There is no word yet from three Fairfax couples believed to be missing in Guatemala.

Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel Prax, Mr. and Mrs. William Steinke and Mrs. and Mrs. Joseph Zollner are believed to be in Guatemala, but have not been heard from since a week ago Thursday.

Prax’s son, Wesley, said the U.S. government is conducting a search for the three couples. He said he has received no word yet about his parents.

A PLANE with donated relief supplies for Guatemalan earthquake victims will leave Minneapolis Friday, according to Sister Sandra Spencer of Epiphany Church in Coon Rapids.

Sister Sandra said she has clearance to fly into Guatemala because she is a Guatemalan resident. She has been working with the wife of Guatemalan President Kjell Eugenio in coordinating the flight.

“We are collecting food in the form of powdered milk, powdered eggs, dried fruits and oatmeal,”Sister Sandra said.

She also is asking for donated medical supplies such as antibiotics, vaccines, vitamins, bandages and water bags. Money donations also are welcome. Checks may be made out to “San Lucas Relief.”

Any local residents wishing to donate supplies may take them to the New Ulm Diocese chancery or send them directly to Sister Sandra at 1900 111th Ave. NW, Coon Rapids,55433.

SUPPLIES MUST be in Coon Rapids by Thursday afternoon at the latest because the plane must be packed, Sister Sandra said.

The mission at San Lucas Tolman has been declared a relief center, Sister Sandra said, and supplies for the surrounding area will be distributed from there. Not one life was lost and not one building destroyed at the New Ulm Diocese-sponsored mission, Sister Sandra said.

Aid will be distributed to the devastated towns of Potzun, Nahuala and Rio Bravo, which are located a few miles from San Lucas, she said. Sisters of her order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, staff those missions.

Another relief fund has been started in Mankato, also by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Donations should be mailed to Guatemala Emergency Fund,Good Counsel Hill, Mankato, 56001. For information, call Mankato 345-5058or Searles 675-4312.

MORE THAN a sixth of Guatemala’s population was reported homeless today at the official death toll rose to17,032 from last Wednesday’s earthquake. Reports say 54,825 are injured,221,994 homes destroyed and 1,034,441 of the nation’s 6 million people are homeless.

It was the worst recorded disaster in Central American history.

U.S. government aid so far has totaled more than $1.5 million.

New Ulm Daily Journal

Feb. 10, 1976