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Incident
Patrolman Donndelinger succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained five days earlier following a short pursuit. He and his partner had stopped a vehicle for running a red light. Unbeknownst to the officers the suspect had just participated in the burglary of a local Sears and Roebuck Store. His partner rode with the traffic violator as they drove back to the police station, with Patrolman Donndelinger following behind. The suspect suddenly produced a gun, disarmed his partner, and sped away in an attempt to make it to the state line. As Patrolman Donndelinger followed, the suspect vehicle slid into a ditch. Patrolman Donndelinger and the suspect exchanged shots and both were shot multiple times. Patrolman Donndelinger's partner jumped on the suspect's back, disarmed him, and took him into custody. Patrolman Donndelinger died of his wounds five days later. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison April 22, 1938. On October 12, 1947, his sentence was reduced to 14 to 25 years. He was paroled in 1948.
Survivors
Patrolman Donndelinger, who served with the La Crosse Police Department for seven years, was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Donndelinger gave the LaCrosse Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the LaCrosse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Donndelinger.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
LaCrosse Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 3 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 36. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6.2 years.
Joseph was 36. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 6.9% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Fridays: 10.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at LaCrosse Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
LaCrosse Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from LaCrosse Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
