SAVE

Alexander, Brian Bucky

“Everyone thought he was crazy, but not in a bad way…he was the life of the party, the one you could dare to do just about anything. He was the one who always had a smile on his face, or the one a friend could call at anytime and he’d be there without hesitation. He wasn’t the one who would be where he is now – he wasn’t the one we thought needed help. We miss him, endlessly – never a day goes by that we don’t wonder what his life would have been – always thinking of all he’s missed out on with his family and friends. If we could only have 5 more minutes…
Always on our minds, forever in our hearts

Babich, Elijah

“Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same questions: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don’t know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we still love them — we can love completely without complete understanding.” Norman Maclean

Barnes, Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee Barnes possessed a melodic bass voice, strong soccer leg, and deep love for an exceptional young woman. Having a special charisma, he was popular among his peers and loved by little children. Jon was a fiercely loyal friend and expected the same in return. Difficulties in diagnosis of what was going wrong in his brain led him to self-medicate but he lost his battle with his demons on September 21, 2000. Two days before he died as we sat in the sun, he shared how thankful he was to have been born into our family, a cherished memory. I’ll forever miss his clear blue eyes, thoughtful nature, quirky sense of humor, and neck rubs when investigating smells in the kitchen.

But I grieve with hope because I believe with hope.

Written by his mother, Becky Barnes

Bartsh, Brandon 'Bubba'

June 21, 1989 – July 21, 2014

Brandon was a loving, caring young man. He worked hard and played hard. He was devoted to his family and treated his friends and co-workers as part of his extended family. You could count on Brandon if you ever needed someone to talk to or needed help with something. His hugs would make you feel so loved and safe. His smile could melt an iceberg. You could never stay mad at him for too long. He was passionate about his job at NAPA and his new HVAC job. He was driven to succeed. We will love and miss him forever. Love you Bubba!

Benson, Sergeant Bryan Hoyt

Bryan H. Benson 1980-2005

“Your pain is loss of me….. Fear not –
I am not dead but more alive than ever
Feel my whisper in the soft breeze,
Feel the silence in the dark, still night.
I am here more than ever.
I am with you.” – Laureen Bluhm

Great hugger
Husband, brother and son
Intelligent
Leader
Funny, sarcastic and dry
Said “sweater” for sweatshirt
Loyal friend
Determined, Marine, outdoorsman
Mechanical and extremely handy
Unique
Curious
Cutest lips, strong minded and strong-bodied
Musical, inventive
Loving, loved
And missed

“I know that my Redeemer lives”

Benz, Christopher David

Chris was in his senior year at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Plymouth, when he died. His world was filled with all the activities and love of being an active 17 year old on his way to college and a full life. Christopher’s greatest treasures were his friends and family which he cherished. Chris loved being with people and people loved being with Chris. He was best known as being a loyal friend and always being there for you. Chris often used his laughter as a tool to connect people to bring them together. He was a loving son, brother and friend to many.

Blaedorn, Corey Joseph

January 27, 1989 – November 13, 2013

In memory of Corey Blaedorn: Forever with the Angels and Always in our Hearts,

~Terry, Wanda, and Tyler

Corey was our 22-year-old son who loved to fish, hunt, exercise, and play basketball. He did everything a normal 22-year old boy would do. Corey was also a graduate of Mankato State and had a job working with his dad at Midwest Appraisal. He had beautiful blue eyes and a quirky personality. His grandmother always called him a tall drink of water, which he was at 6’4″.

Corey was a beautiful boy who had everything going for him and that is why it is so hard to understand why he would take his life. Our family had no signs and no answers as to why he would do such a thing and this is the reason we want to get the word out on suicide awareness. We were not able to help our son, but through suicide awareness we may be able to help someone else’s son or daughter.

Boles, Blake Elliott

Born 8.2.1986 – Lost 10.19.2009

Loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend

As a boy Blake was a huge fan of Ghostbusters, or “Gobubus,” along with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This then fueled Blake’s active imagination, creating games, such as “Panty-hose Ninja,” “Bat in the Basement” and “Roofball.”

He was the first to rise each day, ready for the day’s events, asking at 7am “what’s for dinner?,” but always the first to bed.

He was a natural athlete, but an avid reader of Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind.

His favorite hobbies were paintball, airsoft, movies with the family and especially computer gaming. He was the happiest when his sisters joined him for the adventures.

He enjoyed outdoor activities, especially the 4th of July and camping trips to Ocracoke with his parents and all his siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Blake loved learning and excelled in all levels of his education. As a debater on EVERTHING, he would always win and make you feel as though you knew nothing, and with his plans to become a lawyer, he would have won every case.

Blake will always be known for his warm smile and the passion that he gave to everything he did.

He has left us with broken hearts yet wonderful memories. What is so hard is not thinking about the memories we had with him, but rather the fact that we will not be able to create more with him.

Although Blake will never live with us in the physical realm, he will forever live through us in memories, spirit, and above all, love!

We love you, Blake!

Buchman, Kevin James

November 12, 1990 – February 17, 2010

Kevin was a beautiful, strong, athletic, smart and popular young man. He was a joy to many and had energy and humour that drew people to him. He was respected by peers and adults, cared deeply for and reached out to others. He loved his family and we loved him.

A situation happened his first year of college, that caused Kevin to question his character. He began a spiral downward into the dark cave of suicidal depression. He treated with a doctor, was on medication, and seemed to be doing better. He kept his despair hidden and ended his life.

Depression is a treatable illness. It is not invited or wished for. It is a disease that ravages the mind as cancer ravages the body. It is difficult to recognize, diagnose, and to treat. Our son died from suicidal depression.

The pain that he felt before his passing is now felt by the many which have been left behind. Let us recognize that the face of suicide is among us. Let us accept that suicidal depression is an illness that needs to be spoken about openly and fought.

Kevin will be forever missed.

Caulkins, Jeremy Joseph

“My name is Jeremy and I’m 27-years-young. I try my best to make a positive impact on everyone I meet, because you can never have enough friends or leave enough legacies. You only live once and need to make the best of it. I am really close with my family (5 brothers, 1 sister, 6 nieces, and 1 nephew). I am a very truthful person and have worked hard to be where I am today. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Jeremy’s own words from his My Space page

Forever missed and in our hearts.

Love,

Your family and friends

Caulkins, Mary Joanne Strub

Mary, who was 38-years-old, was the kind of person you meet that you instantly like. She lived simply and enjoyed life’s little pleasures. Mary loved deeply and intensely. She enjoyed the outdoors, sitting in the sun and long summer days. She loved everything and everyone with a particular fondness for dogs. She was many things to many people-a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and more. She was a physical therapist at Shriners Hospital and loved her job. She will always be her husband’s “little Mary-Doodle.”

Mary, we will always remember and love you,

Your family and friends

Cheney, Paul L.

“God will always be there for me, and he will always be with me through all of life’s challenges…God will be with me, forever.” – Paul Cheney.

10/19/1995 – 3/31/15

It is difficult to find just the right words to explain who Paul was. It is doubtful any single person truly knew him, but here is the best of Paul written by his friends and family. We all love you Doodle Bug.

Paul was a talented wrestler but overall he was a great person and a great friend.

Paul’s contagious smile and laugh is missed by so many. Paul was a tough competitor in wrestling and football. He was a state wrestling champion and leader on his football team. He simply loved being an athlete and enjoyed helping his teammates improve.

I’m sure everyone will agree that at some point in their life, you impacted them in a positive way.

Miss you my ol’ best friend. Never will you be forgotten.

Your smile was one no one will ever forget!

I will never forget how you would constantly make me laugh or how you would always have a smile on your face. You were a great person with a huge heart who in some way had an impact on everyone’s life, including mine.

The world and our kicking community lost a great young man. Paul Cheney was such a good guy. From my times meeting and interacting with him his Junior and senior years of football, he just seemed so appreciative of everything. I remember him having such a great senior year that it made him one of the best kickers in the state.

You were one of the goofiest yet kindest people out there and it truly saddens me I’ll never be able to watch you make an entire room light up with laughter again.

Your laughter, along with the laughter you provided many others, will be missed.

You had the ability to light up an entire room with your inviting smile and huge laugh.

Just know I think about you every day, missing you and loving you. Especially today I’m celebrating you and your amazing life. The memories we shared as brother and sister will stay with me forever, so it doesn’t seem like you’re ever too far away.

It is an amazing thing to witness the impact Paul had on all the people that he touched in his life.

Roll with the punches, #2. You are greatly missed.

Cook, Gary L.

My Two Favorite All Time Pictures of You Gary

We had 30 wonderful years together Gary, it should have been a lifetime!

We never had kids but I always said, ” I was a single parent raising a child

alone (meaning you).” You were an overgrown kid at heart! You are truly

missed and will be in my heart forever. You had no idea what this would do!

I will love you always, Barb

Cullinan, Markus Charles

Markus could light up a room with his smile. He was a talented artist, skate boarder, snowboarder, he loved fishing & and the out of doors. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Dasovich, Timothy

Tim was a guy that always made everyone he met feel welcome. He had a way of making people laugh with a good one liner and his quick wit. He loved his friends and family and was the one you could always count on to show up when needed. His nieces- Lily and Mara adored him along with his nephew Henry. He was the most solid friend, son, brother, and Uncle.  His memory will live on with his buddies and family. We love you Tim and will continue to cherish your memory.  Timothy Alan Dasovich – July 1, 1981 – September 20, 2020

Determan, Nicole Kathryn

Our Dearest Nicole,

Not a day goes by that we don’t miss you! We miss your wit, intellectual conversations, literary expertise, compassion and your beautiful smile. Your life is not defined by depression as you so worried, but by all that you gave to us. You are always loved and with us in our hearts and cherished memories.

It is so very difficult for us to accept that you are gone and that we have to go on without you, but we must try to find comfort as your battle is over and you are now at peace. “ The fact that we cannot see our loved ones or communicate with them after the transformation, which we call death, is not proof that they cease to exist” (Walter Dudley Cavert) Nicole, we will continue to watch for signs that you are with us forever, and we know that you are soaring on eagles wings.

Dieterle Jr., Richard P.

1970-2003

“Motivation, self-determination, caring, love, drive, perseverance, patience withstand all. These are a few of the things I love about you” – song written by Richard P. Dieterle, Jr. to his wife for her birthday. Although written by him, these words could actually be used to describe the Rich we knew and loved…

Rich will be forever admired not only for his may talents (guitar, snowboarding, surfing) but for his unique personality that made you feel like the most important person in the world. Without a doubt, Rich is now up in Heaven making people laugh, listening intently to others’ stories, and teaching them how to do all his favorite activities.

We love him and miss his sunshine more than words can say but we are at peace knowing Rich has finally found his peace. A peace he worked so hard to find while here on earth.

Ege, David Russell

August 11, 1989 – February 17, 2009

Our Beloved David

David was 19, attending the University of Minnesota, Morris, when he died. We could not have known that our happy baby, energetic toddler, creative boy and bright, kind and promising young man concealed a brain illness that would ultimately take his life.

I remember those peaceful summer days on Lake Superior, picking rocks. “Is this an agate, Mom?” David would ask many, many times. He would come to know and find the gems we hunted.

I remember attending an art fair with David when he was ten. His interest was in the displays of handcrafted swords. I gave David spending money and off he went. He returned 30 minutes later, not with a sword or something else for himself, but with a ceramic dish for me. That was the sort of kid he was.

I remember watching David when he and his team presented their “Future City” to the judges at the Minnesota State competition in 2003 and then won, to go on to Washington DC for the national competition. I was both amazed and proud of his knowledge and the grace, imagination and humor with which he presented it.

I remember David’s constant humming and singing from an early age, playing piano and the trumpet, participating in school drama performances, running Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth and in his high school cross-country meets. I remember his learning blacksmithing as a teenager and putting on public demonstrations of his craft, he and his father building his smithing shop not too far from the tree house they had built some years earlier. I remember his love of riding motorcycle and of visiting his big brother in Minneapolis. I remember his beautiful drawings, the cards he made and the loving notes he wrote.

David’s friends described him as a free spirit, a great listener and an amazing friend. “He gave great hugs,” one told me. Loving, kind and compassionate, David felt things very deeply.

This is the David we knew. This is the David we lost.

Our lives will never be the same. A part of each of us died with you, my son.

We love you.

Mom

On behalf of all of David’s family and friends

Evans, Jeffrey William

March 18, 1986 – December 14, 2002

Jeff was our son, our brother, our grandson and uncle. We cherish memories of his gifts for life; a wonderful smile, his untapped intellect, the ability to relate to others and win friends and the love he shared so easily. We cannot help but wonder what kind of life he would have lived and we grieve not having had the chance to watch him grow into that life.

We will always miss Jeff, but we are so glad to have had him with us, even if the time was too short.

Fredrickson, Spencer

On May 7, 2021 Spencer Fredrickson, at age 23, took his own life, leaving many stunned and broken. Spencer was very kind and considerate and especially took time to help others that struggled. Spencer was known in Northfield for many years as the Gecko Guy or the kid with a Mohawk. Later, he was known for his guitar playing, as he composed a few songs and liked to share them with others. He enjoyed busking in Europe, Breckenridge, Minneapolis and Northfield. Spencer was very active in social justice matters and felt a personal responsibility to fixing world problems of injustice and indifference.

He loved science and was hopeful about new technologies and energy sources. In 2018, he dealt with multiple traumas and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Many days were filled with love from friends and family. Unfortunately, we did not know that he was ever contemplating suicide and we were shocked that this happy, friendly, talented young man did not seek help in his time of need. We want to change this for someone else, by giving hope for recovery and a future. We also want the community to recognize that mental disorders are a part of a person’s overall health and that in order for people to seek help we need to get rid of the stigma attached with mental illness. By being together in community we want to celebrate Spencer’s life and work to save someone else’s.

Gerbec, Daniel Michael

From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a “long” and a “short” life. Therefore, it’s not whether one’s life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy—that is what matters.

Dan’s life touched everyone who knew him. He gave freely his many gifts…his passion, his loyalty, his generosity, or often just his smile…and we are all better because of them. His beautiful life was far too short, but his memory, and his spirit, will live forever.

Gizowski, William

One quiet day the angels came

And took papa far away

But in the stillness of the night

I could almost hear him say

…“Dear grandchild – I will miss you

You mean so much to me

But Jesus called me to his side

In Heaven I will be”

A place of God’s great beauty

No tears or earthly cares

Only peace and joy forever

And love beyond compare

So remember all the good times

Don’t think about the sad

Treasure all the special moments

Through the years we’ve always had

And if you trust in Jesus

I can promise this & more

You will get a hug from papa

Someday on Heaven’s golden shore”

-Author Unknown

Gleason, Brady James

Our lives were forever changed on Monday November 26, 2009. Brady was barely fifteen years old when he left us. Suddenly he was gone from our lives and there was nothing we could do to fix it.

Brady was bright and athletic with a quick wit and a ready smile. Always mature for his age, Brady was polite and went out of his way to help people.

Brady was the inquisitive kid with his hand in the air wanting to participate in school. Teachers loved him. As a student he was teased for being the “smart kid.” He never retaliated.

Brady was the kid helping the coaches pick up baseball and football equipment after practice and games. He didn’t expect anything from it, he just did it because it was the right thing to do.

Brady was a talented wrestler, but he never appreciated how good he was. Quick and athletic, he was able to compete among the best in the state.

In the last two or three years of his life, Brady’s confidence began to wane and he withdrew in small degrees. What we thought was teen angst as Brady grew more and more quiet, we now realize was something very different. While Brady was outwardly smiling and polite, he was courageously battling depression and anxiety inside.

This poem has been a great help to us.

Little I knew that morning,
God was going to call your name,
in life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone,
for part of me went with you,
the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you,
you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Brady, we Love You and Miss You. We look forward to being together again someday.

We are very thankful that the SAVE organization was there to help us understand what had happened. Its mission to educate people about brain chemistry, depression and mental illness is very important for preventing suicide and helping families, especially during those first devastating days following the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Gould, Janet

August 5, 1952 – October 2, 2012

Janet lost her battle with depression over a year ago. She loved everyone and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a beautiful, smart and caring person who slowly withdrew from daily life.

Gruenwald, Beau Brian

Beau was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. He was a free spirit, a great listener and a loyal friend who had a way of making his friends feel like they were the most important people on Earth.

His many talents and passions included playing guitar, illustrating, listening to music, cooking, skateboarding, and biking. Beau is remembered for his strong loyalty to friends and family, his love of music, his beautiful blue eyes, crooked smile, and his determination to succeed at whatever he put his mind to. He was always there to help a friend in need, but in spite of the love and peace he brought to others, Beau was unable to bring any to himself.

Although we may never understand the pain that caused Beau’s life to be cut short, we do know that we will always keep him alive in our hearts while at the same time honoring him by moving forward to fulfill our own hopes and dreams in this lifetime.

We love you forever!
Dad, Jodi, and Karter

Habedank, Brian

Dear Brian,

I’ll never forget the last time I saw you. It was July 5th, 2010– you brought me back to the airport after my visit home for Mom’s birthday. The entire ride was so heartbreaking; I could feel it– your profound sadness. I tried to get you to talk about it but you kept changing the subject… so I let it be. I just wanted to spend time with you. I didn’t want the ride to end; the closer we got to the airport the more anxious I grew. I didn’t want to say goodbye to you– something was happening that made my heart ache for you but I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly. You got out to help me with my bags, I gave you a hug and said, “Come visit me soon, OK?? See ya later, dude.” Once inside the airport doors I allowed myself to turn around in time to see you driving away; I started sobbing because in my heart I knew I’d never see you again… and I didn’t.

That part still haunts me– that I was so connected with you that I could sense that but yet I didn’t feel it the moment you died. It will take me a lifetime to get past the fact that an entire week had passed before you were found. I felt like I let you down– that not only did you die alone but you continued to lie there alone for a week while I went about my life. “He’s gone, honey.” Those are the first words I heard from Mom confirming that what we had hoped hadn’t happened really had… and the nightmare began. For weeks I would call your cell phone several times a day just to hear your voicemail message; I worry that I’ll forget the sound of your voice. I was a mess the first time I called your number after it was finally disconnected– it was like you had died all over again and the last remaining connection I had to hearing your voice again was gone.

I keep running through our life together over and over in my head. We were so close in age that we shared everything together– we experienced all stages of life at the same time: childhood… high school… college… jobs… everything. And we even liked each other enough to choose to be roommates as adults! I loved that we were not just brother and sister, but we were friends. We both included each other in our circles of friends and activities. I keep trying to remember those things; our Sundays watching the Simpsons, you “singing” me the X-Files theme song, pizza and football games, and even you trying, very patiently, to teach me how to drive a manual transmission! You had the most amazing, contagious laugh and a very gentle spirit and are going to be missed by so many people– more than you could have ever imagined. It may not make sense but it feels like you have taken that past with you… and it also feels as though you have also taken my future as I never imagined it without you.

I often wonder how long it’ll be before those memories bring me more joy than pain– because right now it hurts to think of them. My heart is broken! I find myself detaching from the world, I’m suffering from frequent panic attacks when the pain is just so strong it takes my breath away. I have become jealous of others who have siblings who are still here– and am hurt when I see them angry with each other. I am not the same person anymore; I feel so isolated, so different from everyone else. I can laugh… but have no true joy right now. I suppose some happiness will come back someday… but for now there’s only a hole in my heart where you used to be.

Please know that I am not angry at you now… nor do I think I ever will be. I have been to that place myself before and fought my way back out. I know it wasn’t a compulsive choice you made but rather the culmination of years and years of battling a crippling depression and you held on as long as you could– for us.

I miss you and think of you every waking moment. Instead of saying goodbye to you, since I know I’ll see you again, I’ll just say what we always said to each other– “See ya later, dude.”

Your loving sister,
Laura

For additional letters to Brian, please visit my blog at www.letterstobrianblog.com

Hall, Johnathan Ashley

August 31, 1978 – April 27, 2016

Harris, Rachel M.

Rachel Marie Harris

DOB-8/31/2003-DOD-10/18/2022

Rachel was a loving, kind, caring, outgoing person. She was inquisitive, had an eagerness and drive to learn and excel at everything she did. She loved her siblings deeply. She loved to meet new people wherever she traveled.  She loved the outdoors – hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, mountain bike riding, and dirt bike riding.

Rachel wasn’t born with her strength & determination, it was forged through the challenges she endured, from the pain that this world inflicted upon her.  Rachel had a fire inside of her that burned so fiercely, she had flames that rose high above her struggles. She was a force, a presence, that could not go unnoticed. Her quick wit, friendly, loving nature, & unwavering desire to succeed in everything she wanted earned her the love & admiration of us all. The level of greatness she achieved will long be remembered by all who knew her.

From the first day we met her, she had us laughing and smiling until our faces hurt. It didn’t take much longer before she had our hearts.   Watching her eagerness and determination to learn was truly amazing. I had never worked with anyone who could learn so quickly. It was truly rare. She was such a very talented person. In only a few years of riding, she managed to win 2 National Enduro Titles, and two 2^nd place in the Grand National Cross Country Series.  Next year she would have been racing the women’s Pro class and would have been one of the top women in the United States.  She had such a bright future ahead of her.

Rachel – We feel truly blessed to have been a small part of your life that you shared with us. You carried a heavy weight on your soul.  It was an unfair burden you struggled with. We Miss you and love you. Rest in Peace Rachel.

This song always touched Rachel.

Title: Easy On Me

-By Adele

“If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
You’ll feel it from the heavens,
And it will heal the scars.”

-Author Unknown

Hein, Josef (Joe)

Joe wanted his 29th year to be the time when he would go public with his commitment to change the world. He wanted to be the congressman from South Dakota. From the start he believed a single voice could lift the weight of racism, poverty, and injustice from the shoulders of humanity. He would bring Bobby Kennedy’s ideology and Mother Teresa’s compassion along on his campaign. Politicking would be necessary for success, but Joe couldn’t quite get that part of the campaign started. He was too busy doing unto others. When he did give a political speech, he made sure that a sincere mention of God and love were part of it. His legacy is not those speeches, but his corporal works of mercy.

Take the hot day in July of 1999 when President Clinton came to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation offering hope. Joe was there as a member of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson’s staff, but his priority was giving his shoulder to Geraldine Bluebird, a 44-year old single mother of 10 mired in poverty. Hooked up to oxygen to help her breath, Bluebird listened to Clinton promise her a better world as Joe stood nearby, his eyes filled with tears. “I’ll never forget how important that trip was for him,” said Sharon Boysen, Johnson’s state field director. There was nothing showy about Joe. No press releases uttering hollow concerns. Anyone who knew him understood that, Johnson said.

“He was the most caring, loving person anyone could know. Instead of taking a vacation, he chose to sleep on the floor with poorest of the poor. Instead of buying a fancy car, he gave his spare money to the homeless on the streets of Sioux Falls. He went to nursing rooms to spend time with people life had forgotten,” Johnson said. “He truly and profoundly felt the pain of other folks,” said Drey Samuelson, Johnson’s top aide.

Sioux Falls friends who knew Joe, always dressed in black, will freeze the image of him just being a good guy, being the right arm for his friend Lucille Thu, the 80-year old matriarch of the Minnehaha County Democratic Party. He made sure she got where she needed to go. Joe wasn’t Catholic, but Bishop Robert Carlson recalls telling him, “If you were Catholic, you would make a great priest.” The reason was simple, Carlson said. “He was a young man with a great big heart.”

In preparation for the congressional race, Joe left Johnson’s staff and worked with the “Everybody Wins” literacy program that he had been active in while serving on Johnson’s staff in Washington. Then something unexplainable happened in November 1999. Joe decided not to run for office. He left Sioux Falls and went to spend time with his mother in Kansas City and then his father in Alexandria, VA. Friends in Sioux Falls missed him and worried about him because he told them he let them down. He shouldn’t have felt that way, said David Benson, a friend and student at Augustana College. “He lifted up everyone with his words and hopes for future,” Benson said.

On April 25, 2000, Johnson called his staff together to tell them about the winter of Joe’s life. A few hours after his 30th birthday, Joe took his life, a consequence of acute depression. Johnson said his staff wept. Despite their sadness, his friends knew that Joe made this world a better place.

Joe- the world would be an even better place with you in it.

(Adapted from an article by David Kranz in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, May 7, 2000)

Hoffman, Lisa Kay

July 15, 1966 – January 10, 2007

You know I’m a dreamer
But my heart’s of gold
I had to run away high
So I wouldn’t come home low
Just when things went right
It doesn’t mean they were always wrong
Just take this song and you’ll never feel
Left all alone

These are lyrics to a song that meant so much to Lisa. Our Lisa was taken from us too soon; she was just 40 years old with an entire life to be lived. Lisa had an amazing way of making everyone laugh beyond belief. She left behind a son just 19 years old, many friends and an entire family who loved her so very much.

We miss you Lisa and think of you everyday.

Honeycutt, Derek

We miss your smile, sense of humor, and your loving, caring ways.
You were a good son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend to many.
We wish we would have known how bad things were for you.
We would have done whatever it took to keep you here with us.
You had a sense of what was right, just, and fair.
The impact your thoughts and passions had on others had just begun.
We will miss you forever.

Hopkin, Cameron Paul

Fare you well my honey
Fare you well my only true one
All the birds that were singing
Have flown except you alone
Going to leave this broke-down palace
On my hands and my knees I will roll, roll, roll
Make myself a bed by the waterside
In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll 

Johnson, Parker M.

5/19/87 – 1/08/18

Parker was deeply loved by many. He will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, great sense of humor and beautiful smile.

Joslin, Robert (Bob) Kendall

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world”

Bob was my husband of five years but my best friend for ten. There are not enough words to describe what Bob meant to me as well as to all who knew him. He stood 6’7” with red hair and bright blue eyes. You couldn’t miss him but more important was who Bob was as a person. He would lend a helping hand to anyone. Affectionately known as “Bob the Builder,” there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix. He was a talented and dedicated engineer and had many other passions including cooking, MN Twins baseball, traveling and music. He was the life of every party and had such a wonderful sense of humor and a great heart. The world lost a gem on November 13th, 2007 but his spirit lives on forever. I love you Bob!

Nicki Joslin

Kalter, Fu Li (Olivia)

“Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.”

Kemmerling, David John

June 11, 1960 – July 20, 2010

Miss Me – But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss Me – But Let Me Go
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds
Miss Me – But Let Me go

Kistner, Stephen Nathanael

Young

Twenty- two you were taken from us
Twenty- two was too soon

Intelligent

You were always at the head of the class
An analytical and critical thinker in every situation

Adventurous

You experienced life head on
Never backed down from the unfamiliar

Ambitious

You wanted the best out of life
Willing to work to get to the top

Funny

You knew how to make us all smile
Witty and joking with every moment

Service

You would lend a helping hand to everyone
Never left a man behind

Talented

You succeeded at all you pursued
Running
Outdoors
Art
Thrill-seeking
Military
Your passions shaped you
Your passions drove you

PERSEVERANCE

Your battle has taught us to never give up
No matter the tribulation,
We will strive to see the LIGHT

Klym, Ryan

11/27/77 – 4/29/05

I’M FREE
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full; I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now: He set me free!

Knak, Danny R.

Danny was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend and fiancé who enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and dogs. He loved fishing, hiking, hunting and shooting guns. He enjoyed having beers around a bonfire with friends. He also liked playing horseshoes and videogames and shooting pool and darts, and he loved anything that he could drive fast. Dan enjoyed music and attended school in Tempe, AZ to learn how to wire car and home audio/security systems.

Dan liked chopping down trees to make tables and firewood. Never to shy away from any home improvement project, Danny remodeled the bathroom, tiled the floor and replaced light fixtures. He loved to go to the hardware store to look at “cool guy stuff” and buy tools.

Danny had a quiet assertiveness and mischievous grin. He dressed up every Halloween as the grim reaper, and at 6’4” scared neighborhood children without moving or saying a word. He looked forward to holidays, birthdays and annual trips to Florida. He especially liked Christmas, with its presents, stockings, sugar cookies and eggnog.

We don’t really know why he left us when he did. We only know that we love him dearly and miss him greatly. And while we tightly hang on to our memories, we can honor him by living our lives to the fullest. And we can say goodbye with hope that we will one day see him again.

Lange, Chris

Gone Fishing

Don’t grieve for me, I’ve gone fishing
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been very full
Now I’m free to enjoy it all
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss
perhaps my times seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
But remember me with a twinkle in my eye
I’m not far away
I’ve gone fishing

Larson, Barbara Beth (Werner)

Barb was the youngest of four girls: a daughter, sister, wife and then mother. Grandma, a cherished title she would wear proudly. Aunt, great-aunt, friend and co-worker, were equally valuable in her eyes.

A consummate organizer she was. There was a place for everything and everything had its place. When little we would help her for hours making sure her barrettes were equally the same on both sides of her hair, her shoelaces exactly the same length, her socks the same height.  Perfect, it had to be perfect. Everything! When it was not, it crumbled around her. We now know too that this is part of the mental health issue.

Cliché but your smile did light up a room. Your presence and personality belied your inner turmoil. Part of you will forever live on in your donation to a passion of yours the National Marrow Donor Program. A Georgia man will be always and eternally grateful for your gift to him. May your passion inspire others!

Our forever 49 year old sister Barb struggled with depression and mental health issues; a life long struggle that would ultimately end in her suicide. Her wish was to see that contributions would be made “to Suicide Prevention so they may help others.” We will honor this Sis! In so doing we honor you, your wishes, and the life you lived. Trying daily to do good, making a positive impact, and thus honoring your commitment to suicide prevention so that others might be helped.

A conversation less than six hours before her suicide would have her talking of Easter dinners, Christmas celebrations, and spending time with her granddaughter. Planning what would have been her upcoming anniversary and a trip she was so looking forward to taking. Knowing now how this day would end, she was saying goodbye in her way. Knowing these things would never take place. Your grace and charm will be missed for all of these occasions. Always!

Where was she, what was it that made her think that this, this was the only way to solve her problems? How hopeless and helpless she must have felt! What brings a person to that point where they cannot see all the hope and possibility that a new day brings? Suicide is about those you leave behind. Questions to which any answers lay forever buried with her in her grave.

In her final letter to all of us, her family, she would try to explain, “I cannot hurt anymore”… “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of not living any longer”…“but living any longer has just gotten too painful.”

Our tragedy is that families and lives are torn apart by the trauma of suicide. A protective mask most of the survivors’ wear being that of silence. We need to, and will honor, our sister by talking about how she chose to end her life. Ending the silence that suicide brings. Thus giving hope to all of us who have been affected by similar tragedies. We will not be, nor do we wish, to perpetuate this silence. By ending this silence may others find hope and healing out of our darkness?  Let us remove the stigma associated with suicide and mental health issues for all people.

It would be our wish that in doing so we save one person, one family, this unbearable pain. If this is how deep our pain, we cannot even fathom how horrific and crushing hers must have felt.

We do this for you Barb! We honor you by trying to help save others.

Lehenbauer, James N.

Transients

The loveliest of things
They never come to stay.
Seeing beauty is the wings
That carry them away.
Though we light lanterns in our hearts
And make the crystal shine,
The well beloved guest departs
While yet we pour the wine.
A heartbeat there–a lifetime gone.
Yet richer life therefore
Remembering the wings that shone
Their moment at our door.

– Theodosia Garrison

Lukacs, Natasha

Natasha Lukacs September 20, 1995 – August 25, 2018
22 years old

Natasha made a genuine impact on each and every person she met.  Her smile and her beauty -both inside and out – was magnetic.  Natasha had a caring and patient personality that drew people to her.     Natasha loved riding horses and the outdoors.  She found great solace in the beauty of nature and all that it had to offer when looking for peace and tranquility.  Natasha enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially loved kayaking. Natasha had ambition and drive.   Natasha became very involved in sustainability and was very involved in participating in events that promoted sustainability.

Natasha grew up in Stacy, Minnesota with her two sisters Zoey and Anika who admired and adored her.  Natasha also left behind a finance, Keenan Hansen, her mother and father, her grandparents, aunt, uncle, nephews, cousins and extended family who all loved her.  Natasha did not suffer from depression – she simply had too much on her plate and felt hopeless that tomorrow would not bring better things- we assume.  Of course none of the survivors ever truly know what went into the thought of such hopelessness that taking her own life was what she decided to do.

Natasha was someone that always reached out to help others in need, but in the end failed to take care of her own needs.  She would not want any other family to feel the pain of losing a loved one to suicide and therefore, we choose SAVE.org to donate to assist in the prevention on any other person taking their own life.

Marschel, Justin D.

4/12/1973 – 2/19/2011

In Loving Memory

Justin was the kind of guy that when he would walk into the room, it would light up. Always full of laughs, jokes and quick to make you smile. He was a proud father of 2 boys and loved by all who knew him.

One of his loves was hunting. He would take his oldest son out hunting every chance he had. He would always take the time to make memories with him. He used to say that when he would be out in the stand alone, he had the chance to just sit in peace and not have to worry about anything. He got a chance to think about things that mattered and cherish the times that he spent with family and friends!

Justin was a proud member of the Air Force. He was a Crew Chief for the F-16 fighter jets. It made him become the man that we all love.

His ideas, inspirations, and insights are dearly missed every day.

Love ya JD.

Merhar, Sean David

1973-1997

A life full of promise.

Sean graduated Suma Cum Laude in cinematography from USC. He was an Eagle Scout, magician, percussionist, and winner of the Twin Cities best new comedian competition in the summer of 97’, at the age of 24.

But most of all Sean was a giving young man who loved people and wanted so desperately to be loved back. As a scout camp leader he touched many young scouts, giving them constant encouragement.

While Sean was on this earth he gave us all the two most important things that life has to offer……….. love and laughter.

Mumm, Ryan John

Ryan was a very unique individual. He was quiet but very thoughtful, extremely smart, and he had wisdom beyond his young age. Although he struggled with depression and anxiety, he was very compassionate about certain things in life. For example, he loved animals and had several reptiles as pets. He loved anything medieval and could have attended every day of the Renaissance Festival. Ryan loved computers and computer gaming, so much so, that his major in college was computer science.

Ryan was loved by so many people, and his family and friends miss him dearly. We are so thankful for the time we had with Ryan, and he is in our thoughts every day. There are no words to explain the pain of losing Ryan, but we are thankful he is finally at peace.

Narveson, Derek R.

Derek came into this world on a Friday in April 1987. On a Friday in April of 2004, he took his last step in what was a life long trek in search of inner peace. In between, he brought joy and love to more people than he ever imagined. Always willing to help others in need, he often could be found talking with friends, trying to help them deal with the complex issues that life throws at teenagers. His bear hugs brought a great sense of warmth and love to those who received them. As for his music, Derek’s ability on the sax impressed all who had the chance to hear him play.

In spite of the love and peace he brought to others, Derek was unable to bring any to himself. Those he left behind find peace knowing he is reunited with his grandfathers, and knowing one day we will be reunited with him. In the meantime – “THE MUSIC PLAYS ON”

Nelson, Harley Ann

Let’s Not Say Goodbye
By Harley Ann Nelson

Let’s not say goodbye because
it will only leave me
drying my eyes;

Let’s just say so long
for in my heart I know
we will meet again;

Every time you’re not around
I’ll just pick up your picture
and look at your
beautiful smile

You’re a wonderful person
inside and out.

I would never want to say
goodbye not even
for a little while;

So when you’re gone
you will live forever and
always be in my heart.

Let’s not say goodbye.

You are so loved and greatly missed by your family and friends.

O'Brien, Katie

Born March 1, 1972 and died June 19, 2009

Beloved daughter, sister, god-mother, aunt, cousin and friend.
Always with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes.

“People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.” Romana L. Anderson

Katie, you are missed and you are loved! May peace and happiness be with you.

Olson, Jacob Kenneth

Your presence we miss

Your memories we treasure

Loving you always

Forgetting you never

 

Jacob Kenneth Olson

Forever Loved,  Forever Missed, Always In Our Hearts

Ott, Daniel K.

March 25, 1964 – July 23, 2014

For Good

I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn and we are led
To those who help us most to grow if we let them
And we help them in return

Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today because I knew you

It well may be
That we may never meet again in this lifetime
So let me say before we part so much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good

I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you…
I have been changed for good

–“Wicked”

Panitzke, Tyler

9/27/90 – 9/22/08

We think of you with love today but that is nothing new
We thought about you yesterday and days before that too,
We think of you in silence We often speak your name
All we have are memories and your picture in a frame
Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part
God has you in His keeping We have you in our heart.
We all miss you and love you very much

Love your family and friends
No Farewell Words Were Spoken
No Time To Say Goodbye
You Were Gone Before We Knew It
And Only God Knows Why

Reis, Courtney

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years…” -Linda Ellis

Schroer, David R.

David Robert Schroer, he was our son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, cousin. What can we say about him? He was so much more than words can express.

He loved fishing, golf, bowling, travel, had a great sense of humor, was respectful, loved a good card game, was fun to be around and would do anything for anyone. He is deeply missed. David left us way too soon and for reasons many of us will never understand. Why? The truth is we will never know for sure.

Now we are left to pick up the pieces, try to make sense out of this senseless act. SAVE was there for our family AFTER the act. If giving donations to this organization helps just ONE person BEFORE the act- then it is worth every donation ever given. Awareness – that’s what is needed.

David is missed by us every day. Every day we wonder why. Every day we wonder if we can make it through the day. As time passes we know we must. We need to somehow help ourselves and others get through these rough hours, days months and years. Sometimes it’s hard to face life’s problems but the sooner you face them, the sooner you can fix them. We desperately wish we could turn back time. We wish that we could tell David we loved him one last time. We hope he might have listened. We can pray that David is safe and free from all hurt.

We pray that he is at peace now. We pray that all who suffer from depression get the help they need. We cannot hold the world in our hands that is Gods job. We can turn our problems over to God and let him help us through. With God’s help we pray that we can face things in our lives and fix them. For now, we hurt, and miss our son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and dear friend with all of our being.

We love you David.
We are sad that you are gone.

Schuma, Bobby

“We never have children, we receive them. And sometimes it’s not for quite as long as we would have expected or hoped to. But it is still far better than never having had them at all.”

Bobby was a gift who was never fully appreciated in this lifetime. He was given many challenges for a young man to overcome. In the end, his sensitivity won out and he could not continue to live in his world of pain.

His belly laugh, his wonderful bear hugs, incredible thoughtfulness & generosity, his preference for Pepsi in a glass bottle, his open heart for any animal, his loyalty to friends & family, his devotion to the Chicago Bears and Cubs, the nicknames he gave us, his love of movies, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, his celebration of Christmas decorations, his stride when he walked, the way he brushed his hair back and cleared his throat, Hotwheels and always asking us if he looked ok. We know he wasn’t perfect and he would agree with that. But he was ours, and we were his, and he is missing in our lives.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was one of Bobby’s favorite movies. Never given the second chance to see what and who was changed for the better because he was here, our world is now smaller, his is grander.

Seifert, Carol A.

January 26, 1954 – January 5, 2002

Beloved sister, aunt, and friend

Carol was a very special part of our family, and we treasure the time we spent together. We remember her endearing smile, her joyful laughter, her great sense of humor, and her deep faith. Carol loved music, and enjoyed singing and playing her instruments.

Carol was a dedicated community volunteer, and held 20 plus volunteer positions throughout her life. She loved helping others, and particularly enjoyed working with children.

Carol was a mentally challenged vulnerable adult who suffered from schizoaffective disorder and chronic depression. Although Carol struggled with these severe mental illnesses, the courage and dignity she showed in facing and living with her disabilities and illness was an inspiration to her family. We tragically lost our sister Carol to her illness 10 years ago at the age of 47. Carol’s legacy lives on in the Carol A. Seifert Memorial Foundation set up in her memory. Her Foundation works to benefit mental health and mental illness issues.

Carol is our angel, we miss and love her, and she will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Do not judge a song by its duration
Nor by the number of its notes

Judge it by the richness of its contents
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most poignant…

Do not judge a song by its duration
Nor by the number of its notes

Judge it by the way it touches your soul
Sometimes those unfinished are among the most beautiful…

And when something has enriched your life
And when its melody lingers in your heart

Is it unfinished?
Or is it endless?

Author Unknown

Shay, Kelly D.

Kelly loved spending time with her friends and family, sharing in the traditions of the holidays and cheering for her Cubbies and NASCAR’s Dale Jr.

She enjoyed cooking and inherited her father’s appreciation of vintage cars. She shared with many a generous and giving heart, knowing that true joy comes from giving of oneself. Her best friend summed it up with these words: “How can one little person leave such a gaping hole in life? I guess because she was so much bigger than her actual size.” Now in God’s arms but always in our hearts, we love you and miss you.

Shevik, Sean Dennis

Compassionate, kind, gentle soul
Loving Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend
Critical Care Paramedic
Healer, confidante and life of the party
Poet, artist, lover of music; loved by many
Spirit-filled
Seeker, traveler, adventurer
Creative, fun-loving, wise
Deep thinker, lover of truth
Giver

We love you endlessly Sean. Our lives are better because you lived.
We will join the fight for the disease of depression in your honor.
You are forever in our hearts

“Return to the Stars . . . . look for me in the Autumn leaves”

Shupien, Nathan E.

On August 15, 1984, Nathan came into this world quietly and with his eyes wide open, despite a long and dramatic birth. Nate continued to experience life with open eyes, curiosity, faith, strength, drama and a sensitive heart. In his short number of years on this earth, Nate loved and was loved by many and accomplished much. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, athlete, sportsman, church member and constant learner.

We may never understand what pain caused Nate’s potential to be cut short in January 2004. What we do know is that we will always keep Nate alive in our hearts while at the same time honoring him by moving forward to fulfill our own potential in this lifetime. We are also grateful for all those who have kept Nathan and our family close in their hearts.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell

Slocum, Judson Matthew

December 14, 1976-February 26, 1997

Judson Matthew Slocum, a lover of music, poetry and frolic whose scholarship was recognized by Hopkins High School, lost a battle with untreated depression on February 26, 1997. A college student, Judson’s family and many friends mourned his passing, recalling his special charisma, high-pitched, squeaky laugh and personal fitness as a result of his love of late night runs. A singer, songwriter and guitarist, he performed with the local band “The Flynn’s” and was featuredon one of their CD’s.

A participant in church youth programs, Judson acted in plays and was a regular part of worship services, helped build Habitat homes and twice climbed the Colorado Rockies, calling them “God’s perfect place” in a youthful poem. The Hopkins Choir performed Mozart at his funeral, offering a number he had performed only several months earlier. Three close friends, unaware of Judson’s chronic brain chemistry disease, reflected on how he had been an inspiring part of their lives. His pets—Abigail the cat and Natalie the dog—also missed their master.We miss him, yet, somehow, we believe that he is in a better place now, perhaps even climbing God’s special mountains.

Written by Charles A. Slocum, father

Smith, Peter Kirk

Peter was a person one never would forget once you met him. A unique sense of humor, creative ideas, and never any fear of being different from other people in this world. He was the life of a party.

He was extremely intelligent in repairing any problems with a computer or computer program, and loved working on many of the older model vehicles that he had owned.

Most of all Peter was an overly generous person who loved helping people in all types of need if he could do so. He carried many burdens of his own and other individuals and desperately wanted that help and love returned. He was one of the best school bus drivers a child could have had. After his death, an envelope was received loaded with hand made cards and letters of appreciation from many of the children he so carefully got back and forth to their schools.

Even though Peter brought help, peace and love to so many people that needed it, he was unable to find that peace and love for himself until 4-27-2005.

Southard, Christopher James

March 16, 1987 – October 23, 2015

Chris had a great passion for video games, comics, music and movies. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a kind soul who brought light and happiness to the many people he touched.

Stankey, Christopher D.

July 15, 1962 – February 7, 2015

He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time at the family cabin. Chris loved his family with all his heart. His quiet strength and sense of humor will be forever loved and treasured.

Stottrup, Brianna

Drinking Hot Chocolate in Flip Flops

I am crazy about everything French.
I am addicted to having my fan on all night long.
I never tire of listening to the same CDs over and over.
I can consume lots of homemade hot chocolate.
I wear flip flops at any time of the year, even winter.
I love to people-watch.
I like to organize.
I like to listen to NPR just because I like the way their voices sound.

By Brianna, 2008

Loved and missed deeply by dad, mom, sister, family and friends.

Strachan, Dale

BACK

this is a present to you
for you and no one else
you ought to be thankful for it now
everything you do,
everything you feel,
everything you are
and by the way
give it back
you must treasure this gift
oh what a sacred thing it is
remember to take care and beware
of everything you have,
everything you need,
everythingyou want
and anyways

give it back

Strait, Brian

Brian will always be remembered as one of the kindest, most naturally good-natured people any of us have ever met. He had friends of all stripes and somehow could always bring these people together, no matter how different they were.

He was always willing to go above and beyond to lend extra help, be it at work or with his friends and do it with a smile. He loved his family and all of his friends and what time we had with him means a lot to all of us.

Hopefully, we can remember to live as he did and make an effort to be as good to each other as he was to us.

“… forever missed and in our hearts.”

Love,

Your family & friends

Taggart, Jacob Michael

Jake was 16-years old when he ended his life. He was a highly intelligent, complicated, and deep soul, who loved books, music, travel, a good debate, and making his friends and family laugh. He was a person who bucked authority at every turn. He was adamant about his beliefs and steadfastly held onto them, even from a very young age. Jake was gentle and kind to children, animals, and those who needed a shoulder or an ear.
He was sensitive in a world that does not reward men who feel deeply.

We will never know why Jake chose such a tragic end to his life. We, his family and friends, are left with a hole that once was filled with his laughter, smile, and irreverent sense of humor. We cling to his love for us and our love for him to help ease our pain.

Jake, we miss you every day with a terrible ache, and hope that you are now free from your pain. We love you forever, plus one.

Thaemert, Michael E.

Michael was a much loved son, brother, and uncle. He was everyone’s best friend. He knew how to light up a room and how to make anyone feel welcome. Even today, he still visits us with penny drops, butterfly visits and music mishaps. He loved music so it is no surprise that he would visit us in such a way. We love him and miss him dearly.

“I’m Free” – Unknown

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Thompson, Bryan Timothy

5/18/90 – 7/23/10

Bryan was here for only a short while, but his imprint on the earthly world will never be forgotten. Sensitivity, creativity, imagination and adventure come to mind when thinking about Bryan.

Hockey, guitar, skateboarding, snowboarding, and video games were some of Bryan’s passions. These came naturally to Bryan, with little effort it seemed. Bryan’s greatest gift, however, was his willingness to help friends. Friends sought him out because he was not only fun, witty, and light to be around, but also because he was ALWAYS willing to be there in their time of need. The outpouring of love and stories from Bryan’s friends since July 23, 2010 has been incredible and truly touching to all of us!

As a young boy, Bryan would adventure into the woods to gather up caterpillars, sticks and other interesting creations from God. As a young man, Bryan sought adventure in caves and tunnels along the river. He was much like Peter Pan, always out for an adventure! One thing Bryan would want us to take away from his life is not to take our lives on earth too seriously. Don’t lose that little kid inside of us!

Bryan has only shed his physical body, but his soul is here with us forever. We will watch for him every day of our lives and until we are together again.

We are so proud of Bryan and will love him forever!

Mom, Dad, Shauna and Bob

Thompson, Philip A.

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived.
You can close your eyes and pray he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone,or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and be empty or you can do what he’d want: Smile, Open Your Eyes, Love, and Go on.

Phil’s bright light may be gone from our eyes,
but never, ever from our hearts.

Tody, Eric

Memoriam of
Eric David Tody
8/22/82-11/5/15

Eric was a loving son and brother (oldest of three siblings).
He came into this world on August 22nd, 1982 in Amery WI.
He was always there for his family or friends, whether it was a mechanical issue or someone needing to talk.

Passions in his life included pool halls and billiards competitions as well as riding vintage snowmobiles and motorcycles. His intelligence kept him tinkering with anything mechanical. Give a call and he’d be happy to help you with any complicated issue.

In the last year of his life, Eric was attending college in St Paul, in an attempt to further his education and brighten his future. Unfortunately, the battle with depression overcame him. He was abruptly gone forever on November 5, 2015 due to bipolar depression.

He is dearly missed by his family and friends, who treasured his heartfelt hugs and quick smiles. His presence is truly missed and he will be forever in our hearts, minds and memories.

Tredway, Matthew M.

Matthew Tredway (right) and John Winchester

Best friends are never replaced and my heart still hurts from Matt’s void. The many years we spent together in Texas are now my most precious of memories. I wouldn’t trade a moment of our experiences and each day I fight to recall all our adventures, and to share with others what a truly great friend I had and how much I miss him.

Trost, Nicholas A.

Don’t think of me as gone,
I am waiting in the wings,
as someday our paths
will certainly cross again.

Do not shed more tears
as that was not the plan,
but know that I am watching
over you, the best that I can.

Peace and comfort I have found,
and I hope that you will too,
living life to the fullest is my
wish for all of you.

~drw

Nick was a caring, compassionate, wonderful son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend who touched all of our lives in so many special ways. Not a day goes by without a wonderful memory of Nick. We all cherish the time we were blessed to spend with him. These traits and his smile we will treasure forever.

Velde, Todd

We like to think that we are all sensitive human beings with high ideals and a certain measure of integrity; Todd Velde was this person times one hundred. Todd packed a lot of life into a relatively short period of time and made us laugh countless times–these will be our memories of Todd. Though none of us will ever understand Todd’s state of mind and are left with many questions, let us also remember and honor his life by treating everyone we encounter the way he treated others–with respect, compassion, kindness, and a smile.

Warner, Seth E.

June 19, 1987 – June 25, 2011

Wherever I am
You’ll always be
More than just a memory.

Woldemichael, Helina

On Leaving the Bachelorette Brunch
BY RACHEL WETZSTEON

Because I gazed out the window at birds
doing backflips when the subject turned
to diamonds, because my eyes glazed over
with the slightly sleepy sheen your cake will wear,
never let it be said that I’d rather be
firing arrows at heart-shaped dartboards
or in a cave composing polyglot puns.
I crave, I long for transforming love
as surely as leaves need water and mouths seek bread.
But I also fear the colder changes
that lie in wait and threaten to turn
moons of honey to pools of molasses,
broad front porches to narrow back gardens,
and tight rings of friendship to flimsy things
that break when a gold band brightly implies
Leave early, go home, become one with the one
the world has told you to tend and treasure
above all others. You love, and that’s good;
you are loved, that’s superb; you will vanish
and reap some happy rewards. But look at the birds.

Wolfgang, Zackery

~ I am going to be a storm
-a flame-
I need to fight whole armies alone;
I have ten hearts;
I have a hundred arms;
I feel too strong to war with mortals- BRING ME GIANTS! ~

Zaro Jr., George F.

“Fly home little heart
Fly home where you belong
Your wings are brave & strong
Fly home where you belong”

Novello

Zweifel, Kris

The glimmer of hope you’d stay for more than a while,
Life affirming moments with the brilliant depth of your smile,
We lost you then found you and believed it could be,
Your soul’s inner goodness to silence the stormy sea.
The tempest of pain overshadowed glowing embers of light,
Life brightening cardinal song drowned by ink of the night,
We prayed, yes begged, that comfort destroy your consuming despair,
Your life so precious, now only memories to hold close of the years we did share.