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Pilot Tribune 23 Dec 1976

A tragic auto accident which took place last Thursday evening, just as final preparations were being made for Christmas, took the lives of three persons, all of whom were related to residents of Blair and Kennard. Three charges of felony motor vehicle homicide will be filed against an Omaha man who was involved in the accident which took place at Nineteenth and L streets in Omaha.

Killed instantly in the accident was Janet Hineline, of Kennard, 37-year-old wife of Ronald Hineline. Also killed were John F. Dorn, 42 and his wife, Norma, 39 of Marshfield, Missouri. Mr. Dorn is a brother of Mrs. Ray Hansen of Blair.

Mrs. Hineline’s husband, Ronald, who is also 37, is in serious condition in Bergan-Mercy hospital in Omaha. He is said to have internal injuries. Ronald was a candidate for County Supervisor in the last General Election held in November.

The three couples were riding in a car driven by Dorn. It was struck broadside at the Ninetieth and L intersection at about 7:30 Thursday evening. A pickup truck driven by Frank D. Brittain, 37, of 4038 Laurel “Avenue, Omaha, reportedly ran a red light at the intersection and slammed into the side of the Dorn vehicle. The car was crushed to such an extent that all six passengers were trapped in the car for a time.

The Dorn car was northbound and Brittain’s pickup was east bound. Witnesses told police that Brittain drove through a red light. Brittain suffered a minor cut on the chin and was treated and released. He was being held in jail Friday, police said.

Authorities said a breath test taken an hour after the accident indicated that Brittain’s blood contained over two-tenths of 1 percent alcohol. Nebraska law stipulates that a driver is legally drunk if his blood contains more than one-tenth of 1 percent alcohol. Brittain had reportedly been at a party and he told police he had had a few drinks.

Riding with the Hinelines and the Dorns were Mr. and Mrs. Raymond D. Warren, both 34, of 5222 Magnolia street. They were both seriously injured and are at Bergan-Mercy hospital.

Couples Had Dinner

The three couples who had been close friends for years, had been at a restaurant and had had dinner. They were enroute to the Warren home where the children of all three couples were staying with a baby sitter.

Lifelong Kennard Resident

Funeral services for Mrs. Hineline were held Monday afternoon at Grace Methodist Church in Kennard.

Janet Mae Hineline was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rosenbaum of Kennard. She was born at Blair May 30, 1940 and had lived most of her life in Kennard. She was a graduate of Kennard High School and was married July 29, 1960 to Ronald E. Hineline.

In addition to being a housewife and mother, she has been active in a number of communitie organizations. She was active in the Grace Methodist Church of which she was a member and also in the Cloverleaf Camp 1132 of the Royal Neighbors of America at Kennard.

She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rosenbaum and by her husband, Ronald E. Hineline and by two daughters, Rhonda Renee, 15 and Tammy Lynn, 13. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Ray Cook (Joyce) of Omaha and Mrs. Terry Ray (Jean) of Blair. Mrs. Hulda Rosenbaum of Kennard is her grandmother and she also survives. In addition, there are a number of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Hineline, at the time of her death, was employed by the D. L. Blair Company of Blair.

The Rev. John Fritzmeier, pastor of the Kennard Grace United Methodist Church, was in charge of the service. Burial was made in the Kennard Cemetery.

Dornes had Two Daughters

Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Dorn were held Monday afternoon at Tekamah and burial was made in the Tekamah Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Dorn were the parents of two daughters, Vickie and Laurie, ages 16 and 14. Mr. Dorn is a brother of Mrs. Ray Hansen of Blair.

Condition Stable

Information regarding the condition of Mr. Hineline who is at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha received Monday morning states that his condition is stable. He was unable, because of his condition, to attend the funeral of his wife.

Note: Per Kennard Cemetery records: Janet died 23 Dec 1976; buried Blk 7 Lot 47 Sp 5.