Second man dies of injuries from town of Grant explosion

Authorities still not releasing details of cause of blast
By: 
Tim Ryan
Reporter

A second man has died as a result of injuries sustained in an explosion and fire in the town of Grant that took place Sept. 23.

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Monday that Michael Suehring, 64, of Shawano, passed away on Friday.

Steve Verg, 62, died on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as a result of the explosion and fire at his home at N4011 Verg Road. The address is the location of V & S Builders, Tigerton, which Verg started in the mid-1990s.

Two others remain hospitalized with no official word on their conditions, but Shawano County authorities said that because of their medical conditions they have not been able to interview the men about the explosion or how it happened.

There were early indications that a propane gas leak might have been responsible, but there has not been any confirmation of that, according to the sheriff’s department.

The other two injured in the blast and fire that followed are Christopher Greipen, 69, Caroline; and Daniel Young, 62, Marion.

The incident is being investigated by the state Fire Marhsal’s office.

Detective Sgt. Gordon Kowaleski said he is awaiting more information from the fire marshal’s office and had no further details to release Monday.

Kowaleski said it could take weeks or months to get a report from the fire marshal.

“It’s just a matter of waiting for them to put their stuff together,” he said. “It takes time.”

A funeral service will be held for Verg on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline.

A memorial service for Suehring will be held on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion.

Both men, along with the other two injured in the blast, will be recognized by the Caroline Lions Club at this year’s Caroline Colorama, Oct. 3-6.