Louisberg couple killed in Highway 12 crash

HOLLOWAY -- A Louisberg couple was killed in a two-vehicle crash around 2:30 p.m. Monday at the intersection of U.S. highways 12 and 59 west of Benson.

According to the State Patrol, Gail A. Strickler, 68, was driving a 2001 Ford north on Highway 59 and pulled out in front of the other vehicle. She died at St. Cloud Hospital.

Her passenger, Ned H. Strickler, 60, was taken to Appleton Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The other driver, Bernard A. Westhausen, 70, of Appleton, was driving a 1995 Dodge Ram west on Highway 12. He was taken to Appleton Hospital for treatment of a minor injury.

The crash came just one day before the Minnesota Department of Transportation was to transform the intersection from a two-way to a four-way stop. Previously, only north- and south-bound traffic were required to stop. Now, traffic on Highway 12 will be required to stop. MnDOT announced the changes on Thursday.

The work at the intersection will include rumble strips, pavement markings that say "stop ahead" and stop bars on Highway 12, red flashing lights on all stop signs and two overhead street lights.