 1919.
Following Anton’s death, Helen pursues legal action against the City of Melrose for worker’s compensation damages, claiming that Anton died as a result of injuries received while arresting Frank Krampka in the summer of 1919. Helen prevails at the district court, later affirmed by the Supreme Court of Minnesota. The damage aggregated to the amount of $4,000.
Now, 88 years after his death it is time to honor Anton Gaetz for the sacrifice he has given our State.
