An 8-year-old rural Cresco boy died after he was accidently struck by a farm tractor last Sunday.
    Roger Alden Goetsch, son of William and Rose Goetsch, was hit by the tractor in his farmyard late Sunday afternoon.
    Roger’s father was backing up the tractor with a hay baler on the back of it, obstructing his view behind him,  when he ran over his son, according to Howard County Sheriff Mark Grinhaug. Grinhaug said he believes the boy may have been running up behind his father’s tractor with the goal of jumping on the back of it for a ride before he was struck.
    The Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Howard County Ambulance and First Responders arrived at the Goetsch residence on 35th St. in northeastern rural Howard County around 4 p.m.
    Roger was pronounced dead at the scene by the Howard County Medical Examiner. Mayo One also provided emergency care at the scene.
    The 8-year-old attended John Cline Elementary in Decorah. He enjoyed attending church with his parents and singing church songs. Roger also enjoyed helping out on the farm.
    Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. June 26 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco. Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 25 and one hour prior to services at the church. The burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in rural Cresco.