Memorial Donor Quilts

Starlit Memories Donor Family Quilt

Clifford L. Anderson

Janesville, Wis.
March 4, 1932-Oct. 26, 2002

The items shown on the quilt square are the things he enjoyed-gardening, Green Bay Packers, carpentry, fishing and serving as a Boy Scout leader for many years (Troop 540) at Faith Lutheran Church, Janesville. He was also leader to quite a few Eagle Scouts.

- Verneta Anderson, wife

Delos W. Barrett, Jr.

Monroe, Wis.
Sept. 29, 1929-March 19, 2003

Del grew up in the Milwaukee area, graduated from Lannon High School, and then went to the University of Wisconsin. He was on the first UW crew team to win the NCAA title in 1951. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army and served for two years. Del was a master Mason in the Monroe area for many years. He has four sons and three stepchildren. We have 14 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three great step-grandchildren. Del and I were married July 13, 1985 in Montello, where we lived for 16 years. Del loved to fish and hunt. We moved back to Monroe in 2001 due to Del's ill health. He was my beloved husband for 17 wonderful years. I will love and miss him always.

- Nancy Barrett, wife

Tyler Matthew Bausch

Lancaster, Wis.
July 21, 1976-Sept. 12, 1998

Tyler was born in Madison, Wis., at St. Mary's Hospital three months early, weighing only 2 pounds, 4 ounces. He spent his first two months of life in the neonatal intensive care unit. He was the son of Anthony and Barbara (Landon) Bausch. He has an older sister Kerry and a younger brother Christopher. He spent his childhood and high school years growing up in Lancaster. Tyler enjoyed swimming and cross-country while in school, and spending time with his buddies. After graduation from Lancaster Senior High School in 1995, he enlisted in the United State Navy and served his country from June 4, 1995 until his death as a Boatsman's Mate 3rd Class, E4. Tyler was stationed aboard a minesweeper in Ingleside, Texas, at the same base as his older sister. He was on a rotation crew and had already spent one rotation in the Persian Gulf and was due to return there in a couple of days. He was killed in an automobile accident a day before his return to the base for deployment. Tyler enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was very shy, sensitive and gentle in nature. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He loved life to the fullest and is greatly missed by his family and friends.

- Anthony and Barbara Bausch, parents

Francis 'Frank' H. Brechon

Rockford, Ill.
Sept. 9, 1929-April 30, 2002

Our dad was a great man. He loved his family, golf, gardening, woodworking, playing bridge, sports and the Green Bay Packers. He was a kind, gentle, loving and funny man. Those who knew Dad knew that. When you spent time with Dad, he would greet you with that wonderful smile and those twinkling blue eyes and you would feel special. And to Dad, you were. Dad was wonderful husband. He married Mom (Louise) on Dec. 29, 1951. They were married for 50 years. Dad believed in marriage and the commitment to family and passed that on to each of us. Mom and Dad together were amazing. They fit. Dad has six children. When each of us married, Dad gave these heartfelt toasts. It was his way of letting everyone know our spouses were not in-laws; they were part of his clan. Dad had a way of making each of us feel special. We all thought we were his favorite. Dad has 13 grandchildren. They were his sunshine and he loved each of them. To them, he was Bompa Frank. Frank H. Brechon was a great man. We will miss him!

- Children of Frank H. Brechon

Emmett Brown

Baraboo, Wis.
Oct. 19, 1931-June 9, 2002

Emmett was born in Tomahawk, Wis., but resided in Baraboo, Wis. for the last 40 years of his life. Banking became his livelihood, but the outdoors was his love. He was an avid hunter for 50 years, always used a compass, was never lost, but sometimes got turned around-a hunting tradition with many memories that family members and closest friends will cherish. He enjoyed finding the trout that was always behind the next rock in the Brule River, or the blue gill basking in the warm shallow water in Devils Lake, two of his favorite spots. He kept his head down, followed through, and was thankful to be on the green side of the grass at the Baraboo Country Club, a champion in his own right. When the weather didn't cooperate, the Elks Club saw the competitive twinkle in his eye as his thumb followed through to the ceiling at the bowling alley. Most of all, he was one of the most fair and honest men you could ever have known. His family and friends could always trust and count on him, the golden thread in many hearts forever.

- Lorraine Brown, wife

Harold A. Carlson

Rockford, Ill.
Dec. 4, 1918-Feb. 18, 2003

Harold was a loving husband of 56 1/2 years. He was so proud of his children and supported them in all they did. He enjoyed his grandchildren, was always interested in their activities and loved to take their pictures. He had a love for the Bible, reading and studying it daily. He served the Lord since he was a teenager and helped organize and build Evergreen Covenant Church. Many vacations Harold spent camping with family, as well as traveling to 48 states, the Holy Land and South America. He was employed for 59 years with the same company and had a great work ethic. Harold volunteered as a Healing Hearts Visitor in the hospital, calling on patients after heart surgery. He was a friend to many, always looking for the good in others and was, even with a serious illness, cheerful and positive.

- Lorraine Carlson, wife

Vernon Lee Congdon

Fort Atkinson, Wis.
Oct. 12, 1934-March 12, 2003

Vernon L. Congdon was born in Elkhorn, Wis. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. He married Sharon Krause on Aug. 30, 1980. They had a son Jesse, born March 27, 1981. Vernon worked on the Milwaukee Railroad and Wisconsin Central Railroad. He passed away in Fort Atkinson.

- Sharon Congdon, wife

William Ernest Kuenzi

New Glarus, Wis.
June 20, 1920-Feb. 7, 2003

Bill and I were married for 61 years. We had six sons. Bill was a community-minded individual. He donated a great amount of time over the years to many projects, including the New Glarus Fire Department, Stuessy-Kuenzi Legion Post, Red Cross blood drives, singing in choirs and quartets, New Glarus Yodel Club and Mannechor. He served on the Village Board, was active in business associations and a variety of other organizations. His nickname, 'Frosty,' followed him from the frozen food and meat locker plant business that he operated for years. Bill saw the plight of many people who were injured, ill or needed transplants. In 1991, our son Dennis was killed in a motorcycle collision with an auto. We couldn't help physically in that situation at all. Thereafter, Bill was compassionate enough to have talked with me about donation of tissue or organs several years prior to his passing. I decided, after family consultation, to honor his desire. We were very pleased with the professional manner that Allograft employed in their approach to us following referrals by the funeral director and deputy coroner. We hope and pray that many more people would become donors, too.

- Dorothy A. Kuenzi, wife

Margaret Ann Maleck

March 15, 1938-Dec. 28, 2001
Beaver Dam, Wis.

This quilt square is in memory of Margaret Ann 'Maggie' Maleck. The picture of her is in front of her fireplace, taken Dec. 25, 2001. It was a new home that she only got to enjoy nine months. The house and driveway are appliqued onto the quilt square. Her burning bush is on the right and tulips on the left. The two gift boxes are on each side because she loved to give gifts. She was very generous.

- Michael Maleck, father

Howard Meighan

Lancaster, Wis.
September 1919-April 24, 2002

From when he was a young man, Howard worked in the dairy industry. He hauled milk, was a licensed cheese maker for years, and then did quality work. At one time, he did the fieldwork for 14 small cheese factories before they all closed, and worked for 25 years as a fieldman for Schurman Brothers, now Foremost Farms. All his life, he loved to hunt deer, fox, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, and wild turkeys. At age 82, he was turkey hunting when a heart attack took his life. Not only a hunter but fisherman, too, he fished local streams with his two sons for trout and bass. Lots of the time he was on the Mississippi fishing for pan fish. He was a very good gardener and had several gardens. He gave away or sold vegetables on our picnic table on the front lawn, using a pail and the honor system. The cat on the block is our orange Persian 'Buffy' who spent evenings with Howard in his recliner. The birdhouse represents how he fed birds and he also fed the squirrels. Last, was his love for card playing and on snowy days you would find him at Zippy's in a card game.

- Darlene Meighan, wife

Joseph Midthun

Lodi, Wis.
Feb. 22, 1986-June 1, 2002

Joseph Midthun was the second of three children. He died on his sister's 14th birthday as a result of a car accident. Parents don't contemplate thoughts of organ donation for their children. Unfortunately, we had that decision to make. Joey was a beautiful blue-eyed young man of 16 who left us too soon. JoeJoe loved his family, his Rotweillers and his friends. Life was an adventure. If you could imagine it, you could do it. Joey was a talker who God blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. People were drawn to Joe. To those of us who loved him, his death was a devastating loss. When we were contacted about donation, it seemed obvious that we should do it. It's something positive coming from a senseless, tragic loss. JoeJoe made a difference in every life he touched. Our wish is that through organ and tissue donation, our Joey will continue to make a difference.

- Mary Midthun, mother

Joshua Michael Moroney

Loves Park, Ill.
Sept. 15, 1983-June 14, 2003

This square is for Joshua Moroney. It was made and designed by his Aunt Michelle Moroney. Each heart represents the loved ones he left behind. The words 'We'll never let go' was a saying his family adopted to let him know that no matter what, he'll always be in our thoughts and in our hearts each and every day. Josh left us way too early, but every day we give thanks to be blessed to have him for the 20 years he was with us. As he left so many hearts behind, we all hope he touches more with his gifts of life.

- The Moroney and Bailes families

Joseph Petit

Monroe, Wis.
Feb. 27, 1984-Feb. 12, 2003

Joe will always be known as 'the man with a big smile' by all his family and friends, but particularly by Monsignor Thomas Campion. Joe was a long-time volunteer of the Apostolate for the Handicapped and was proud to be a 'Little Monsignor.' He was an avid sports fan of the Chicago Bears, New York Yankees and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Most of all, Joe will be remembered for his enjoyment of harassing his family, in particular his mother and sister. Joe liked to make things from metal. He participated in the School to Work Program at Monroe Senior High School for two years in the welding program. He was employed by Monroe Truck Equipment as a Welder/Assemblyman for three years. Joe had a multitude of friends and is greatly missed. His donation of anatomical gifts is his family's way to remember and live on. It is our hope that the recipients will live their lives to the fullest just as Joe had done. We love you, Joe, and miss you so much.

- Beth Schoepp, mother

Bernie Piotrzkowski

Madison, Wis.
July 20, 1925-Dec. 18, 2002

Theresa Marie Stanley

Wauconda, Ill.
July 7, 1978-March 3, 2001

Our beloved daughter, Theresa Marie Stanley, and her boyfriend, David Brown, were killed on March 3, 2001, when a drunk driver near Wausau, Wis struck their truck head-on. She was 22 years old. Theresa was a 1996 graduate of Wauconda High School in Wauconda, Ill. High school was a time of great personal development for Theresa. She had many artistic talents and was active in many school organizations and teams. Her friends called her 'Peanut' because she was short, but her big heart and concern for others more than made up for what she lacked in physical stature. Those of us who had the privilege to know her, whether it was for a few hours or a lifetime, were truly blessed to have her in our lives. We miss her terribly. Theresa signed her donor card shortly before her death. Although most of her organs were too severely injured to use, she was able to donate her eyes, veins, ligaments, bones and skin to help other people. Knowing that Theresa is continuing to help other people enjoy a better quality of life has been an enormous consolation to us. We urge everyone to sign their donor cards for their family's sake.

- Family of Theresa Marie Stanley

Genevieve Irene Stout Franks

Westby, Wis.
1919-May 23, 2002

The log cabin block was chosen to signify Mom as the center of the home and family. The family picture shows Mom with her husband Louis and their 10 children. She said many times that the years spent living and raising her children on Newburn Ridge were the happiest years of her life. Having her sister Helen living on the neighboring farm with her eight children was an added bonus. On our farm was an enormous willow tree that became the source of many family stories. The spool of thread is to remember the many pairs of jeans she patched, the curtains she sewed and the hand-me-down alterations she made. The chicken represents many, many Sunday dinners of chicken and noodles, for which she became famous. Another favorite was her Bohemian recipe of cabbage and dumplings. The quilt block is lavender because that was Mom's favorite color. The rose button reminds us of her love for flowers. Unfortunately, due to her children always picking them for her and the pets loving to lay in them, not many of the flowers she planted survived. Mom was truly loved and will be missed for a long time. We are thankful the hospital staff asked us about donation. It is something we didn't think of at the time of her passing. It is nice to think she may be helping someone else to live. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to honor our mother.

- The family of Genevieve Franks

Bernard E. Stowell

Hillsboro, Wis.
June 30, 1911-Aug. 8, 2001

Bernard always had to finish his task when he was called in for lunch. When the grandchildren would want to cross the road, he would help them across so they could be there with him. Sometimes if he had a task to finish, they would have to wait awhile. We lived by State Highway 33, a busy highway, and they couldn't cross alone until they were older. Bernard was always very patient with them. On the day Bernard died, his grandson wrote the poem that appears on the quilt square. He loved farming and his animals and chickens, and made pets of all of them.

- Dorothy Stowell, wife

Joseph Tschanz

Monroe, Wis.
June 16, 1933-Aug. 18, 2001

Joe graduated in 1951 and was married to Evelyn Smith on Aug. 29, 1954. They had five children-Terry, Nathan, Susan, Kathy and Patty. Their 10 grandchildren are Ryan, Brad, Amber, Tyler, Rustin, Riley, Tara, Michael, Cody and Nicole. Joe was a loving husband and father. He had a big heart, putting other people's needs before his own. He loved traveling in his motor home, hunting and fishing, the county fair and hot air balloons. He farmed for 30 years as well as worked for Swiss Colony for 28 years as a supervisor. Joe served 20 years as food and donation chairman for the Green County Dairy Breakfast. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

- Evelyn Tschanz, wife

Louis Vesperman

Lancaster, Wis.
Jan. 18, 1923-April 9, 2002

The quilt block is a photo of 'my boss' for 56 years. We had a good marriage and have a son, Tim. The record of Louie's life is chock full of good things-good deeds done in services to church and community, touching so many lives with his caring ways. He was a one-of-a-kind person with a huge heart and great commitment to his fellow man and/or woman. He did enjoy life. He loved to hunt, fish, play golf and baseball, bowl, dance and garden. His garden in the back yard, with all its beautiful flowers, was a picture to behold. We miss him.

- Dorothy Vesperman, wife

Alois Vogt

Wauwatosa, Wis.
June 20, 1921-Feb. 26, 2002

Allie was a graduate of Marquette University College of Engineering, Class of 1944, where he was a member of the Triangle Fraternity and 'M' Club. As the Marquette football team captain and quarterback, he was recipient of his most prized possession-the game football of the last time Marquette beat the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1943. He went on to play professional football for Buffalo. He was owner and operator of A. Vogt Construction Co., Inc., past president of the Milwaukee Pavers, U.S. Navy veteran and member of the Neville Dunn American Legion Post 489. He was a fun-loving and caring dad to Pamela, Gary and Alan and grandfather to six.

- Betty Vogt, wife

Gerald Wienkes

Highland, Wis.
Nov. 9, 1933-May 30, 2002

Gerald Wienkes was born and raised on, and owned, the family farm. He loved the farm. Many long, hard hours working on the farm were a huge part of his life. He treasured his children, grandchildren and wife. His heart was filled with love for them. His own personal needs would be put on hold in order to do things for his family. The family was first and then his friends. He taught us many things with encouraging words. His entire life was spent in helping his neighbors and friends. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help his friends. If you would ask him what he did, he would say, 'Working the family farm is what I did. Helping friends and playing with my grandkids is what I live.' We may forget what he has told us over time, but the memories of him will surpass our lifetime. We love you, Dad and Grandpa.

- Sheila Middlestadt, daughter