A significant tornado crossed through parts of Stearns and Sherburne Counties in Minnesota on July 22, 1967. It began near St. Augusta and crossed near Clear Lake. Damage was reported near Becker and east to Zimmerman. Per Storm Data, the tornado lifted near the Isanti County border. The SPC path length is 16.4 miles but Thomas Grazulis in Significant Tornadoes lists a longer path of 28 miles.
This tornado is officially listed in the SPC Tornado Database with a rating of F2. Grazulis has a rating of F3. I have included several photos from newspaper articles and the damage is severe. Storm Data states that there was “not a crop, tree, or building” left along the tornado’s path. Al Baert, who worked for the Minnesota Civil Defense was quoted as saying, “Looking at it from the air it’s the worst destruction I’ve ever seen.” At least 24 farms and homes were demolished. Corn and grain crops were wiped out.
A 70-year-old, handicapped woman was killed near rural Becker. Her name was Elvera Peterson. She was trapped on the second floor of her farm home when the tornado hit. Tragedy struck this family again a few days after the tornado. I found an article in the St. Cloud Times about a car accident that claimed the life of the niece of Mrs. Peterson. The accident occurred after they had left her Aunt’s funeral.
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