Parke Co. native welcomed home from hospital after bulldozer accident

ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Last month, 70-year-old Jim Virostko of Parke County was involved in a bulldozer accident that sent him to Indianapolis hospital after breaking both sides of his pelvis, a hip, and a foot.

Virostko’s long and painful hospital stay ended with a party at his home as he was welcomed home by dozens of close friends and family.

“One of my dad’s good friends messaged me and said that he would love to have a welcome home sign when your dad comes home and if I would like to help us get something like this setup and I said absolutely,” said one of his daughters, Cindy Lowe. “I took off with it after that and asked people if they wanted to come down here to make sure my dad got a big welcome home because I knew he was going to be really glad to see everybody.”

Lowe added that she wanted the charity and good spirit her dad showed the community for years to be returned.

“I wanted to brighten his day and let home know that he is loved by his family and friends, and I think we showed him that today,” said Lowe.

Another one of his daughters Colleen Sanders said he was grateful and in good spirits.

“Everybody has been following his progress on Facebook and asking how he is doing,” said Sanders. “He has felt the prayers and wanted the community to know that he is doing good and back home.”

Sanders said everyone here always wants to see him happy.

“To see the smile on his face was awesome, he was so happy,” said Sanders. “I want to thank everyone that came out here today and showed him your love.”

His family says that while Virostko is finally out of the hospital he still needs lots of rest and time to fully recuperate.

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