At approximately 2:15 p.m. on October 7, 2024, Houston County Dispatch received an emergency call of a residence on fire at 512 2nd Ave. NW, Spring Grove, Minn. Houston County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators and Spring Grove Fire Department were dispatched. Spring Grove Ambulance, Caledonia Fire Department, Eitzen Fire Department and the Mabel Fire Department were also dispatched to assist with the fire.
A short time later, a body was found inside the burning home, which was later identified as Karl Onstad, who was 62 years old. Mr. Onstad was the sole resident of the home.
An autopsy was completed, which confirmed there was no foul play.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, are still investigating the residential fire.