top of page
Loved Ones Lost
Jim Lynn was a Vietnam veteran, a humble and dedicated family man, and a highly respected executive at McDonald's. Brand loyal, Jim always put people first – “character over titles, relationships over salaries, and loyalty over status.” After attending elaborate catered company events, Jim would often hit the McDonald's drive-thru on his way home, order a double cheeseburger and sit at the kitchen table in his tuxedo enjoying the cheeseburger with a glass of wine! A true gentleman and a gentle man, Jim was a positive role model to all who knew him.
Over and Above by Lisa Mata
02
Paul Martinez was the backbone, the sounding board and the steady hero of a family that included his wife and three daughters. A Vietnam veteran who served in the Army, Paul was exposed to Agent Orange, the most powerful and widely used herbicide utilized by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Although he did not live to witness the birth of his grandson, his daughter knew he was with her when her son was placed on her chest. The scent of fresh cut grass and sweat...the smell she always associated with her father... permeated the room. It was a beautiful moment and one to be cherished forever.
The Circle by Ron & Mary Avery
03
Turning personal tragedy and unimaginable grief into a philanthropic effort is a true mark of selflessness. The Avery Foundation was established in September of 2017 in memory of well-known Dubuque metal artist Jim Avery and his sister, Julie. Active in sports in high school and a foreign exchange student during the summer of 1978, Julie learned to ski after losing her leg to cancer two days after her
twentieth birthday. Thirty-two years after her death, her brother Jim was diagnosed. He was a gifted artist, a talented entrepreneur, a mechanical wizard and a friend to Dubuque. With Ron Avery in the lead, the family has dedicated itself to addressing the financial challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. Julie and Jim would be pleased and proud of the dedication and commitment their family has shown to others battling this disease.
Faj Squad by Diane Rambousek
04
Mike Oglesby, better known to his family and friends as “Faj,” was a bright, humble, athletic man with an easy smile and a dry wit. An engineer by training, he shared his skills building decks, staircases, doghouses and even a pirate ship for others. His two daughters held a special place in his heart. The Michael Oglesby Foundation was established in 2016 to honor the memory of this Notre Dame fan with the mission of bringing hope and treatment to everyone touched by pancreatic cancer.
A Penny from Heaven by Adam Beaty
05
Karyn Beaty was a fun-loving, hard-working, strong and energetic mom of two boys. The “Marne House,” named for the street on which they lived, was the family home for eighteen years. When it was time to downsize, the family enjoyed visiting Karyn at her lake home in Plainfield, Illinois. Life took on a whole new meaning in 2016 with the birth of Karyn's granddaughter, Kennedy and a new goal consumed her; spoiling her granddaughter! Baby Reagan joined her sister in 2018.
Learning the Value of Time by Scott Girard
06
Korbin Berg saw the uniqueness of everything around him. A passionate photographer, he captured the images on film, always in search of the right angle and the proper lighting. He would spend hours outside seeking that special something to include in his 366 Days project. Often it was as simple as a train track or a tree. In fact, one of Korb's most notable subjects was a tree, now known as Korby's Tree, where family and friends gather to reflect on the life of a talented and treasured member of the Mount Horeb community.
It Comes in Waves by P.J. HarteNaus
07
Immensely talented, John Harte was a loving husband and a doting father and grandfather. He took his Catholic upbringing very seriously and when pressured to work in the family meat business, John put aside his dream of pursuing a career in photography and film. He looked forward to weekends when he could pursue his many creative interests. John painted, played the trumpet and even built a movie theater in the basement, complete with red velvet curtains and special theater chairs for the two granddaughters he adored.
A Long and Beautifully Simple Life by Toni Klingler
08
Barbara Groom loved to garden and the meals she prepared most often included homegrown fruits and vegetables, fresh in season or otherwise canned or frozen. A talented seamstress, crafter, and painter, Barbara loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She filled the house with homemade ornaments that are now treasured by family members, lovingly unwrapped and displayed each holiday season.
We Believe in Katie: A Story of Hope by Susan Udelhofen
09
We Believe in Katie, a nonprofit that raises money for blood cancer research, grants wishes to children suffering from blood-related cancers and provides scholarships to high school students, was established in memory of Katie Udelhofen-Clark. Mother to young daughter Gracie, “believe” was Katie's word long before her diagnosis. Described as “wise beyond her years,” yellow flowers, the music of James Taylor and the cold water of Door County elicit fond memories of outgoing, warm, kind and deeply caring Katie.
Love and Lessons by Chrissy Socash
10
Celestine Socash passed away over forty years ago. Her young daughter was just twelve, but memories of her mother are surprisingly vivid. Firmly etched in her mind are examples of her mother's lessons. Whether it was practicing the piano, the purchase of a cactus in a grocery store or the “theft” of Easter candy from the baskets of her siblings, lessons and love continue to permeate her memory. But mostly, she remembers the smile her Mom brought to the faces of everyone who knew her.
My Father's Letters by Sarah Peterson
11
Steve Peterson wrote his daughter letters throughout his life. The first one was written the day she was born, others arrived on special occasions and still others were sent just because. Such tangible expressions of love and devotion are treasured reminders of their relationship that was, at one time, fractured. Fast-forward and his daughter now works for the same company that employed her father for nearly 40 years; and holds the job that once belonged to her dad.
By My Sister's Side by Mindy Dalgarn
12
![filename-1[5929] (2).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1d7926_3c80614406c442c7b84173df0a01b7b0~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_131,w_813,h_738/fill/w_442,h_401,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/filename-1%5B5929%5D%20(2).jpg)
Missy Dalgarn was a “people person” committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether she was at work in Human Resources, on the ice with special needs children, interviewing applicants for the family scholarship, or restocking the shelves at The Mop Shop, Missy was generous in word and deed. She left the world a better place. I lost track of the number of times she thanked me...and the many others whose lives she touched. Missy was my sister, my twin and my best friend. She wanted me to live my life for both of us and I try to do that every day.
bottom of page