Memorial Donor Quilts

Field of Flowers Memorial Donor Family Quilt

Dorothy Baerwald

Oshkosh, Wis.
Sept. 1, 1926 - July 30, 2001

Dorothy was the best mother a son could ever have. She was a special person to her sisters Betty and Lorraine and to her niece and nephew and great nieces and nephew, and to Hannah. Dorothy was a very hard worker and loved taking care Favre for everything. Another great love for Dorothy was her dogs. She will always be loved and missed by her family.

- David Baerwald, son

Elfrieda Maria Augusta

(Foesch) Counselman
Monroe, Wis.
Feb. 25, 1921 - June 23, 2001

The crocheted "mother" on a handkerchief was appropriate for the quilt square because she prized hand-crocheted hankies that her mother had made.

- Amy Jackson, daughter

Beth Ewen-Hoeppner

Manitowoc, Wis.
July 6, 1955 - Aug. 5, 2001

The design our family has chosen for Beth Ewen-Hoeppner is the perfect description of her: "An Angel Among Us." She was an angel among us even and support. She always had time for her family and loved ones, never let anyone down, and always thought of others before herself. She lived her life for others and never stopped giving of herself, which is why she is part of this quilt. Beth always had her special ways of letting you know she was thinking of you- mailing cards for every occasion, giving a gift "just because", phoning just to say Hi and then listening until you had nothing more to say.

Beth loved spending time with her family and friends at the cottage, walking, fishing, baking, playing games- especially Yahtzee- traveling and exploring new places. Beth was an incredible person, mother, wife, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, best friend and an angel among us all, who will always be remembered for her beautiful memories she has left with us. Beth is greatly missed!

- Gay Ewen-Bieberitz, sister

Clarence Hablewitz

Ripon, Wis.
Sept. 24, 1957 - Aug. 5, 2001

Clarence was a wonderful father to his precious daughter, Emily. A son for a man who tries hard to be a pillar. Every time he hears a car slow down in front of true friend and confidant to Patty, the mother of his daughter, who after all they have been through, still loves him with all her heart. A younger brother for Betty, whose heart is still not mended. Nephew and son for Uncle Russ and Aunt Lee, the closest he had to a mother on earth. There are many people who were not ready to say goodbye just then. As for me, there are more tears on this paper than words. He loved golfing and watching the Packers on the tube with a big plate of food. I guess I remember him mostly as a nice guy who would help out anyone. He is still helping, even after his death. Clarence is and always will be in our hearts!

- Rose Starich, sister

Gordon Kulhanek

Green Bay, Wis.
Sept. 12, 1945 - Sept. 5, 2001

Gordon (Gordy) Kulhanek was born Sept. 12, 1945, lived much of his life in Green Bay, Wis., and died unexpectedly of a heart attack Sept. 5, 2001. This was the day after Gordy and Anndrea's 36th wedding anniversary, ago when he got a 16-point buck, which of course he had mounted. He and his friends did a lot of pheasant hunting. Gordy was a very active member of the Green Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Because of all his participation in their habitat work projects, annual banquet preparation and Kid's Fishing Day, he had been inducted into their President's Club and, in 2000, was selected as "Member of the Year." Gordy was in the U.S. Army for three years, and worked at Paper Converting Machine Company for 28 years. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ashwaubenon, where he volunteered many years on the Property and Management Committee. He also enjoyed his roses, woodworking, traveling, skiing and having a manhattan when he grilled out.

- Anndrea Kulhanek, Green Bay

Elva Maki

Fond du Lac, Wis.
March 30, 1909 - Sept. 20, 2001

My mother, Elva Maki, was born on March 30, 1909, on a farm not far from Princeton, Wis. All her life, she was a very giving and caring person. As a young girl on the farm she helped with housework and farm chores. She also helped care for an elderly relative who was a Civil War veteran. As a young woman, she worked at a boarding house and took care of her mother. After she married, she managed her household, family and large garden. That is where the iris quilt block came from. Her garden was very large, full of vegetables and flowers. But all around the edge of the garden were her irises. This is my most vivid memory of the garden growing up. When I moved into my own home, my mother gave me an iris from her garden that had come from her old farm. Later in life, she still tended her garden while looking after an elderly neighbor. My mother continued to look after and give to others until shortly before her death. After my mother died, she continued to give to others as a donor.

- John Maki, son

Darlene Matteson

Fond du Lac, Wis.
March 23, 1943 - Sept. 5, 2001

Darlene was a loving wife, mother,grandmother and friend. She loved camping, reading, gardening and people. This quilt square is made from two of her favorite garments and fittingly depicts her love of flowers. She made her home an oasis of beauty and serenity with her gardening talent, and blessed her many friends with her love and concern. She is deeply missed by her family and her community.

- Mary Bohlman, sister-in-law

Gene Sall

Rockford, Ill.
May 9, 1935 - Dec. 6, 2000

In memory of my husband Gene Sall, my daughter's dear friend and neighbor Dianna, who lives in Colorado, made this quilt square out of Gene's neckties. They range from a tie representing the Chicago Bears, who he dearly loved, to a tie he wore to work on "Ugly Tie Day." He worked at Woodward Govenor Co. in Rockford Ill.

- Joan Sall, wife

Fred W. Walker II

Elverta, Calif.
Jan. 17, 1954 - Sept. 27, 2001

My husband, and my children's father, died tragically while in Wisconsin. We live in California. Fred was a very loving and giving man. He was a huge sports enthusiast and loved to ride his Harley. He gave to others in many ways, such as breeding dogs for CCI which provides assistance to dogs and disabled people, giving platelets and plasma to help the public needing blood products, and always being available to family and friends to lend a helping hand, or give a great big bear hug. Fred loved us, and he made sure he said, 'I love you' daily. Fred's final and greatest gift in life was to give his eyes and tissue to those who could benefit from then, since he no longer needed them. To those of you who received his gift, please take care of yourself, and enjoy life to its fullest, every day, just like Fred did. We love you, Freddie/Daddy! We miss you so much that our hearts are aching. We know that you are our angel now, and that you continue to take care of us. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us! - Trish Walker, wife

Ellen Marie Wepking

Dodgeville, Wis.
Jan. 4, 1961 - Aug. 5, 2000

Ellen's family was most important to her. Her husband Rob, children Christopher and Joanna, and their dog Toby were all a special part of her. The star resembles the Eastern Star, a non-pro.t organization based on the Masonic Fraternity. Ellen was very active and dedicated to this organization. The cake and pie symbolize Ellen's love for cooking helped care for an elderly relative who was a Civil War veteran. As a young woman, she worked at a boarding house and took care of and baking. She was at home in her kitchen and always had special treats during the holidays, like the pecan pie for her dad at Thanksgiving. Ellen was especially proud of her flowers. A visit to her home in the spring and summer would always end with a walk in her yard to see her roses and other flowers she had grown. The border of flowers and hearts symbolizes the fun-loving person that Ellen was. All the hearts remind us that many loved her.

- Stitched with much love by her sister, Lauri Wienkes

Damon Williams

Hilbert, Wis.
June 2, 1975 - Oct. 29, 2001

Damon was born June 2, 1975 in Marinette, Wis., and passed away Oct.29, 2001 from complications sustained in a single motor vehicle accident Sept.8, 2001. Damon has two daughters, Tiana and Alexis, who are the loves of his life. Damon also has a sister, Brandy, and two brothers, Allen and Shane, and Mother and Father. Damon was a volunteer fireman with the Hilbert Fire Dept. in Hilbert, Wis. This was truly his calling. Damon loved sports, especially softball, volleyball and darts. Damon will always remain in the hearts of his family and many friends. Damon's tissue donations allow him to live on and save the lives of others.

- Patricia Welsh, mother

Nancy Ann Madsen

Frederic, Wis.
July 1, 1940 - Aug. 23, 2001

My mother, Nancy Ann Madsen, was the kind of person who could make anyone laugh. She was always telling jokes and had a great sense of humor. She loved to play dominos, cards and Yahtzee with family and approximately 10 years. They traveled across the countryside in their fifth-wheel trailer. She loved to meet new friends. She was a fantastic cook. I am thankful that she taught me how to make her special potato salad. She spent most of her spare time tending to her beautiful rose bushes. They traveled wherever she did. People often said she didn't have a green thumb; she had a green hand! She enjoyed .shing, anytime, anywhere. It didn't matter if she had to stand from shore or .sh in the rain. She loved it. She would fish all day with her mother and grandchildren. Many times, they went home empty-handed, but that didn't matter. My mother left behind many happy memories. I know that her spirit is still alive and being a donor, part of her will live on.

- Rose Spencer, daughter

Therese Mau

Argyle, Wis.
Nov. 14, 1961 - Jan. 8, 2002

Our mother said Therese was not planned, but that she was a great gift from God. That was proven many times. Therese was the youngest of eight children. She was a wonderful sister and friend, ready to lend a count on. She was a loving wife and mother- always concerned about her husband and children- wanting them to strive to do their best, but always accepting. She loved her church. As for hobbies, her greatest hobby was her family. Therese loved the sun, warm places and the Packers. Her favorite color was red. The red rose is love, and Therese was loved by many. We know that Therese was a great gift indeed. By donating tissue and bone marrow, that gift is life to many others. Although she is now with God, she will live on. We all feel very blessed to have had Therese in our lives. She will be forever loved, forever missed. She will be forever in our hearts.

- Her loving family

Lester E. Naffin

Oshkosh, Wis.
April 9, 1921 - Nov. 22, 2001

Lester was an accomplished artist in oils and pencil. He traveled to Europe many times and Michelangelo's paintings were his favorite. He painted pictures of my mother when she was young and my father and grandfather. He painted several pictures: 'Peter Walking on the Water' and 'It is Finished,' which hang in First English Lutheran Church. He also worked as an accomplished stonecutter and artist. He would take someone's design, draw it onto the stone and carve it out. Lester enjoyed working in his flower garden which he designed. It was a quiet and peaceful place with statues and a fountain. He lived and enjoyed life to its fullest and was always the life of the party. He was always instrumental in family picnics and did extensive traveling to find our roots. The week before Lester's sudden passing, his sensitivity drew him to the Lord. We know he is waiting to be united with us there. - Carol Nason, sister

Jeanette Ruth Zuehlke

Oshkosh, Wis.
Jan. 11, 1927 - Dec. 3, 2001

Jeanette Ruth Zuehlke was born Jan. 11, 1927. We were married Oct. 11, 1997 and lived in the Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh. The two poems displayed in the quilt square were very meaningful to Jeanette. She carried wanted to see Mt. Rushmore, but was unable to before she died.

- Oscar Zuehlke, husband

Robert L. Arntz

Madison, Wis.
April 6, 1931 - Dec. 3, 1990

My husband, Robert L. Arntz, proudly volunteered during the Korean War to serve his country overseas as a United States Marine. He was awarded, posthumously, the Republic of Korea Service Medal. He loved his country, family, people in general, and motorcycling. His compassion for others and a keen sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him.

- Barbara Arntz, wife