Memorial Donor Quilts

Nature of Giving Memorial Donor Family Quilt

Owen Allen Anderson

Cameron, Wis.
Oct. 15, 1931 – Feb. 17, 2005

Dad had a love of life which he has shown and believed through his tissue donation. He was born in Cameron, Wis. and grew up on a farm where he was taught the value of honesty and hard work. Dad and Mom met at a country school picnic where Mom was serving ice-cream cones. They were married 55 years. He said he was the "richest man in the world with Mom as his wife." Dad and Mom have five children, 11 grandchildren and so far, four great-grandchildren. Dad loved hunting and fishing with his sons, and they enjoyed raising coon hounds. Dad and Mom took many trips out west. Dad was amazed by the beauty of the mountains. In later years, Dad became a collector of antique boats, outboard motors, and fishing lures. I think he mostly enjoyed the stories swapped with other collectors. He was admired for his creative ingenuity, common sense, honesty, his zest for life, his crazy laugh, loving smile and funny poems. We miss you like crazy, Dad, but we know you will be waiting for each of us in heaven. We love you!

The Children of Owen Anderson Ronny, Bruce, Karen, Debby and Diane

Tara Anne Benter

Collins, Wis.
Nov. 20, 1975 – June 1, 2001

Tara was always thrown challenges. When she was 10 years old, Tara was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and at the age of 20, suffered a stroke. She was the strongest person you would ever meet. Whenever she had something stuck in her head that she was going to do, guess what, there was no stopping her. As a little girl, Tara’s love of Miss Piggy, dressing up like Madonna and planning practical jokes made spending time with her a never-ending adventure. Tara had the gift of always making others around her feel special. Her passion for children and photography went hand-in-hand. Tara was an early childhood teacher and loved her toddlers. She enjoyed trips up north to the cottage and spending time with family and friends. Tara grew up in Collins, a small rural town. The rose on the square represent Tara’s favorite flower, the butterflies represent the Lupus and donation organizations. Even though she has died, Tara continues to smile down on us, and her donation allows a part of her to live on.

Mary Benter, mother

Paul J. Butzen

Fond du Lac, Wis.
Sept. 8, 1941 – June 20, 2004

Upbeat and positive would be good words to describe Paul. He cared for everyone. He died in a boating accident while trying to help a stranger recover his kayak from a dam on the Sheboygan River. Paul loved working with wood. He built several wood strip canoes. He worked and played golf at a local golf course. Paul directed the Walleye Run/Walk in conjunction with the Walleye Weekend Festival for 25 years. He also coached cross country and track at the public high school in Fond du Lac for many years. His accomplishments were many. He was a wonderful father, a great teacher and a true Christian. His love for running and promotion of heath and fitness were unmatched in Fond du Lac. He was fun and funny and never took himself too seriously. He loved life and lived every minute of every day. As Paul would say, "Life is good!"

Anne Butzen, wife

Eugene T. Collins

Clinton, Wis.
Aug. 19, 1924 – Nov. 7, 2004

Gene’s father was a businessman and the family lived on a little place in the country. The children had a pony and Gene would use it to do work in the garden, to harvest some hay for the pony, ride and more. His father had dreams of him taking over the business but Gene said, "I’m going to be a farmer!" He would work for farmers in the area during his teens—for 50 cents a day, he said. His last year in high school, he was drafted for the war and ended up in the Navy in the submarine service. He was trained at New London, Conn. as a motor machinist for the diesel engine room. He had a mishap that broke off some teeth and injured his back, but it never kept him from his dream to farm. He married after the war and bought a 40-acre farm in Wisconsin. His dream was coming true—a farm, cows, a tractor, some equipment and a strong will to succeed. His farm grew to 200 acres with 40 cows, two horses and five children. He loved his family, farm and way of life. He had achieved his goal. Gene could always see some good in everyone. He had a "gift of gab" and could carry on a conversation with anyone he met. He read books, a lot of magazines, and yes, any papers he got in the mail!

Mae Collins, wife

Woodard "Woody" Finn

Jefferson, Wis.
Dec. 10, 1925 – July 10, 2005

Woody served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and also in the Air Force during the Korean War. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, handicrafts and woodcarving. His greatest love was helping others. Since 1988, Woody had been active in the Fort HealthCare Partners, volunteering to escort patients to their rooms, assist in the emergency room, perform wheelchair maintenance and raise funds to support hospital projects. He also donated more than 25 gallons of blood, including platelets to help cancer patients fight infection during chemotherapy. In addition, he volunteered at the Fort Health & Rehabilitation Center. Woody’s volunteerism earned him recognition as winner of the 2005 Fort Atkinson Lions Club Distinguished Community Service Award. But Woody was never too busy to help parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and friends build new houses, put on new roofs and do general repairs. The quilt patch was made, with the help of a computer program, by Woody’s brother Ed.

Louise Finn, wife

Ronald Haas

Beloit, Wis.
Aug. 8, 1938 – Nov. 22, 2005

Ronald Haas was born in 1938 in Milwaukee, Wis. He spent his grade school years in Birchwood, Wis. and graduated from high school in Lancaster, Wis. He married Nancy Fisher on June 22, 1963 and was a wonderful, loving husband. He was a great father to his children, Cheryl and Jeff and he is missed by all. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He was also an avid sport fan, spending many years as an armchair quarterback for his beloved Green Bay Packers, in addition to watching NASCAR races and many Brewer games. His other great love was growing roses and won many awards for his accomplishments. He found much joy in growing them and giving them to friends and relatives. The Freeman Shoe Co. of Beloit was his place of employment for 33 years. He was a first-rate mechanic and supervisor. He retired when the company closed. The squirrels in our yard loved seeing him, as he always had peanuts in his pocket to feed them plus ears of corn for them. He also built them houses and had six houses in the trees. We miss him and feel God has a place in his home for him.

Nancy Haas, wife

Clifford Perry Haniwalt

Argyle, Wis.
June 20, 1917 – Aug. 13, 2005

Clifford happily gave up our home and job to bring his wife and only child from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin for an education for their handicapped son. He was a supervisor in the bridge and building department of the now defunct New York Central Railroad. Clifford was a faithful Catholic and was active in the Apostolate to the handicapped. He raised and loved his pet birds. He served in the signal corps as a corporal in World War II. He was the youngest of seven children, growing up in Pennsylvania. He was employed in the oil well industry as a younger man. In June of 1952, he married Anna Grien in North Kingsville, Ohio. In December of 1953, their son Larry was born. His main concern was to give to others and so I feel he would be proud to give what he had to others even after his death.

Anna Haniwalt, wife

Jeremy K. Helm

Highland, Wis.
Nov. 5, 1978 – May 9, 2004

Jeremy "Buddy" Helm enjoyed his last Harley ride on May 9, 2004. Jeremy graduated from Barneveld High School in 1998 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in August 1998. He was our "free bird" who lived life to its fullest and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His smile and hearty laugh will forever be missed. Jeremy was a fun-loving uncle to his nephew and nieces and a best f riend/brother to his four sisters. He was the best son a mom could ask for and "Buddy" to many.

Geraldine Riley, mother

Elizabeth "Bette" Kroll

Kaukauna, Wis.
Sept. 9, 1933 – July 5, 2003

Bette was an avid reader her entire life so it was only natural that a memorial in her name was established at the Kaukauna Public Library in the form of a painting the family had commissioned by a local artist. Because Bette loved her family, reading and her flower garden, it was decided that the painting be in a garden setting with her reading to three children, a boy and two girls, representing her three children and three grandchildren. The quilt square is a replica of the original painting and has a plaque reading, "In memory of Bette Kroll, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose passion for reading was an inspiration to her children and grandchildren." She was a totally unselfish person who always did everything she could to help others and is greatly missed by all who knew her.

Jerome Kroll, husband

Charles A. Olk

Hortonville, Wis.
Aug. 1, 1925 – Aug. 14, 2003

Charles was a loving person and enjoyed life. Charles was proud to have served in the United States Navy. He was the father of seven children and enjoyed his family, hunting and fishing.

June Olk, wife

Larry Lee Reckin

Rural Elmwood, Wis.
Nov. 16, 1980 – Nov. 7, 2003

Larry Lee Reckin was born Nov 16, 1980, and resided in Wisconsin with his father and mother, Larry and Linda, and his four brothers, Lonnie, Lynn, Lance, and Loren. He loved sports from the time he was little on up, especially basketball. He played basketball throughout his school years starting at fifth grade through his senior year. He made the all conference team his senior year. After he graduated, he continued his love for the game couching a group of about 14 fifth graders. He coached them for three years, and was starting the fourth year when he was killed in a car accident. They were all devastated. They not only lost a great coach, but a great friend and mentor. Larry loved all his boys and they loved him. They were all honorary pallbearers at his funeral. The college basketball team that Larry loved was the North Carolina Tar Heels. Just about all the clothes he wore pertained to North Carolina so that is why I put the colors of that team around his picture. He was killed Nov. 7, 2003 in a car accident going to a football game just nine days before his 23rd birthday. We all miss and love him so much.

Linda Reckin, mother

Rita Arlene Robertson (nee) Bork

Adams, Wis.
March 9, 1943 – Sept. 16, 2004

Some of Rita’s favorite things:
The deer represent her love of wildlife, watching and feeding wild animals and birds.
She loved her family, which consisted of her husband Tom, son Burton and wife Holly, two grandkids Andrew and Alexander, a brother Howard, and a special sister Lila.
The Airedale, Kilitie was her buddy around the house. The fireman’s helmet represents her husband and son, both professional firefighters, and her position as the first female firefighter in Adams, Wis. Hummingbirds held a special place in her heart. Bowling was another lifelong love. Rita was an office manager for Roberts Motors, Friendship. After that she worked at AF Motors in Adams as an office manager for 33 years. This symbol also represents her 1934 street rod, which she and her husband enjoyed together. She was a proud member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. She carried a picture of Jesus and never went anywhere without Him. The red heart, her favorite color, represents her big heart. She gave her heart and love until the very end, as a tissue donor, so that her love would live forever.

Thomas Robertson, husband

LeRoy Duncan Roth

Cadott, Wis.
Oct. 10, 1928 – Oct. 29, 2004

Duncan always dreamed of building a cabin on his land near the Brule River. While reading "Mother Earth News" he found an article on a stacked wood cabin. He bought 10 cords of popple and stored them in a friend’s barn for two years. In the spring of 1987, they were cut into 16-inch blocks. In the fall, his many friends started the building from a 3 x 5 piece of paper, nicknaming it "Camp Maybe Stand". It took six consecutive weekends between farming and filling silo. Once the corner posts were configured, it began to take shape. There was no electricity or water at the site. Everything was hauled and done by "muscle power". The materials were hauled in an Aries K Dodge station wagon from home 180 miles away. The blocks are set on railroad ties buried four feet. Sand, sawdust, cement and mortar mix hold the blocks together. The window frames are made from scratch. It is one big room, kitchen, beds and wood stove. In a scrapbook that followed the progress there is this quote, "It is amazing what a little hard work and a few simple tools can do." A job well done, Duncan. You have left your mark in history.
Duncan died Oct. 29, 2004. His greatest gift was to someone he didn’t even know. He was a tissue donor.

Lois Roth, wife

James F. Slusser

Nekoosa, Wis.
Dec. 16, 1954 – Sept. 6, 2004

Jim, my son, was a very friendly person, a friend to all. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his summers at the cabin up north. He loved to fish, hunt and all sports. He also loved children and people in general. He was a wonderful person, and friend and helper to all. We sure do miss him.

Alvina Slusser, mother

Chester Sobush

Pound, Wis.
March 5, 1926 – May 4, 2004

Chet was an ex-Marine. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and baseball. In his younger years, he was a No. 1 baseball pitcher. Later, when he moved to Lake Gilas, he became a super fisherman. In 1995, he competed in a golf tournament and won a car for a hole-in-one! Chet retired from the St. Charles Home for Boys and the Milwaukee County Sherriff’s Department. He was very proud of his Polish heritage.

Gloria Sobush, wife

Helen Stingle

Black Creek, Wis.
May 7, 1907 – Sept. 29, 2003

Mom died 96 years young. No one who ever met her thought of her as an old woman. Everyday was a wonderful adventure for her. Her life was one daily prayer of faith and joy. We were so pleased to be able to call her mom, grandma and friend. She married Dad just after the beginning of the depression in 1931. There was the struggle of very little money, lots of hard work on their farm, and then the 13 babies that started coming. To our dismay, Dad died on their 67th wedding anniversary in 1998. Always, Mom’s faith sustained her. The family showered her with love until her 2003 unexpected death from flu complications. Mom cared so much for everyone. No one had ever been a stranger to Mom in life. We knew after her death she would be pleased to give the gift of herself to someone in need. We’re all going to miss her so much. It’s going to be hard to follow in the giant footsteps she left.

Mary Ann Nettekoven, daughter

Lyle "Tinker" Taylor

Bloomington, Wis.
April 10, 1932 – Nov. 17, 2005

Lyle "Tinker" Taylor worked in the feed business all his life and was the owner of the Economy Feed Mill until he sold it to two of his sons. He remained working at the feed mill after he sold it. His great love was to drive the bulk truck. He was 73 years old when he died and he died while in his bulk truck. He was the father of 10 children and was a devoted and loving husband and father. His two greatest loves were his family and his bulk truck.

Marian Taylor, wife

Chuck Treige

Hortonville, Wis.
Oct. 22, 1945 – Sept. 3, 1998

Charles Murray Treige, age 52, died suddenly Sept. 3, 1998 at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wis., following a cerebral hemorrhage.Chuck, as he was known, was born Oct. 22, 1945 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The son of John and Effie Treige, Chuck graded from Edgewood High School in Madison in 1964 and Madison Area Technical College in 1969 with an associates degree in Mechanical Design Technology. He was employed at Kimberly Clark Corp. in Neenah as a consumer packaging engineer for 29 years. His favorite pastime was fishing in Canada. He enjoyed gardening and flowers, and had a golden retriever named Buffy. He was a wonderful son and I miss him more as each day goes by. His tissues and organs were donated, and I have received many letters from people who are alive today from the goodness of my son. Chuck married Rita Weisense and she proceeded him in death, June 2, 1998, from cancer. They both enjoyed traveling.

Effie Skalitzky, mother

Norbert Francis Hugo Werner

Jefferson, and Minocqua, Wis.
June 18, 1917 – Oct. 30, 2002

Norbert Werner served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. His hobbies included doing things with his family, all kinds of fishing, small game hunting, dancing, playing cards, traveling, golfing, enjoying all sports, and wintering in Arizona. The picture on the quilt square is his wife Lorraine’s favorite photo, taken during their first years together. One of Norbert’s favorite colors was blue, thus the blue borders and blue background for the flags. Each of the flags represents Norbert’s family members and where they are living:
   U.S.A.—Norbert and his wife, Lorraine    New Mexico—Daughter and son-in-law, Anne Marie and Warren Werner-Smith    Illinois—Son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Ann Werner    Wisconsin—Daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lynn and Dennis Vogel

Dr. Mary Lynn Vogel, daughter

Mervin Wunderlin

Livingston, Wis.
Dec. 23, 1936 – Oct. 24, 2005

My husband of over 49 years, Mervin Wunderlin loved his family and going to our granddaughters’ games and school functions. He was always upbeat and outgoing no matter how bad he felt. For the last 10 years of his life, Merv suffered from diabetes, mini strokes, and was on kidney dialysis for the last 18 months, so he didn’t think any of his body could be used for transplant. We were surprised and glad when they asked us at the hospital if we would think of donation. He would have been very glad about this. Merv was a very caring-minded man. He served as mayor and on the side board in the village of Livingston over 35 years. He loved flying and held a pilot’s license until his health failed. He loved going to the Oshkosh Fly-In every year. He worked at John Deere in Dubuque, Iowa, more than 33 years before retiring in 1992. After retirement, he could be seen all over the village on his John Deere tractor mower, doing lawn work for many people. I, our three children, and six granddaughters miss him very much. We hope his eyes can still see the planes fly.

Sandra Wunderlin, wife