Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 18, Number 9, DeMotte, Jasper County, 23 January 1948 — MAN WES AS FIRE SWEEPS RIVER CABIN [ARTICLE]

MAN WES AS FIRE SWEEPS RIVER CABIN

Stanislaus Keiras’ Remains Found In Ashes of Kankakee River Home After Explosion Fire, believed fed by kerosene, left the charred remains of Stanislaus Kairis, 65-year-old Indiana Harbor caretaker, in the ash of a tar-paper covered shack on the Kankakee river bottoms at a point one-fourth mile east of Tefft early Thurs. a.m., Jan. 15. The shack had served as the home of Kairis, caretaker, of the adjacent cottage owned by James Piwaronas, Indiana Harbor theatre owner. State Policeman Robert Bostwick, investigating the tragedy following a call received at the Sheriff’s office here, was told by Frank Galumbickis, residing on the bank of the river opposite where Kairis lived, said that about five-thiriy a.m., he noticed the shack was afire. By the time he reached the burning home it was enveloped in flame and there was on way in which he could reach the interior. He saw no traces of Kairis. He said that he and Gus Schultz found what they thought was Kairis’ remains. Parts of the skull and spinal column were recognizable. It is believed Kairis threw kerosene on live coals, causing an explosion. Coroner Leon E. Kresler of Rensselaer was notified. The remains were taken to Todd’s Funeral Home in DeMotte. Services were held at 1 o’clock Saturday. Burial was at Wheatfield cemetery.