Memorial Donor Quilts

Thanks for Giving Memorial Donor Family Quilt

Jayne Ellen Anderson

Madison, Wis.
May 9, 1964 - July 5, 2004

Our family always enjoyed celebrating our little bit of Irish! Our baby girl Jayne with her freckles and auburn hair really looked the part! I thought using the Irish colors of green, blue, white and gold seemed appropriate. The heart is the symbol that she was the heart of our family and the hopes we always placed in her. I most certainly am not a real quilter, but I welcomed the opportunity to have her memory honored in this way. She died 'way too young, but we are proud of her choice to be a donor.

- Colleen Brown, mother

Thomas Anderson

Madison, Wis.
April 4, 1950 - July 30, 2004

Tom loved nature, especially being on the water and hiking in the mountains. He grew up on a lake and enjoyed sailing, kayaking and walking along the beach. He was passionate about sharing this love of nature with his children. The rocket ship symbolizes his love of science fiction and fantasy. The masks also reflect his love of the theater. He was always exploring new ideas and was very tolerant of others' opinions and beliefs. Tom was also a peace activist. He had a great love for his country and a deep appreciation of the freedoms he enjoyed. He wore his peace symbol on his coat with his flag to show that it belongs to all of us. The computer symbolizes his life's work and his connections to the world at large. Tom had a strong work ethic and lived by his principles. He was an elegant man with a great and generous spirit who nurtured and appreciated what is good and beautiful in the world. He had a deep love for his family and friends and embraced life to the fullest. May he be at peace.

We miss him very much.

- His family Jan, Brenna and Tobin

Robert Emery Armstrong

September 30, 1932 - November 30, 2004
Menominee, Mich.

This quilt block was quilted by Winnie Reinert. She and her husband Owen were dear friends for many years. Robert's wish for Christmas 2004 was peace. He passed away Nov. 30, 2004. The dove in this quilt block symbolizes Robert's desire for peace. "Love each other, and take delight in honoring each other."-Romans 12:10

- Norma Armstrong, wife

Eric James Barlament

Brillion, Wis.
September 5, 1972 - April 7, 2003

Eric was a part of my life for 12 ½ years and will be in my heart forever. He was my best friend and an amazing husband. On April 7, 2003, an oncoming car crossed the center line and Eric was taken from us. The photo chosen for Eric's square is from our vacation to the Bahamas in 2001. The pink baby bootie is for our daughter Erica, who was born on what would have been Eric's 31st birthday. She is the part of him that we can touch every day. The rings represent our wedding day when I married my best friend. The dive helmet is for his love of scuba diving and taking photos of underwater wildlife. The bicycle and deer are for his love of the outdoors, which he enjoyed while biking and hunting. The plunger and wrench are for his occupation as a plumber. He especially took pride in his work on the Lambeau Field renovation. The palm tree is for our many vacations to Aruba and his love for the island, culture and people. I miss him more than words can say and cherish every moment I was blessed to have him by my side.

- Kari Barlament, wife

Louis F. Bowe

Chippewa Falls, Wis.
May 18, 1914 - December 17, 2003

The quilt square for Louis Bowe depicts his military photo. Louis was very proud of being a World War II veteran and up until the time of his death, he relayed tales of the war to his family and friends. Louis lived to be 89 years of age and was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

- Jeanine Luther, granddaughter

Thomas Patrick Chapel

Stratford, Wis.
October 6, 1948 - January 27, 2004

Tom Chapel of Stratford, Wis., passed away with a massive heart attack on Jan. 27, 2004. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Tom was a husband, father and grandfather. Tom had gasoline running through his veins. He loved to ride motorcycles. If it didn't have a motor in it and make noise, he would put one in it to make noise! From riding dirt bikes on Sundays and building three-wheeled ice racers with his two boys, he also enjoyed taking road trips with his family and friends to the dirt track races. Tom's Web site covers what he loved to do, so if you happen to be surfing the Web, go to http://tcmcstuff.tripod.com and feel free to leave comments in the guest book. Thank you to everyone who viewed this Web site. It really meant a lot to him. Tom will be in our hearts forever.

- Cheryl Chapel, wife

Kelly Ann Dykstra

Fox Lake, Wis.
January 3, 1964 - February 28, 2005

Kelly resided in Fox Lake, Wis., but worked in Fond du Lac, Wis. She was a talented seamstress and worked as a drapery specialist and interior designer for a Fond du Lac business. She passed away after a very short illness Feb. 28, 2005, at the age of 41. She also designed and made Santas under the name of Christmas Ala Mode. She was a favorite aunt to Chris, Dan, Cassie, Molly, Carter and Casey; sister to Kathy and Todd, and our very special daughter.

- Carol Dykstra, mother

Oscar Eggert

Fond du Lac, Wis.
January 27, 1920 - December 8, 2003

My dear husband was a wonderful husband and father with a friendly personality to all with whom he came in contact. I feel I was truly blessed that the Lord granted us 56 years together. Occie, his nickname, had a beautiful speaking voice and how he loved to sing and whistle! He served in the European theater for three years as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He looked forward to deer and bird season, but after heart surgery, he was no longer able to pursue this sport. His greatest passion throughout his whole life was baseball (the Milwaukee Brewers), and a close second was the Green Bay Packers. We enjoyed many lovely trips together during our marriage and although we miss him, he will always remain in our hearts, for God's children never say goodbye for the last time.

- Mary Eggert, wife

Carlone Filiatrault

Montello, Wis.
December 18, 1975 - May 30, 2004

Carlone Noelle Filiatrault was born on Dec. 18, 1975 and was in a fatal accident on May 30, 2004 during a bad rainstorm on her way home from the church that she attended in Madison, Wis. She had lived in Madison for three years and decided to move home at the end of December 2002. Carlone was attending Madison Area Technical College part-time studying medical transcription. She had changed her major three other times, so it seemed that she was always studying. She worked full-time at a medical insurance office doing data entry. Carlone's faith in Jesus Christ was most important in her life, so she attended church as often as possible. Her cat Frisky was her special pride. She loved her cat very much. Carlone was always reading books since she could read. She especially enjoyed in the past few years the books about Star Trek, Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings series. Carlone loved roses and she was our rose, thus the rose on the quilt block. She was a very loving and giving person, especially to her family.

- James and Donna Filiatrault, parents

Richard Gilbertson

Lancaster, Wis.
June 17, 1958 - April 16, 2004

Ricky Gilbertson was our mentally handicapped son. He lived at Orchard Manor in Lancaster, Wis. He could not speak, but he could tell you he loved you by putting his hand over his heart. Ricky received many good things from many good people and now he is giving back.

- Helene Gilbertson, mother

John Grams

Green Lake, Wis.
October 4, 1956 - May 17, 2004

The square of the deer and the cabin represents John's love for the outdoors. His greatest passion in life was spending his time with his two boys in the woods, hunting, fishing and camping. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man who was eager to help anyone out and had a heart of gold, and just wanted everyone to get along. He knew "you can't always get what you want, but you get what you need."

- Sharon Grams, wife

David Green

Fond du Lac, Wis.
July 27, 1945 - May 25, 2004

Our family quilt square has a picture of the Mona Lisa on it. Can you believe that this is a picture from a necktie? For more than 20 years, David worked in a bank. He was required to wear a necktie every day. Besides his dry sense of humor, Dave was known for his eye-catching neckwear! The day after Father's day or his birthday, everyone at work rushed to see his newest outlandish necktie gift. David also had a deep devotion and dedication to the Kiwanis Club of Fabulous Fond du Lac. He was very community-centered and always willing to help those less fortunate. Dave had a deep love of nature. He loved lakes, woods, trails and animals. He often rode his bike down the trail and would come home with stories of critters and birds he saw along the way. He was especially fond of his son's cat 'Chipmunk.' He also enjoyed the neighbor's dog. Because of Dave's generous and loving impact on his family and community, he will live on in our hearts forever.

- Darlene Green, wife

Arthur Hopp

Waupun, Wis.
November 26, 1937 - November 21, 2004

Arthur and Gertie Hopp were married 45 years. Art loved his family. He worked for a company in Waupun for 45 years. He loved his dogs Addie and Libby. He loved his Savior. He loved hunting in the fall and flowers. Art went hunting with his sons Dennis and Dustin the first week of deer season. He came home, took a bath, had coffee with me and watched the Green Bay Packers on TV. He passed away that night.

- Gertrude Hopp, wife

Heather Johnson

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
October 3, 1983 - January 18, 2005

Heather Johnson was born Oct. 3, 1983, the daughter of Bob and Diana Johnson. Heather lived in Wisconsin Dells and graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 2002. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, majoring in interior design. On Jan. 18, 2005, Heather died in a fatal car accident. At WDHS, Heather was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, participated four years on the volleyball team, three years in basketball and four years in track and field. She was voted co-captain of the track team for three consecutive years. As a sprinter on the track team, Heather participated in the 200-meter dash, and the 400- and 800-meter relay teams. Heather and her relay teammates were crowned South Central Conference champions four times. She was selected by the coaching staff as the outstanding senior female athlete in 2002. The Wisconsin Dells High School Track and Field Invitational is now named the Heather Johnson Track and Field Invitational in memory of Heather. Heather's unconditional love and support of her teammates was a model of positive character and an inspiration to us all. This, along with her competitive spirit and everlasting friendships will always be remembered.

- Robert Johnson, father

MaKayla Jo Lego

Rhinelander, Wis.
August 5, 1998 - April 2, 2005

MaKayla Lego was Richard and Tammy's only daughter, my only granddaughter. She was 6 years old; her brother was 10. The children were biking with Dad. It was Kayla's first ride on her new bike, a Christmas gift. The snow had just disappeared from the bike trail and it was a lovely sunny day. They were crossing the main road in front of my house when Kayla was hit by a car and killed instantly. Kayla was an active, loving, precious child who had no fear. She was a member of the Rhinelander Swim Club, swam at the YMCA and loved synchronized swimming classes. Kayla loved horseback riding and rode bikes, four-wheelers and snowmobiles. She attempted any activity offered. She played Little League T-ball, painted, crocheted and loved to "drive" Grandma's sewing machine, play miniature golf and go to the Children's Museum. Kayla was a good student at school and had many, many friends who miss her. She brought joy to all who knew her. We miss her brilliant smile and shining blue eyes.

- June Lego, grandmother, and the Lego family

Todd Mancl

La Crosse, Wis.
January 22, 1979 - August 9, 2004

On Aug. 9, 2004, our son Todd Alan Mancl of La Crosse, Wis. died very unexpectedly. He loved the outdoors and collected anything to do with wolves. The quilt square design was selected because it captured Todd at a time in his life when, as far as he was concerned, "the sky was the limit." We selected the wolf for the square because of the strength and fight they display. Throughout his life, Todd had to struggle through many battles with health issues and always seemed to pull through. When he passed away, there was little doubt as to whether or not we would donate his tissue to help others. It was what he wanted because he had told us so in earlier discussions. When we look at this quilt square, we think of the old Russian proverb: "A mountain with a wolf on it stands a little bit higher." We know Todd is on that mountain and looking down on us with a smile because he has reached the summit and his donation of tissue is helping others reach new heights, as well.

- Carol Mancl, mother

Kenneth Morin

Winneconne, Wis.
January 5, 1952 - March 16, 2004

The Morin family quilt square lovingly depicts a life cut short by a tragic accident that took the life of our husband and father in Winneconne, Wis. The "J" at the top left corner is for Jill-Ken's wife of 27 years. The "H" at the top right is for his first-born daughter Heather, the "T" at the bottom left is for his son Trevor and the "J" on the bottom right is for Janelle. Included on the square are patches and charms depicting areas that hold the most memories for us. From our wedding and spiritually, time spent on beaches, camping, boating, his coaching our children's sports teams, our fun vacations and our pets. The dates of his birth and death will always be commemorated. He died March 16, or "3:16", which in the Bible's Book of John tells us, "Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Through donation, we feel his soul lives on in other people, as his heart lives on through us all. By being part of this wonderful service, we are doing our part to save lives that might otherwise be lost without our help.

- Jill Morin, wife

Charles Nowak

Marinette, Wis.
March 25, 1976 - August 25, 2003

My son, Charles, was 27 when he passed away. He had 80 percent heart blockage and died of a heart attack in August of 2003. He liked to fix things, even when he was a small boy, thus the sign "Mr. Fix-It." He would play with tools and later would help us on our farm and help neighbors and friends. He was a caring, helpful young man. We live in rural Marinette on a dairy farm and Chuck lived in the city of Marinette about 10 miles from our farm. He worked in maintenance at a foundry in town, but liked hunting and riding his four-wheeler on our farm. He was second oldest of seven children. His brother Greg died in a car accident at 19 years of age in December 1997. Chuck missed him a lot. His brother Frank missed him and Greg so much that he took his life in September of 2004 at age 21. We miss our boys more than anyone could imagine. It was hard to donate Chuck's tissues, but we know that he is still helping others even though his is no longer on this earth. He will be forever in our hearts and hopefully, the three boys are together and happy.

- Cathy Nowak, mother

Shannon Helen Pedersen

Suring, Wis.
July 10, 1987 - November 21, 2003

For 16 short years, Shannon graced our lives with her warm and wonderful presence. She packed more fun, love and laughter into those 16 years than most people do in a lifetime. She had a silly sense of humor and an infectious way of making everyone around her smile. In a graduation memorial, her classmates described her as fearless, outrageous and unique. Shannon had her own sense of self and style. She was just as happy to hang out with the guys getting greasy working on cars as she was getting all dressed up to go to a school dance. Shannon loved to help people and was in several school and community organizations. She was in our church youth group, the local FFA and she was a member of the Maple View Jets 4-H Club. Shannon was also a member of the Suring High School band and choir and for two years, and was the Suring Eagles mascot shouting her stuff at football and basketball games. Shannon was a beautiful girl who gave love and joy to the people whose lives she touched during her short life. We pray through her gift of donation, she can continue to give hope and joy to others.

- Jill Pedersen, mother

Peter Jordan Pintens

Rice Lake, Wis.
August 7, 1990 - March 12, 2005

Dark brown eyes, shiny dark brown hair and a quick smile were Pete's trademarks. Everyone who met Pete knew soon his friendliness, sense of humor and laugh. Some characteristics came from his mom Nancy, some from his dad, but Pete was a unique and enjoyable person. Pete attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, where he played football and basketball for the Spartans and participated in the school plays. St. Joe's helped to form Pete's faith-the staff, students, coaches and teacher Bob Siebold. Pete played freshman football and wrestled on the JV squad for the Rice Lake Warriors. Track season was a couple of weeks along when on a sunny Saturday trail ride with two friends, Pete died in a snowmobile accident. Reading books and watching movies were pastimes Pete enjoyed. Pete and Nancy enjoyed talking over movies, books, and life's concerns during drives to and from town. Pete's life was like a bright and varied patchwork quilt, a design not entirely known to us, sewn together with the thread of love for his brother Nate, his sister Hope, Mom, Dad, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Pete's life reflected his love of God and his faith. A kind and gentle soul, Pete, my son, your understanding exceeded your years.
- Nancy Pintens, mother

Wilbur Scheiding

Columbus, Wis.
February 10, 1922- November 13, 2003

Wilbur W. 'Bill' Scheiding was born on Feb. 10, 1922 and passed away on Nov. 13, 2003. He was married to Eleanor Joseph on Aug. 20, 1942 in Kentucky. He had been a resident of Columbus, Wis. for the past 14 years and prior to that, was a longtime resident of Sun Prairie. He was a member of Columbus United Methodist Church. Bill was a "jack-of-all-trades" and enjoyed many different job opportunities in his lifetime, including employment at Ohio Medical, Reynolds Aluminum, ITT Canon Electric and owning/operating Door Service and Maintenance. He served his country in World War II as an Army medic. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodges of Waterloo and Sun Prairie, the Eastern Star and the Zor Shrine. He enjoyed painting and refinishing furniture in his spare time. He was a thoughtful man who loved family gatherings where he was always the cook. He is missed and mourned by his family, including his wife, Eleanor of Columbus; his children, Roberta (Phillip) Pete, Carla (Glenn) Miller, William (Karen) Scheiding, and Paula Hauser, his grandchildren Ryan, Robin, Matthew, Dawn, Eric, Darrin, Carl, and Kyle; his great-grandchildren, Michael, Noah, Ethan, Kelsey and Lydia.

- Eleanor Scheiding, wife

Terry Rae (Terrill) Schaefer

Menomonie, Wis.
October 2, 1952 - October 28, 2005

The horse ride God takes us on is a difficult trail, but it is more uphill than down. God is with us on the ride. He promises to end the journey in praise. Life began for Terry with a twin brother. They were born in Ladysmith, Wis. Her love for horses and for the Lord began early in the classroom of life. Her favorite horse was named "Lady Ida." She saw life like being on a trail ride with God on the lead horse. Our human nature wants to control all the steering ourselves and put him behind. The path or journey of Terry's life led her to the Menomonie Police Department for 30 years. She gave much comfort to families in crisis. She loved playing friendly tricks on fellow workers. She cherished her community, family, friends and fellow workers. Many were recipients of flowers, gifts and special "Terry" touches. She spent many hours tending to the flowers of the Menomonie Women's Club. She was married 20 years, and blessed with two children and four grandchildren. Terry was hoping for a transplant. Instead, her work on earth was finished. She's now on her eternal ride with her Lord.

- Marietta Terrill, mother

Rheannon Thomas

Aniwa, Wis.
December 5, 1982 - February 4, 2004

Rheannon Leigh Thomas was killed in an automobile accident at age 21. The coroner's report stated that she died instantly from head trauma and a severed spinal cord. Rheannon loved people, music, traveling, dogs, Sponge Bob Squarepants and especially cooking. She had a quick wit with a wonderful sense of humor. The accident occurred while she was working to earn money to attend the Cordon Bleu Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Ore., to become a chef. Rheannon's death has left a great void in the lives of her family and friends. But, when she was only 16 and getting her driver's license, Rheannon knew that she wanted to be a donor. Se felt this was a gift that would help others. Knowing that Rheannon had committed to be a donor, her parents did not hesitate to sign the release forms for this last wonderful gift. In her parents' hearts, they feel that she is still with them through the donation of her tissue.

- Juanita Thomas, mother

John Wiseman

Tomah, Wis.
July 15, 1932 - October 26, 2004

John William Wiseman was born July 15, 1932 in Kendall, Wis. to Edythe and Camilus Wiseman. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1951. He married Audrey Steinke Feb. 23, 1952, making their home in Tomah, Wis. Their marriage was blessed with 10 children, five girls and five boys. John was especially proud of having a large family and of all their accomplishments. He believed strongly in furthering one's education and understanding other cultures through international travel. His lap was always open for a kitty or grandchild. John began his career in the refrigeration field at Roiethes Plan in New Lisbon. He started his business, Wiseman Refrigeration in Tomah, and continued his career with Gartner Refrigeration in Minneapolis. John was influential in the emerging commercial refrigeration field, developing new industrial refrigeration techniques. John retired in 1998, but continued consulting. John loved the outdoors. "Johnny's Playhouse" and "Wiseacres" cabins were built on 40 acres near Leon, Wis. They became a gathering place for family and friends. Outdoor adventures, as well as peaceful moments on the deck, were shared there. John passed away Oct. 26, 2004 in Tomah. He will be sadly missed as he touched our lives in so many ways.

- Audrey Wiseman, wife

Phillip Matthew Wozniak IV

Mountain, Wis.
June 22, 1985 - August 15, 2004

Phillip was 19 years old. He had just graduated from Fox Valley Technical College as a diesel mechanic two weeks before passing away. He had an accident with his new Harley Davidson motorcycle and suffered from severe head trauma. He loved to make money and saved every penny he earned. His goal in life was to work and save his money so that he could retire early. Phillip's death was an enormous loss to the whole family. He would have been such a successful person. His other joys were mud running and hunting. It's just so sad to see such a fine young man leave this earth. Even after a year, family and friends still can't understand or accept what has happened to our "Big Guy." Being a donor sure show the goodness in Phillip even after he is gone. Phillip donated many tissues which has brought us a sense of joy to all our hearts. His unselfishness was just one of the many qualities he held. We continue to carry on what Phillip loved to do best by having an annual benefit run with all his friends and family on bikes to benefit a scholarship in his memory.

- Robin Wozniak, mother