Paul and Paulette Rewitzer Obituary, Hanska, Minnesota, Accident Death: Couple Killed in Brown County Road 13 Crash

HANSKA, Minn. — Paul Rewitzer, 73, and his wife, Paulette Rewitzer, 74, of Hanska, Minnesota, died unexpectedly following a two-vehicle crash on Brown County Road 13 early Saturday morning, August 29, 2026. Their deaths have left family, friends and the Hanska community mourning the sudden loss of a longtime local couple.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called shortly after midnight to a crash on Brown County Road 13, just north of Brown County Road 22. Two heavily damaged vehicles, a Chevrolet Silverado and an Oldsmobile, were found at the scene.

Paul was driving the Oldsmobile, with Paulette traveling as his passenger. Both were found inside the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.

The driver of the Silverado was identified as 28-year-old Shianne Lee Escobar of Hanska. She was taken to New Ulm Medical Center following the crash. Authorities later filed two counts of criminal vehicular homicide against Escobar, alleging that she had been operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The criminal allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol continue to investigate the crash as authorities work to establish the complete sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.

Paul and Paulette’s deaths have brought profound grief to those who knew them. Their lives together, shared experiences and place within the Hanska community will remain part of the memories held by their family, friends and neighbors.

A funeral service for the couple is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Amy Karlson officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s South Chapel in New Ulm.

As loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes, condolences are extended to the Rewitzer family and everyone affected by the loss of Paul and Paulette.