Michael Gau Obituary: Belle Plaine firefighter, Died after being struck by a dump truck

Michael Gau Obituary, Death – On a fateful Friday, the somber news spread like wildfire through the tight-knit community of Belle Plaine, as they learned of the tragic loss of one of their own. Michael G. Gau, a 54-year-old resident of Belle Plaine, was the unfortunate victim of a devastating accident that occurred earlier in the week.

The heart-wrenching incident took place at approximately 5:23 p.m. on a Wednesday evening near the crossroads of Rockford Road and Nathan Lane, just west of Hwy. 169. Michael Gau lost his life at the very spot where he had been diligently working. Gau had been a dedicated employee of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and his mission was to contribute to the reconstruction of the Rockford Road bridge over the highway. Tragically, it was in the line of duty that he met his untimely end when he was struck by a dump truck.

The identity of the driver responsible for this heartrending accident was revealed as Mark A. Kohnen, a 71-year-old resident of Buffalo, Minnesota. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident was promptly initiated, and authorities are diligently working to determine the causes and details of this tragic incident.

The news of Michael G. Gau’s untimely passing deeply impacted not only the transportation department but also the community he had served as a 23-year volunteer firefighter. His commitment to the Belle Plaine Fire Department had led him to rise to the esteemed rank of lieutenant, where his dedication and jovial spirit made him a beloved figure among his colleagues.

The Henderson Fire Department, neighboring Belle Plaine, paid tribute to Gau’s memory, stating, “Mike could usually be located by following the laughs on a fire ground. He will be greatly missed.” As the investigation unfolds, the community of Belle Plaine mourns the loss of Michael G. Gau, a dedicated worker, and a cherished firefighter, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill.

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