"A Clearwater man was killed Tuesday morning when the pickup truck he was driving and a Burlington Northern coal train collided one and one-half miles west of Clear Lake on a township road, the Sherburne County Sheriff's Department reports.
"Robert D. Haaf, 57, was killed instantly when thrown from the vehicle, officers said. The accident happened shortly before 10 a.m., the sheriff's department said. Haaf was returning home with a load of feed at the time, officers said.
"Haaf was crossing the intersection after stopping when the pickup truck was struck in the rear by the train, a department spokesperson said. Authorities said theya re not sure if Haaf did not see the train or if his vehicle had mechanical difficulties. The intersection has no arms preventing traffic from crossing and no warning signals, a sheriff's department spokesman said. The train was traveling to Becker with a load of coal.
"Haaf was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sherburne County coroner. A spokesman for the sheriff's department said he died of internal injuries and a probable broken neck.
"His death brings the Minnesota 1976 traffic toll to 240, compared with 229 a year ago.
"Funeral services for Haaf will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Marcus Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Wilfred Illies officiating. Burial will be in Sauk Rapids.
"Friends may call after 3 p.m. Thursday at the Dingman-Arnold Funeral Home, Clear Lake.
"There will be a prayer service at St. Cloud Elks Lodge 516 at 6:45 p.m. Thursday.
"A parish prayer service will be at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
"Haaf was born July 10, 1918, to the late Charles and Alyce Haaf of Clear Lake. He married Donna Youngberg in St. Cloud, Sept. 27, 1946. He was a former owner of the Granite City Coloseum and Bob's Bar in Clear Lake. He operated a large farm in the Clear Lake area.
"He was an active member of the St. Cloud Elks Lodge 516 and Moose Lodge 1400. He is survived by his wife and two children, Terry Haaf, Clear Lake, and Mrs. Mark (Sandy) Brenden, Sauk Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents.
"Pallbearers are Richard McDonald, Chester Goenner, Howard Gray, Linus Weis, Jim Hartkopf and Robert Sherman."

-- from The St. Cloud Times