Clarence Neuenkirchen won $200,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket he bought when the grocery store he visited was sold out of his favorite game. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Lottery
An Illinois man scored a $200,000 top prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket thanks to the store he visited being sold out of the ticket he had originally intended to buy.
Montgomery resident Clarence Neuenkirchen told Illinois Lottery officials he had a specific scratch-off game in mind when he stopped at the Jewel-Osco store on Orchard Road in Oswego.
“I was hoping to buy my favorite $5 Crossword ticket, but it was sold out,” Neuenkirchen said. “7X Bingo Multiplier is my second favorite — it feels like a little escape. I can take my time playing it.”
Neuenkirchen left the store with his second-choice ticket, and ended up scoring a $200,000 prize. He said the first person he told was his wife.
“I honestly thought she was going to break the floor — she kept jumping up and down,” he said.
The winner said the reality of the situation is still setting in.
“Maybe once the money is in our account, it’ll finally feel real,” he said.
Neuenkirchen said his plans for the money include saving for retirement and contributing to college funds for his grandchildren.
“The older ones will get a nice check,” he said.
The winner said he also plans to treat himself and his wife.
“We’re excited about a cruise in the Gulf and maybe even travel to France,” he said.
