Memorial Donor Quilts

Weaving Lives Memorial Donor Family Quilt

Ruth Behling

Oshkosh, Wis.
Jan. 15, 1925 - July 13, 2002

Ruth was an avid collector of Precious Moments figurines. Her two sisters gave her two one year for Christmas and that's how it all started. She collected a lot of figurines, a watch, lighted houses, the Garden Collection of animals, Angelic Children, dolls, a nativity set, plates, a Thanksgiving platter and a boy holding an American flag. Their teardrop eyes always put a smile on her face as she always did to others. Ruth's family truly loved her. She had a tremendous will to live and she never gave up. We always felt blessed just knowing she was there to love us, take care of us and be such an important part of our lives. As a child, Ruth was very religious and had to earn her Bible before receiving it. Her favorite passage was the 23rd Psalm. We will always miss her. She is with Jesus now and her large family. She will suffer no more. Ruth not only was our mother, but also our best friend.

- Her loving family

Richard Beier

North Fond du Lac, Wis.
May 29, 1930 - May 29, 2002

Dick worked for the railroad for 42 years. He started as a locomotive fireman, shoveling coal to power the engines. Dick continued a family tradition of railroading. His grandfather worked in the engine repair shops. His father, Emil, was an engineer and his brother Edwin was a conductor, all working for the Soo Line in North Fond du Lac. Eventually, Dick was promoted to a railroad engineer. He trained a lot of young people to run the locomotives. Dick loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He and his wife traveled to almost every state in the United States and Canada in their camper. He loved to see new places and had a memory of every trip and what he had seen. After his retirement from the railroad, he also enjoyed woodworking. People liked Dick. While he appeared to be a quiet person, he had a wonderful sense of humor. He would say very clever, funny things, surprising many people because they didn't realize he could be so much fun. He died suddenly of a heart attack on May 29, 2002, which was his 72nd birthday.

- Janet Beier, wife

Ray Caron

Oshkosh, Wis.
March 13, 1924 - Feb. 11, 2002

The photo on Ray's square was chosen because of a special day. It was our 25 years together. We had a special love. The background of the photo was Ray's shirt worn on our anniversary day, Sept. 7, 2001. The inscription was the way he always thought. In his class yearbook, 55-plus years ago, was written: "Ray is a friend to everyone." He had a smile and kind word for those he came in contact with. He was born March 13, 1924, in Warroad, Minn., a city bordering Canada. After he graduated high school, he joined the Marines. He was a radio gunner and went on many missions. He loved his country. He is loved by many.

- Delores Gumlick, wife

Alvin Curtis

Oshkosh, Wis.
Aug. 28, 1926 - March 6, 2002

Alvin J. Curtis was born in Platteville,Wis., on Aug. 28, 1926, to the late Alvin M. and Jennie Curtis. He married Lillian Thomas on July 23, 1948. They had three children: Christine, Rob and Steven (deceased). Alvin's career was teaching band music at all levels. He taught in Gays Mills, Dodgeville and Platteville, Wis., as well as in Aurora, Ill., and Greeley, Colo. He obtained his bachelor of science degree from UWPlatteville, his master's degree from UW-Madison, and doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. His last 23 years of teaching were at UW-Oshkosh where he also served three years as chairman of the music department. During his teaching career, he spent his summers building homes and drawing house plans. He also supervised the building of Oshkosh's first Habitat for Humanity house. Upon retiring, he became a wood carver. His main interests were wild animals and Father Christmas. He was a member of Mid-Wisconsin Chippers Club and the Kettle Karvers Klub. His family is proud that he chose to be a donor to share the gift of life with others.

- Lillian Curtis, wife

Robert Drexler

Appleton, Wis.
Feb. 6, 1922 - Aug. 30, 2001

Bob was a World War II naval aviator pilot, after which he built a career in the dairy industry as director of operations at AMPI Dairy. He had three children and six grandchildren. Bob and I married Nov. 7, 1987. Bob loved life and was thankful for every day we shared together. Through all our years of marriage, we faced multiple illnesses. We always approached each occurrence as a challenge, another mountain we would climb together. We were so fortunate to have a wonderful medical staff that cared about their patients. I want to give special thanks to everyone who touched our lives in the hospitals and the dialysis unit.

- Jean Drexler, wife

Kenneth Gerrits

Crivitz, Wis.
Sept. 12, 1935 - March 10, 2001

Ken was a good husband, father and grandfather. You had to know him to appreciate him. He definitely marched to the beat of a different drum. Ken was not afraid to try new things. Every idea he ever dreamed up started with "What if a guy..." In his mind, if it were even remotely possible, he would try it. There were a few times that his ideas failed, but they were definitely overshadowed by the ones that were successful. He was driven by the thought of doing something in a new and unique way. His family joked about his motto, which was, "We have to do this analytically, methodically and systematically." This is the foundation in which he lived his life. Ken had two passions in life. First and foremost was his thirst for knowledge. He was like a sponge, constantly reading, trying to soak up every word he came across, no matter what the subject. He read like he was never satisfied, could never get enough. Ken's second passion was running. He did not start running until the age of 59. He was diagnosed with a slight blockage to his heart and was instructed by the doctor to change his diet and start exercising. From that day on, he ran, completing 11 marathons and more races that we could count. His ultimate dream was to run the Boston Marathon. Ken was a rare and a special person and left his family with many comical and unique memories. Ken was dearly loved and is sadly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.

- Carol Gerrits, wife

Gilbert Handt

Larsen, Wis.
Sept. 10, 1911 - April 10, 2002

My father was dedicated to both his family and his country. His life was dedicated to being an excellent role model. He worked hard to provide the necessities for his family. His faith was strong, and he set an example by attending church worship services weekly, as well as serving on various committees and being a Sunday school teacher. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. This meant separation from his family, but he did this because of his dedication to his country. His life was richer for that experience. My life has been blessed because of his dedication to those he loved.

- Rochelle (Handt) Heider, daughter

Harold Hemschemeyer

Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Jan. 4, 1921 - Oct. 11, 2002

Harold donated bone and skin. He went into the Army Oct. 31, 1943. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and received a Purple Heart. He also was given a special diploma from the government of France for being in Normandy. He returned home Oct. 18, 1945.

- Mildred Hemschemeyer, wife

Richard Hugo

Little Suamico, Wis.
July 21, 1933, 1933 - May 27, 2001

Richie was born in 1933 to immigrant farmers in Pensaukee, about seven miles south of Oconto, Wis., the youngest of 10 children. He could patch and repair almost anything to make it last. He would even patch his own shoes with glue and string. The mufflers on his cars always were repaired with coffee cans and wire at least once before being replaced. In 1967, we had an opportunity to move back to Pensaukee where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, picking wild berries, asparagus or mushrooms, gardening and generally living out in the country. The area was home to him. He always thought of his family first and spent many hours teaching his two children, Tony and Madonna, where the berry patches were, or the art of fishing, hunting and gardening. He never missed attending a single one of their school events from kindergarten through college, whether they were sitting on the bench or performing on stage. His children meant the world to him, he prayed for them daily and never missed an opportunity to call them or be with them. He was a very patient, kind and thoughtful father and husband. He never missed a birthday or anniversary and even when money was scarce, he somehow had money to buy me roses. Richie was active in many community organizations and St. Joseph's Church in Oconto. He was a volunteer EMT with the Coleman-Pound Rescue Squad, the first volunteer fire chief for Pensaukee, a Eucharistic minister and never missed helping out with church volunteer projects.

- Donna Hugo, wife

Peter Kramarczyk

Fond du Lac, Wis.
Sept. 5, 1964 - Oct. 5, 2002

After talking with the family, it was decided the block, 'His Things,' would display three items that were a big part of Peter's life. They are:

. His car, a squareback Volkswagen, on which he worked many hours to keep it running and for the car shows;
. His model railroad building, which occupied many a cold day in his apartment and at the railroad meetings;
. His love of water and fishing, where he spent quiet times with his mother and with nature.

- Rose Marie Butzen, sister

Melissa Ann Lamaide

Neenah, Wis.
May 7, 1979 - Jan. 14, 2002

Melissa was a very happy person. She had a smile that made everyone smile. She never complained about her disability, even though she could not do what other people could do. Everyone who was in contact with her loved her. We miss her very much. She gave joy to everyone.

- Emma Lamaide, mother

Herm Larson

Howards Grove, Wis.
March 8, 1930 - Sept. 30, 2002

In honor of Herm Larson, his daughter made this quilt square. The heart represents the love and care Herm gave to his family. The wedding bell represents the 47 years of memories shared by Herm and his wife. The books indicate Herm's long career as a high school teacher. The flags on the books represent his favorite subject, U.S. history, and his status as an Army veteran. The basketball and baseball are for Herm's love of sports. He was a baseball and basketball coach as well as an athletic director for 34 years. As a teacher and coach, he had a positive influence on numerous young people and formed many lasting friendships. He was a loving dad and grandpa to three children and three grandchildren. The sparkly blue background represents the belief that Herm is in heaven looking down on his family, watching over them and smiling.

- Joan Larson, wife

Cody Mitchell Loehrke

Weyauwega, Wis.
Aug. 13, 1980 - Dec. 6, 2001

Born Aug. 13, 1980 in Waupaca, Wis., Cody was 21 years old and 6-foot-four inches, 150 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. He died in an automobile accident on Dec. 6, 2001. He had a little grin when he was trying to get away with something. Cody was the kind of person who did anything for his family and friends. He was always there when they needed him. He loved playing sports, baseball and basketball. The things he liked to do the most were riding our ATVs and hunting-both bow and gun-and ice fishing. He is greatly missed every day by his family and friends.

- Charlene Loehrke, mother

Jacqueline Pfalzgraf

Oshkosh, Wis.
Jan. 29, 1944 - Oct. 27, 2002

She loved her family very much. She was married to Carl for 34 years, and in that time, they had three beautiful children-Jeff, Julie and Brian-all of whom love and miss her dearly. She also dearly loved her two cats, Sassy and Coco. She enjoyed many different things. Her favorite was making people laugh. If she did not make at least one person laugh each day, she was not happy. She also enjoyed bingo, cards and dice. We'll remember her long after the endless winter of 2002 has passed. It's lonely living with only memories of her. We'll remember her voice and laughter as soft as a warm summer breeze. The memory of her open arms and loving embrace comforts us still. Although we're sometimes sad, we know it's not over because life goes on and this old world will keep turning. We cherish the time spent with her. Words cannot express the peace we feel knowing that even after death, she continues to live.

- Her loving family

Rose Roberts

Fond du Lac, Wis.
Nov. 8, 1946 - Feb. 3, 2002

Her warm welcome opened our hearts. Rose always had a smile on her face. She was friendly and caring. Her love of people gave her joy in her job in the insurance business, in which she worked with her daughter. She had a way to make you feel welcome-offering time, a cup of coffee, a snack or just conversation. She was giving of herself to others and her community. Her life was her family and friends. She loved being with them. She enjoyed taking time with her husband and three granddaughters, who were the light of her life. Rose enjoyed traveling to visit her son and daughter-in-law out of state. Rose also loved going to Green Bay to watch Packer games with her son-in-law. Rose loved the water. Her home was on the lake. She once told me she'd never leave the lake. Collecting lighthouses, boating and snowmobiling were her hobbies. She was faithful to God and her church. Like a thief in the night, God took her home. She died doing what she loved, something she did for 30-plus years. Not a light appearing from the neighbors' homes could guide her. The clear ice appearing on the lake became open water. That took our Rose. No farewell words were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it And God only knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness, And secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. Your memory is our keepsake With which we will never part. God has you in His keeping. We have you in our hearts. We love and miss you very much.

- Darlene Kairis, friend

Wilfred (Bill) VanDen Heuvel

De Pere, Wis.
Oct. 8, 1924 - Dec. 23, 2001

Bill was a man of many hats. He didn't just collect hats; he always wore them, slightly tilted to one side. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, with 53 years of marriage, seven children, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting with his sons and grandsons. He also enjoyed cards, dominoes, winning, and our many trips to Branson, Mo. He was a paper mill worker for 43 years, yet after retirement he still worked part-time at an auto auction and as a security guard at a local motel. Bill enjoyed his coworkers, was friendly, and had a nice smile and a good sense of humor. He was an usher at our church, and was always ready to fill in when needed. Bill was a quietly religious man and will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren and wife. We love you!

- Delores VanDenHeuvel, wife