Local teacher killed in accident

A teacher at Mormon Trail Community and Central Decatur schools died Jan. 18 after he lost control of his vehicle in icy conditions.

Industrial arts teacher Joe Goldner, 57, of Lenox was driving south on Iowa Highway 25 in Taylor County when he lost control on ice. His SUV went into the ditch and rolled three times, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

The accident is still under investigation by Iowa State Patrol. No further information was available.

Central Decatur Superintendent Chris Coffelt said the news of Goldner's death has been hard for the students and staff.

"We're making sure that we're checking in with the students that were in his class and trying to make sure we support them," he said. "Joe was a quietly powerful influence in the lives of these kids. He was a good mentor and a tremendous teacher."

Goldner has been working for the school district since August 2005.