Arthur Utpadel "Little Grandfather"

Arthur Robert Utpadel was our grandpa, Frank Utpadel's younger brother. He was born on November 19, 1916 and it is said his death in 1921 was the first traffic fatality in Wheeling, IL. 

When Arthur was 4 and Frank was 5, their parents had trouble keeping an eye on them. While Otto and Jennie worked, the boys would sneak away and go down to the train station in Wheeling to look at the trains. Drastic measures were taken to keep them safe and they tied ropes around the boys' waists and then to a tree in front of their building on Milwaukee Avenue.

On March 18, 1921 Arthur managed to untie his rope, while Frank could not. At about 3:45 pm Arthur went into the street and was struck by a car. 

Arthur was taken to St. Luke's Hospital at 1439 S. Michigan in Chicago and died 17 days later.

Cook County death certificate for Arthur Utpadel. Incorrect birthdate is listed.

The Daily Herald (Chicago, Illinois) 15 Apr 1921, Fri  • Page 5