Memorial Donor Quilts

Ripples of Hope Memorial Donor Family Quilt

Llolyd Walter Butzlaff

Harshaw , Wis.
Sept. 12, 1935 - Oct. 16, 2003

Hunting birds, turkey and deer
Were all loves in Lloyd's life,
As were his peppy dog, three grandkids,
Four children and loving wife.
In 1976, the family moved to Harshaw , Wisconsin ,
And settled in Pine Hill.
Many memories were created
Which keep our hearts filled.
His profession was a mason
Expertly laying brick and stone.
Free time was spent outdoors,
Woodworking and relaxing in his home.
Although he is gone,
His spirit remains in our hearts.
Our hope is that his gift
Will give many a new start.
A chance to continue life
Is what Lloyd desired to give.
And through his generosity
Another person may live.

- Karen Butzlaff, wife

Stanton H. Carlin

Rockford , Ill.
Aug. 17, 1922 - Oct. 6, 2003

Stanton died on Oct. 6, 2003, after 81 years of living life to the fullest. He was surrounded by his loving family and special friends when he went to his heavenly home. Stanton enjoyed the outdoors and spent many happy hours hunting and fishing at his lake cottage. He loved bright colors and always wore colorful ties and clothing. His love for good dance music found him many weekends dancing in the northern Illinois area, which earned him the nickname, "Twinkle Toes." He served in the Navy on board the U.S.S. Wichita for two years, of which he was very proud. He embraced all life experiences to the fullest and left many happy memories for family and friends.

- His loving wife, Pauline

Arleen M. Dawson

Fall River , Wis.
Feb. 15, 1919 - Jan. 3, 2002

Growing up on the farm, there was always the great smells of baking. Mom would bake every day, two to three loaves of bread, cookies, cakes and pies. She loved to cook and bake. Her favorite was to fix a big meal for lots of people. Even in her 80s and in bad health, she loved to fix large dinners for her kids and grandkids. She would spend the day baking and pass it around to the people in her apartment building, or take a teat to her doctor, or to Columbus Hospital where she worked until she retired. That was what she enjoyed.

- Jane Marvin, daughter

Donald M. Haugen

Fond du Lac , Wis.
Jan. 29, 1928 - Dec. 31, 2003

Donald M. Haugen was born and raised in Black River Falls , Wis. , and moved to Milwaukee when he was 17 years old. He was in the Army for 18 months. While standing up at his sister's wedding, he met Dolores and they married a year later. He enjoyed being a father of three sons, Daniel, Douglas and Dale, and spent time fishing, bowling and golfing with them as they grew older. He also golfed, fished and bowled with Dolores. They had 54 beautiful years together and the boys have beautiful memories of him.

- Dolores Haugen, wife

Megan Ann Hext

Rubicon, Wis.
Nov. 20, 1983 - Nov. 19, 2002

My sister, Megan Hext, was a dedicated friend to people and animals. During her life, Megan was dedicated to four special animals. Two are our dogs, Sadie and Cleo. With love and patience, Megan trained these neglected strays for the county dog show and won with our black lab, Sadie. Sadie and Megan had a special relationship and would do anything for each other. Of all the animals she cared for, horses always held the biggest part of her heart and her life. At home, Sandman, her horse, received the benefits of my sister's love and training. At college, Megan trained a green mare named June. My sister's dream was to train horses in her own horse barn. Megan played high school volleyball for my dad and was very close to her teammates. Volleyball played an important role in our lives, as a coach's kids and athletes. The blue and green fabrics are from a quilt Megan made. Whenever we went on vacation, she would bring it along and snuggle into the soft fabric. Megan was very special and I hope everyone can appreciate her devotion to animals, her love for family and friends, her dreams and her passion for life.

Nicole Kay Jimenez

Browntown , Wis.
Sept. 5, 2001 - April 8, 2004

My daughter Nicole was 2 1/2 years old when she died as a result of a farm accident. She was so full of life and loved the farm. Nicole loved cows, horses, kitties and her dog, Tracy . She loved to go out at night to see the stars and moon. Nicole had the most beautiful brown eyes and her smile can never be replaced. She was the most strong-willed little girl I have ever known. The little things she would say or do were always a surprise. Nicole could speak two languages, English and Spanish. Her dad taught her his culture. She liked to see the smile on his face as she spoke to him. Nicole is forever missed by her mom Lorrie, dad Efren (David), brothers Gunnar and Cody, grandparents, Aunt Cherie and other relatives and friends from all over the United States and Mexico. Nicole will always be remembered for her strong will, beauty and the love she had for animals. Life will never be the same without her. She will always be in our hearts, as we know we are with her always. I know we all have an extra special guardian angel on our shoulders to watch over us as we try to go on without her.

- Lorrie Diddens, mother

Rosella Nora Kudlicki

Crystal Lake , Ill.
Jun. 26, 1928 - Dec. 20, 2001

Our beloved mother, Rosella Nora Kudlicki, left us on Dec. 20, 2001 after 73 wonderful years. She loved gardening, flowers, feeding the birds and her many dogs. Hostas were her favorite plants and she had a huge garden of them. Living in the country in her little house was her dream and we are glad she was able to experience it. This square is called "Ragged Hearts" and we chose fabrics and colors that Mom would have liked. Our Mom loved to quilt and was self-taught. She made quilts that we will treasure forever, not because they are beautiful, but because she made them for us. Mom loved her family above all. She enjoyed being with us with whatever we were doing and always wanted to make our troubles go away. Mom is missed every day and we would give anything to have her back. Even after she was gone, she was able to help other people. Donation was important to her because she always wanted to help someone else if she could.

- Her loving family

Robert M. Marks

Franklin , Wis.
Aug. 30, 1946 - Aug. 18, 2002

Bob was a caring husband, loving father and grandfather, and best friend. He was a pilot and driving instructor and had extensive knowledge of electronics.

- Lynne Marks, wife

Robert H. Mershon

Rockford , Ill.
April 14, 1929 - June 26, 2002

The material used for this square was chosen because it's similar to the material used to make the fatigues that Robert Mershon wore for more than 20 years. The flag represents his love of the U.S.A. He proudly served and retired from the Army. He earned the nickname "Sarge" from his military days, but was known by friends as "Bob." His family knew him as "Dad" and "Gramps." He had three sons, one daughter and nine grandchildren. The house shown on the square represents his love of family and home. Robert enjoyed sports. Some favorites were watching Chicago Bears football (helmet), playing golf (bag and clubs) with his friends and family, and playing pool (8-ball). His father owned a pool hall when Bob was a child, and Bob had to stand on an apple crate to reach the table. During his service in the Army, he won many pool championships. The jar is peanut butter and one of his favorite things to eat. He ate it on all his sandwiches. A day never went by that he didn't have peanut butter.

- Melanie Smith, daughter

Bernard Allan Naparalla

Neshkoro , Wis.
June 28, 1931 - May 29, 2003

Bernie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was fortunate to be able to hunt in Alaska and British Columbia . In 1976, he shot a record caribou and moose in Alaska , and in 1983 shot a grizzly bear on Kodiak Island . He was an excellent shot and got many nice bucks during hunting season around the farm. He also hunted elk, mule deer and antelope in Wyoming , Colorado , Idaho and Montana . He has a den full of trophies. In July 2002, he took two of his sons, Ken and Don, fishing in Los Cobares, Mexico . We were married almost 52 years, raised five wonderful children-Ken, Janet, Don, Keith and Jean-and had 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He licked three different cancers with chemotherapy and medication the past four years, and unfortunately died from a massive heart attack on his way home from fishing. Bernie did many things in his 71 years. He farmed for many years on the family farm, worked at Speed Queen, and was a meat cutter and butcher. He also owned his own business, a butcher shop in Princeton , then the slaughter plant in Neshkoro. After retiring, he took pleasure in gardening and liked to play cribbage. Through Allograft Resources, Bernie is helping others through the use of his tissue and eyes. We all miss him!

- Dorothy Naparalla, wife

Edward Nels

Rockford , Ill.
Nov. 8, 1942 - Dec. 13, 2003

The Joy of a Flower from your Garden
Grief covers my being like a heavily-draped gray cumbersome cloud.
I'm like a wilted flower in your garden, pain-stricken and bowed.
Turbulent winds and burdensome snow
Make these sunless days my painful foe.
Like a plant in shock, I am suffocated with stunted growth.
The end of a true love or the faith of continuance, I feel both.
I remember your faith and courage.
Through numerous storms you would flourish.
God promises the renewal of spring.
The sounds of growth and promise ring.
May my soul rebirth with purpose and hope.
May I focus on life here and loosen the griping grief rope.
May I bloom like a flower
And focus on your glory like a tower.
I pray you administer and guide me toward spring
So I can journey here and someday truly sing.
I yearn for thy eternal light.
Help me thrive here with sun-filled days joyful and bright.
May I bloom each spring with fragrance and grace
Until I again can see your gentle face.

- Karen Nels, wife

Robert J. Quirk

Neshkoro , Wis.
Dec. 12, 1933 - Jan. 14, 2002

Robert J. Quirk was born on Dec. 12, 1933 to William and Margaret Roe Quirk. He had three sisters and one brother. He married Marlene Ruditys on Nov. 28, 1953. Together they had three daughters, Barbara, Patricia and Debra, and one son Michael. Bob was a wonderful grandfather to 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In March of 1997, he and Marlene retired to Neshkoro , Wis. During these six years, they were able to travel, golf and enjoy their time together. Bob had a massive heart attack at age 50 and felt very blessed to be able to enjoy the next 19 years. He had a very close relationship with his brother-in-law Bob Ruditys, who also has a square on this quilt. He truly enjoyed his Irish heritage and leaves behind a wonderful family and many dear friends.

- Marlene Quirk, wife

Lowell Rolph

Omro , Wis.
Feb. 25, 1932 - June 29, 2003

We chose this design as Lowell was in his 53 rd year of working for Vinton Construction Company. They pave roads and being with the company for this length of time, Lowell was part of paving some roads twice. He took great pride in his work and was highly respected by the men he supervised. He was a very giving person and enjoyed helping his children and others. Donating his tissue was yet another way for him to give and set a wonderful example for others.

- Audrey Rolph, wife

Robert Ruditys, Sr.

St. Francis, Wis.
May 7, 1942 - Aug. 31, 2001

Robert Ruditys was the youngest child born to Elizabeth and Joseph Ruditys in Milwaukee , Wis. He had one sister, Marlene, and two brothers, Joseph and Raymond. On Dec. 23, 1960, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Leavitt, who he met at the skating pond when they were 11 years old. Bob and Sandra had four children, Tammy, Robert Jr., Steven and Rick. They had six grandchildren: Michelle (Tammy), Macey (Robert), Christopher (Steven), Vanessa, Jacob and Jessica (Rick). The couple's great-grandson, Damien, was born to Michelle four months after Bob's death from heart disease. Second to his family, Bob's true love in life was the Wisconsin Northwoods. The family began vacationing in Conover in 1970. Through the years, the entire family cherished the time they spent boating, water skiing and snowmobiling with good friends. In later years, Bob enjoyed relaxing on the six acres of land he and Sandra purchased. They built a house, garage and pole barn-his dream come true! Bob fought heart disease from the age of 36 and died at the age of 59 on Aug. 31, 2001. His family misses him dearly.

- Sandra Ruditys, wife

Dennis Scheuers

Ripon , Wis.
Jan. 1, 1967 - Feb. 1, 2003

The meaning of our quilt square is the story of someone who lived life to the fullest. It encompasses the love we feel as family and friends who have lost a piece of ourselves. In giving this piece of cloth, we hope to share with others the true meaning that "life goes on." Dennis enjoyed the beauty of life. He loved flowers and spectacular sunsets. The picture of him on the quilt square is from a trip to Door County where he enjoyed hiking. Dennis had two passions in life-golfing and snowmobiling. He couldn't wait for spring to golf, or the snow to fly to get on his snowmobile. Unfortunately, it was his love of snowmobiling that took him from us. We lost Dennis on Feb. 1, 2003, to a tragic snowmobile accident. The story doesn't end there, though, for it was his choice to donate his tissue. By this choice, Dennis lives on and we share the joy of the families that Dennis helped. In sharing our story, we hope to encourage others to do what our son, brother and friend did-to keep giving to others even after he was gone. Dennis gave the gift of life.

- Debra Floyd, sister

Timothy Smerling

Omro , Wis.
Oct. 13, 1957 - May 2, 2001

Tim truly loved farming on the family farm that he took over after his dad died. He could often be heard in the morning singing in the barn while he milked the cows. The family dog, Schatzi, loved him and followed him everywhere, and his favorite cat, Timmy, curled himself around the back of Tim's neck as he tried to do the milking. Tim enjoyed sports, especially the Brewers, Packers, Bucks and NASCAR. He was satisfied watching the games on TV, saying you never saw it as well in person. His favorite pastime was playing basketball with his brother, Bob, and his nephew, David. He could hit a basket from across the yard. And what a tease he was-constantly ribbing his niece, Courtney, and his sisters, Barb and Rosanne. One could sum up Tim by quoting his cousin who said, "Tim had such a boyish, sweet innocence, great smile and great laugh." He was a simple man, easily satisfied, and he enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino taking the "oldies"-his mom, uncle and aunt-to have a good time. He considered 13 his lucky number. He was a sympathetic listener and never judged others. When he died of a heart attack at age 44, we knew he would want to be a donor, enriching and saving the lives of others. His family misses him greatly. May the sun continue to shine upon his fields as his light has shone on us for 44 years.

- Rosalind Smerling, mother

Mary Van Abel

Kimberly , Wis.
March 27, 1900 - Jan. 28, 2002

This small square can only give a glimpse of Mary Van Abel. The cross in the center represents her relationship with Christ. Mary trusted in Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She realized Christ died to pay for her sins and that He was responsible for her being able to get into heaven. The hat and shamrock represent her Irish heritage of which she was very proud. Every March, her place was decorated in its Irish best. The slate and apple reminds me she was a gifted teacher, using her talent everywhere from in the classroom, educating her great-grandchildren, to the folks she lived with at "the manor." Good teachers continue to learn and she did. The staff and notes symbolize music. Mary was able to play the piano by ear and she loved to sing harmony. Some of her favorite tunes were Irish songs. Mary died just short of 102 and was proud of her age. She looked and acted much younger than her years. In her death, she was able to continue giving by donating parts of her body to help others.

- Sue Van Abel, granddaughter

Richard Wagner

Sheboygan , Wis.
June 12, 1944 - April 15, 2003

Richard Wagner was known as "Dick." When he died of sudden cardiac arrest, he had just finished his day's work at a place he had worked for almost 38 years. He was a true craftsman. He loved working with his hands. He could build or repair almost anything. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. He was married for almost 40 years, and was the father of four children and the grandfather of Nathan. Nathan was a true gift from God to Dick. Dick has given sight to two people. The donation of his skin, bones and fascia has improved quality of life for many. This makes me very proud. It comforts me when I feel sad. He is missed by his family. He did a very good job while he was with us on this earth.

- Lou Ann Wagner, wife

Scott Alan Weisensel

Beaver Dam, Wis.
March 14, 1958 - Oct. 16, 2002

Scott, beloved son, brother and uncle, is loved and missed very much by his surviving family. Scott died as a result of an accident on his job as an arborist. Equipment malfunctioned while he was in the bucket of an aerial lift. This quilt square strives to remind us all of the strong and passionate man he was, and is, in our memories. Scott lived as the purest of outdoorsman. His respect and love for nature and the outdoors is represented here. The camouflage symbolizes the time and devotion to hunting pheasants and ducks with his dogs. He hunted turkeys and numerous small game. The blaze orange and the deer depict his great love of deer hunting, during both bow and gun seasons. He went ice fishing in the winter and sat in a boat fishing for hours in the summer. The respect for all of nature was best exemplified here with his efforts of "catch and release." We also hold strongly to the memories of Scott's work ethic and dedication to all he did. Everything he did was a job well done. His example has touched us all with motivation and pride for that which we accomplish. Scott touched the lives of many people and is truly missed by his family and many friends. He will be loved and cherished in our hearts forever.

- Mary Lou Weisensel, mother

Joseph Donald Wendt

Poynette/Lodi, Wis.
Sept. 1, 1981 - March 7, 2003

Joey was very talented in many ways and loved painting and making his things look "cool." Anything he could get his hands on to paint, he painted flames on them. He thought flames were the neatest things, and it was even cooler that he figured out how to paint them. Joey had also been big into four-wheeling and his favorite was ice racing. He had wanted to race for the last couple years, but never seemed to get up the nerve to do it. In the winter of 2003, he made up his mind that he was going to race. He was so excited and we were so proud. It only seemed natural to make his quilt square with two things he was very passionate about. Joey Wendt was a healthy, happy and fun-loving 21-year-old who died unexpectedly in a work-related accident on March 7, 2003. We miss him very much.

- The Jeff Wendt Family
Jeff, Ann, Jamie and Melanie

Raymond G. Zimmerman

Crivitz , Wis.
March 1, 1923 - Feb. 26, 2004

This is in memory of my husband of 33 years, who was deeply loved and deeply missed. He was one of the kindest, most gentle men I have ever met, who never raised his voice and had a great talent for listening. He loved fishing and gardening, but his greatest love (besides me) was his old Ford tractor. He bought this old tractor when it was a piece of junk and through years of tender loving care, he restored it to what it is today. He loved working around our 20 acres, always plowing up a new area or grading the driveway. His greatest pride was when he entered his tractor in the 4 th of July parade and drove down the main street of our town on his pride and joy, his restored 9N Ford Tractor.

- Gwen Zimmerman, wife