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Quilt Square in Memory of Jason Stegman

On January 14, 2007 Jason tragically ended his own life at the age of 23. Even though his life ended he was able to give the gift of life to others. But he truly left us a part of himself through his son, Dominic.

Jason could always be found working on one of his two cars, his “Caddie” or “Focus”, playing video games, going to car shows and races, but most of all spending time with Dominic and his dog “Roxy”.

We remember the best of times and the worst. Life is not to be taken for granted….you never know what the next day will hold. Jason would want us to live life to the fullest and never have any regrets. He is in our thoughts and prayers everyday. We love and miss him so much and will treasure the times we had with him.

Love Always,

Mom and “Roxy”
Tiffany and Bella
Nicole and Clayton
Ashley and Dominic
Grandma and Grandpa Matecki

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Quilt Square in Memory of David Taylor

David received a head injury in an auto accident in January 1971 when he was a senior in high school.

He was unable to move or speak until June 1971. He had been at Toledo Hospital until April, when he could move his index finger. Then he was transferred to Green Springs Rehab Facility and was there over year. He learned to speak there, enough so you could understand him.

David was in a wheelchair, when we brought him home. He did get so he could walk with a walker, and eventually two canes.

He passed his driver’s test and got a car. He lived in Bryan, Ohio, in an apartment, by himself, from 1978 to 2006. Then he went to extended care, for a year.

The doctors told us, at first, that he would probably never be able to walk again. But he was determined.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Betsy Wyse Zanin

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Quilt Square in Memory of Rafael Angel Tebar

As crazy as this sounds, I met Rafael Angel Tebar on an online chat room. He talked to me whenever I was on and he made me happy when I was down. He had his own band in Puerto Rico. Rafael created his own music and he had the most amazing voice ever. We met in person on March 31, 2006. It was love at first sight. He took care of my children as if they were his own. He loved to cook, joke around, and spend time with me and my children Stormy, Christian, Jade, and Jasmine. My three year old grandson, Clayton took him in as his own grandfather and always wanted to be with him. He still says Papa is sitting in the chair and that he is on his lap.
It is very hard to hear that.  Clayton loved him so much. We all did. We were married on March 16, 2007. He later passed in April.

Not too long ago I was at work and my thirteen year old daughter Jade was mowing our yard and she started crying because she misses him terribly. They had their arguments but, they got brought closer together. He was such a great man.

Rafael, my love, I miss you! So does everyone else.  My son Tony took it hard when he passed, he couldn’t believe it. My son Christian and my daughter Stormy were torn. The last thing he said to them was “love you, see you next week.” But that didn’t happen.  My mom, Dorothy was upset also because there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her.  He called my youngest Jasmine, his princess. She was really close to him. She missed a week of school after his death.  My daughter Casey just started getting close to him. I wish he was here now.

“I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH” that’s what I have to say about my husband “RAFAEL ANGEL TABOR”

By: Dawn Marie Tebar

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Quilt Square in Memory of James McElrath

When Jim was born, God truly did break the mold. He was a kind and compassionate man who loved his family and God more than anything in the world. Jim’s life ended far too soon for those of us who loved him, but just ten days before he unexpectedly left us he renewed his driver’s license and chose to be an organ tissue donor. Because of his compassion for others, his legacy will live on. Jim left behind his parents, Robert and Shirley, his brother Scott, his wife Judy, his sisters Lauree and her husband Dave, Linda, and her husband Jim, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He also left a son, David, and daughter-in-law, Theresa: and his best friend and wife for 25 years Sharon.

Jim was actively involved with his church and sang in the choir for many years. He coaches girl’s basketball at a Christian school that his son attended and was involved with the Awana program. One of his favorite activities was golfing with his wife and their closest friends, Rick and Tanna.

Jim did not get to see his son’s wedding and will never see grandchildren, but we know that God has a purpose for everything and that this was part of his plan. His love for Christ will always be the one characteristic that each person who knew him will remember.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Jason Stegman

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Quilt Square in Memory of Larry Longanbach

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Quilt Square in Memory of Robert P. (Bob) Urbanowicz

3-1-42 – 11-28-07

For 43 years I have been known as Bob’s wife, “Worthy”, a nickname given to me many years ago by this man who never forgot anyone’s name, remembered what was important to them in their lives, and never hesitated to show his love and concern for everyone.

We had three wonderful sons together, Rob, Rick, and Randy, of whom he was very proud. His dream was to see what all of his grandchildren would do with their lives, he was very anxious to watch them grow and flower. A die hard Cleveland Indians and Ohio State fan, Bob is watching from another bleacher now, and we miss him more than words can express.

Bob was known and remembered wherever he traveled by his questions to everyone so that he might know them a little better, his opinions always given, his advice on how to do things easier, his hugs and thanks to everyone for just “showing up”, his daily reminder to all of us: “don’t worry, thing will get better”, and the tune whistled every day, everywhere…..The Sound of Silence. Our world as we knew it has indeed been silenced.

It should be no surprise that Bob’s last wish was that he be an organ donor, giving that final gift of love to someone who may never know his name, but he will never forget him.

We are blessed to have so many happy, silly memories that will fill our hearts forever! We love and miss you, Bob, Dad Grandpa, Papa and friend.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Philip Zuchowski

Philip Michael Zuchowski was born in Toledo Ohio on August 21, 1990 and grew up in Bedford, Michigan.  To know Phil was to know a unique individual whose enthusiasm and love of life made him a natural center of activity in events which included both adults and his friends.
 
Philip seemed to be perpetually in motion, and he was happiest when he was active.  Phil loved sports—both those he followed and those in which he played and excelled.  He was a diehard Michigan State Spartans fan, and he rooted for the Cleveland Indians and Browns.  His own sports include baseball, basketball, golf and bowling.  He played on the Mt. Carmel softball and basketball teams, and he played and umpired 3B baseball in the Temperance area where his teammates affectionately called him “Philly”. He enjoyed playing golf, especially at his home course, Bedford Hills, where he worked the summer he was 15.  He was also an avid outdoorsman. Camping, walleye and perch fishing with his dad, whom he jokingly referred to as “Mr. Lake Erie,” were favorite summer activities.  Phil excelled at bowling. He qualified for a spot on the Greater Toledo Bowling Association Junior All Stars, a traveling bowling team in the greater Toledo area.  His doubles team won the Division A City Doubles Tournament with Phil bowling a 745 series. He finished third in the Junior City Tournament, and he qualified for and was looking forward to bowling in the 2007 Ohio State Pepsi United States Bowling Congress Youth Bowling Championship in Columbus, April 29. Proud of his 287 high-game, he was chasing after his first 300.  He enjoyed competing, and he continually challenged himself to excel. When he faced temporary setbacks, rather than complain about outside forces, he focused all the more on what he could do to achieve his goals.  Phil had a true sense of sportsmanship.

Phil had a rare ability for making people feel accepted and bringing them into his circle. He seemed to key into other people’s emotions, and stories of how he befriended young people new in his neighborhood and school showed an empathy and maturity not often found in teenagers,  From saying hello and saving a newcomer a seat next to him on the bus, the new kid became “ one of Phil’s friends” in the wider group.  This quiet kindness speaks to the essence of Phil.

No matter how active he was with his friends, Phil always found time for his family.  As the fiftieth grandchild on his father’s side, he was affectionately dubbed” 5-0”, where he enjoyed competing in horseshoe tournaments at the annual Zuchowski summer reunion.  Phil was the youngest of three grandchildren on his mother’s side where “Lad” enjoyed the traditions of holiday get-togethers and could be found at the center of family gatherings.

Phil’s presence was a gift; his family and friends miss him in ways we never could have imagined.   When Phil was rushed to the hospital after his accident, family members didn’t fully grasp the severity of his closed head injury.  Then we realized we were praying for a miracle.  Although our prayers weren’t answered with the outcome we would have chosen, knowing that other people’s prayers for life were answered in the gift of Philip’s corneas and skin tissue lets us know that Philip lives on, not only in our hearts and memories.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Lee Franklin Reditt Sr.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Mike Weichman

Michael was a husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, cousin and friend to many. He was a man with a warm heart who would do anything for anyone, even if it meant giving up his own belongings or time. After high school, Mike went on to college, only to be drafted to the Vietnam War where he served as a Medic. Upon his return home, he met his wife at a local softball game. Together the couple had four children and raised them in Northwest Ohio. Mike served on local fire departments as a volunteer firefighter and as an EMT until he started having cardiac issues. At this point, Mike became very involved with his church as well as his children’s hobbies such as boy scouts, sporting events, school activities and many others. After Mike’s wife passed away, he retired from his job due to other health issues and to raise his two children that were still in high school. During this time he also became a social butterfly in the community and would have coffee at the local restaurant to keep up with current events. He especially enjoyed spending time with local farmers. One of Mike’s personal hobbies was Antique tractor pulling. Mike had an Allis Chalmers tractor that he would take to local fairs and festivals to compete, in hopes to get a full pull. Mike’s sons and his son-in-law also participated in these events with him, which made it extra special. Although Mike had a weak heart, he proved to many that it was full of love for all who knew him.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Sharon Olmstead

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Quilt Square in Memory of Harley Bussing

His greatest joy while he was able was to ride his motorcycle in the “poker run” with his friends.
           
Barbara Bunsing

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Quilt Square in Memory of Dylan Flew

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Quilt Square in Memory of Steven T. Willman

Steven was a very special son, brother, and  person. He loved life. He was a very hard working person in his business and especially on his farm. He cared and loved animals especially his dogs. No words can explain how much he is missed by our family and friends.

Our hope that his tissue donation has given someone a better life and a part of Steven is alive in them.

Lovingly,
His Family

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Quilt Square in Memory of John Streicher

John was always called Jack, only in anger was he ever referred to as John L.  Jack and I were both raised in the small town of Continental and went to the same high school and graduated together in 1949. He got a job and was doing fine until Aug. of 1952 when he received his “Greetings” from the U.S. Army. And he was theirs for the next two years, he wasn’t sent to war in Korea but to a remote island in the Pacific where he soon learned that they would be a supply post for the testing of Nuclear Bombs.

In 1954 after discharged, he resumed his life, got married, and soon was the father of a son. They named him Tim. Soon after he and his wife learned that they were going to have another child, this time it was a daughter whom they named Cheri. That marriage ended some time later and Jack married again.

In the late 80’s Jack lost his wife to cancer, about the time I lost my husband also to cancer. We met again at a class reunion and started seeing each other and were married in June of 1990.  Our happy union ended on 2-17-03 when he died very suddenly of a massive heart attack. We would have been married 13 years had he lived until June.

He had worked for B F Goodrich for over 30 years when he retired. I hope this tells you a little of his life.

Mary Ann Striecher

PS: He loved his martini’s that’s why I included his tie tack.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Gregory Paul Recker 1961-2005

Greg was very special to his Mom and Dad, his brothers and sisters, as well his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Greg loved being in the outdoors and around water. He would go camping, fishing, air-chairing, and riding his wave runner whenever he could. He built a beautiful sailboat, which was his latest achievement. Greg loved taking photographs at family events, and would share them with everyone. He was an experienced electrician and handyman. He had a kind and generous heart, using his talents and time to help many of his family and friends with their projects on their houses or cars. Greg loved cookouts and bonfires. He had a contagious and memorable laugh, and enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days. Greg’s untimely death came in his last hours of work at the Budd Company, where they expressed the loss of a great electrician and a good friend.

God Bless you Greg. You’ll always be in our hearts and prayers.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Tammy Mae Beck

This block is in memory of our daughter Tammy Mae Beck. It is hard to describe Tammy in just a few paragraphs, but the best way to is to say she was four foot eight inches of pure love. We lost her to blood clots at the age of 30 in November 2003. She lived her life giving of herself anyway she could so that is why we chose to donate tissue and corneas.

Her block has photos of her growing up and some mementos of her favorite pastimes. Her block is like Tammy, hidden treasures and more than meets the eye. Tammy had Down’s syndrome so many people missed seeing what a wonderful person she was. She was a happy person and three weeks before she died she got to sing at her sister’s wedding and there is a photo of her doing just that on the block under the pink flap. She was looking forward to becoming an aunt for the first time with another sister almost due for her first baby, baby Eli was born 10 days after Tammy died.

Tammy loved to make friendship bracelets and give them out at Halloween, there are 2 of those on her block as well. She loved music and playing cards and Ohio State and Minnie Mouse. Her nickname was Tammy Turtle so all of those are included on her block as well. Her favorite group was N’sync so they are represented as well in the purse made with musical material on the quilt block. Under the purse is a photo of Tammy and her three sisters.

She made us all smile all the time with her Tammyisms. A couple of those I have included as well. We miss her.

Mom
Margaret Beck

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Quilt Square in Memory of Danny Bailey

If you have someone you love –enjoy it-it can be gone in a minute.

A wonderful husband- stepfather –friend. Danny was a truck driver. And a good one, but he was the best husband in the world.  God took him way too soon at 49 years old.  Had no idea he was sick or anything was wrong with him. Thank you Danny for the best 20 years of my life.

Your wife and friend, Tweda.

Thanks Dad for being so good to my Mom.
LaDonna

We love you and miss you.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Jamie Doremus

Our Daughter, Jamie, was a beautiful seventeen year old young lady. She liked to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh with her. She enjoyed being with family and friends, swimming, camping and family get-togethers.

Jamie never hesitated when asked if she would like to be a donor. She simply said, “Yes!”  That’s the kind of person Jamie was.

She would find people who needed a friend and would be their friend.

She was a delight to be around and we are very grateful for all seventeen years.

Jamie’s Dad- Richard Whitcomb

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Quilt Square in Memory of Irene Kuhn

Irene Baker Kuhn was born November 7, 1930 in Defiance County, Defiance, Ohio to Charles and Ida Baker.  Her grade school education was at St. John’s Catholic in Defiance and high school years spent at Ayersville High School, where she was a cheerleader and majorette.  She was a fulltime church organist at the age of 11. She also played piano, violin and clarinet.  To her, music was a beautiful art and was always a part of her life.

On June 9, 1949 she married Bernard Kuhn. She lived on a dairy farm of 180 acres near Sherwood, Ohio.  God blessed their marriage and within nine years, they had four daughters: Linda, Diane, Barb and Deb and one son: Ron.  After 16 years, her wonderful husband was killed on October 21, 1965 by a semi truck, killing him instantly at the age of thirty-six.  She was left alone with a family of five to raise and a farm to run. She did with the grace of God and her Catholic faith and strong perseverance, dedication, will and determination.

Her five children have all married and she was a proud grandma to 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.  A ‘special friend and companion’ came into her life, Paul Cowle on June 25, 1972.  They were together for 22 years until he passed away on June 26, 1994.  The last four years of her life her cat Diamond became her special friend and ran the house.

Mom was humble and simple.  She did not live by superficial standards.  She was never concerned with achieving personal fame and fortune.  Instead she found joy and meaning in life by doing thoughtful things for others without much notice.

Mom loved to go shopping, talking on the phone, visits, piano and organ playing, singing, her choir, family, Catholic faith, playing cards, roller skating, teaching music lessons, cows, flowers, yard, gardening, home, people, listening…life itself.

Mom passed away on October 15, 2006.  We decided to have her skin tissue donated to help somebody else.  She could help save a life in this way.  Mom was able to donate 5 skin grafts to protect patients form infection during the healing process.  We know 4 of those grafts were used to treat a 40 year old male burn victim at Wishard Health Services in Indiana and 1 graft sent to Sherman Oaks Hospital in California.

We’ll never forget her face, the sound of her voice, her gentle touch, the stories she told, the traditions she handed down, the lessons she taught, the things she stood for.  We’ll always know that we honor her everyday in how we live and who we are.

She is happy now and safe in the arms of Jesus—Home in Heaven as He promised.
She has reached life’s ultimate goal!!!

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Quilt Square in Memory of Spencer Sites

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Quilt Square in Memory of Roger Moore

Roger Moore was born August 9, 1947 in Toledo.  He graduated from Waite High School in 1965.  We were married October 7, 1967 and were married almost 41 years when he passed away.  We have two wonderful children, a daughter and son, son-in-law and grandson, and we are very proud of all of them.

On April 24, 1991 Roger was injured on his job, and as a result, had been a quadriplegic the last 17 years.  His injury drastically changed our lives.  We did our very best to keep his life as normal as possible.

On our quilt square we put a picture of Roger holding our grandson.  He loved to watch him play his sports.  We included the Superman symbol for the Christopher Reeve Foundation-Go Forward -Roger always wanted a cure for paralysis.  He was a James Bond fan and had all his movies.  He also followed NASCAR and was a Kasey Kahne fan. He drives the #9 car.  We put the card symbols in each corner because Roger liked to play poker on the computer.

Roger was a good, honest person, devoted to his family.  He was a very brave man to endure his life the last 17 years-we are certainly glad we had this extra time with him. He always wanted to be an organ and tissue donor, and we were glad to honor his wishes.

Sincerely,
The Moore and Drake Families

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Quilt Square in Memory of Keith Belknap

WHEN I AM GONE
When I come to the end of my journey;
and I travel my last weary mile: just forget;
if you can, that I ever frowned; and
remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken,
remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache; and remember
I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered,
and sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I’ve fought some hard battles;
and won, at the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve over my going.
I would not have you sad for a day.
But in the summer just gather some flowers;
and remember the place where I lay:
and come in the shade of evening,
when the sun paints the sky in the West.
Stand for a few moments beside me,
and remember, only the best.

My son Keith was 19 when he was killed in an auto accident in December, 2004.  He was very giving, loving, forgiving and understanding.  He loved to help people.  Keith never really said he wanted to be a donor, but I think, if given a chance to have answered for himself, he would have said “yes.”  We love and miss him, and I still wait for him to come walking through the door.

Love Always, MOM
(Donna Richter)

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Quilt Square in Memory of William "Bill" Wortman

William “Bill” Wortman was born March 27, 1950 to Bob and Mary Lou Wortman.  He would become the oldest of seven children.  Ill joined the Marine Corps after High School graduation and was sent to Vietnam.  He married Karen Leddy in 1971 and together they had five children, Scott Anthony, Drew Alexander, Karen Nicole, Erin Leigh and Joshua Michael. The couple’s first son was born prematurely and died shortly after birth.  The couple later fostered and adopted Jim, who was ten when he joined the family.  Bill loved sports, umpiring youth baseball, refereeing high school basketball and playing golf.  He was known for the omni-present toothpick, either in his mouth, tucked behind an ear, or nearby in a pocket.  Toothpicks would also turn up on bedposts, nightstands, tables and shelves with great frequency.  Bill was a “people-person”—no matter where he went he seemed to run into someone he knew, which required a conversation and reconnection!  Although he had a quick temper, he had an easy laugh and was passionate about life.  In the last years of his life he began a faith walk that resulted in teaching an adult Sunday school class, reading Scriptures and sharing faith experiences with other believers.  But to really know Bill, let me briefly share a summary of our lives together.

“I’m going to spoil your socks off!” His brown eyes smiled warmly at me the night before he died, crinkling at the corners.  I wrapped my arms around him, hugging his back and telling him how much I loved him.  It hadn’t always been this idyllic.  Oh sure, when Bill and I were married 33 years earlier he had called me his Princess and he was my Prince Charming.  But over the years our sharply divergent personality styles and attitudes took their toll.  Bill, my irrepressible, impulsive, somewhat reckless husband challenged every fiber of my neatly organized, quiet and orderly lifestyle.  Although Bill was the outgoing, people-lover and I the extremely shy introvert, I became a bantam rooster with him, battling over folding towels, putting socks away and doing chores before play.  Scrabble? Always a battle over who was right.  Still, there was a great magnetism in the sparks of our friction.  As the children came, more challenges over parenting, beliefs and values, expectations and discipline.

Although my know-it-all attitude often grated on him, Bill was always the romantic; I might come home from work late to find the kids in bed, love notes on the door leading me from clue to clue by candlelight to a romantic rendezvous.  Bill loved to shop for greeting cards.  They seemed to best express the feelings he could not put into words on his own.  So holidays often meant three or four cards for me, mostly sentimental, leading up to the big day or sprinkled where I might find them throughout the day.

When Bill finally surrendered to the Lord about five years ago, the real work began in his life.  The edges of temper began to soften.   He began trying to find the lesson in the day’s challenges, to learn from people of faith, to study the Bible and to develop a positive attitude.  As we learned about personality styles and love languages, Bill was eager to implement his new knowledge to enrich our relationship.  It was not unusual for him to ask, “How’s your love tank today?” and if I answered anything less than “full”, he was quick to ask how he might “fill it up.”

In the last months of his life, Bill was on a mission to make sure his kids knew he loved them and was proud of each and every one of them.  He loved playing with his granddaughter, creating excuses to visit or babysit for her.  He made peace with his brothers and visited his parents, to let them know he loved them.  I watched as his countenance continually softened, the glow of love shining brighter and brighter on his face. And I was so often awed by the miracle of his love for me.  At night, I would give thanks for the feel of his body curled up against mine, of the comfort of his arm around me.  During the day, I rejoiced over his daily “check-in” phone calls, mostly just to say, “I love you.”

When Bill and I remarried ( yes, the relationship was quite rocky for awhile!) we chose a scripture reading form the Song of Solomon 8:6, “Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, as jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its’ flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.” The gift of love, the memories we cherish, the blessings of a life shared can never be taken away, can never die.  Love never fails.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Michael Rush

1938-2007

Michael and I were married almost 47 years when he collapsed with a massive heart attack.  There was no warning. One moment he was fine and the next he was gone.

He was a wonderful person, my best friend since I was 12 years old.  His life was a patchwork of friends, family, golf, model trains, work, travel and his cherished only child Beth Ann, her husband Scott and granddaughters Jessica and Lauren always lit up Michael’s life and he was a proud father, grandfather and father-in-law.

We all miss Michael but are soothed by the knowledge that his donations to Life Connections of Ohio has helped some other family in their time of need.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Denise Youngs

Denise Youngs passed away from cancer on December 5, 2006 at age 50. Denise was a long time motorcycle enthusiast and Harley rider who traveled all over the United States with her husband of 30 years, Ron.  Denise was a loving mother to her children Regan and Brad and a wonderful aunt who donated her time and energy to many charities and fundraisers.  Denise inspired many of her fellow woman riders to ride and explore new adventures.

We hold an annul Poker run and maintain a website at www.memeorialpokerrun.com to help keep Denise’s memory alive and to help fund cancer research so that one day there will be a cure.  I believe there are angels among us.

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Quilt Square in Memory of John Bailey

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Quilt Square in Memory of Alverna English

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Quilt Square in Memory of Jessica Plotner Miller

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Quilt Square in Memory of Mark Weirauch

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Quilt Square in Memory of Marilyn Gillig

May 5, 1944-June 3, 2007

Marilyn “ Mame” Gillig, forever 63, was a registered nurse clinician at Mercy Hospital of Tiffin, where she was a supervisor of outpatient services, cancer-risk assessment and pain management. Marilyn spent a nursing career that spanned nearly five decades at Mercy.  For more than 25 years, she worked in obstetrics and later divided her time in the Emergency Room.

Marilyn was a compassionate and giving person. Marilyn’s home was an open door. Over the years Marilyn had taken in a number of foster children.  She nurtured each one of them as if her own.  And till this day they are grateful for her impact.

Marilyn’s true passion revolved around her family.  Marilyn and her husband Jim of 42 years devoted their life to raising three children: Brian Brad and Jami. During these great years, Marilyn spent most evenings at a sporting event, dance or cheerleading event.  As her children are now grown and have children of their own, her joy and passion extended to her grandchildren; Tyler, Taylor, Katie, Samantha, Allison and Audrey.

Family was her true love. She always put family first. She lived by the saying that “your children will never remember the dirty dishes in the sink, but they will remember every ballgame you were at.”

Marilyn loved her brothers and sisters, Gary, Paula, Tom, Mark and Mary Beth dearly.  Family gathering were always her favorite. She and her sisters traveled monthly for their lunch date, antique shopping and finding quaint little diners or tea houses.  Marilyn’s other hobbies were love on her grandchildren, chatting over coffee with her son-in-law Craig, sitting by the pool with her daughter-in-law Bonnie, gardening, and tending to the birds.

Marilyn dedicated over 20 years of her life coaching and mentoring hundreds of young cheerleaders and dancers. Her coaching style instilled into each athlete the positive attributes to be a winner in life.  So in memory of her strong will, contagious smile, and love for children, a scholarship has been created to offer financial assistance to young dancers at In Motion Dance Studio, Tiffin, Ohio.  This was created for those who otherwise could not afford the opportunity to dance. It is our hope the scholarship program will provide the building blocks to assist young dancers achieving the necessary poise, build self-esteem and develop the confidence to succeed on stage and ultimately win in life. These defined qualities were held very dear to Marilyn’s heart for young people.  We are pleased to offer this assistance to young dancers, as our mother donated years of her life doing the same.  This is another way to continue to give to others in her name.

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Quilt Square in Memory of Jason Stegman

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Quilt Square in Memory of Larry Cordes

May 22, 1950 – May 4, 2004

Larry graduated from Michigan State.  He acquired a position with the J.I. Case Company, now known as the Case International Company.

He learned and loved the case product including the history which the “Ole Abe” was the logo.  The pictures of Larry on the quilt square were taken at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC which we were visiting in February, 2004, celebrating our 30th Anniversary.

We had three children, Travis Patrick, and Jill. Larry had two sisters and his parents whom we all are survivors.
Larry was a wonderful man with a big heart who provided for his family who he loved dearly.

We praise God for his life and for being a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband and father.  He lived his life with love and devotion to all of us and the Lord.

The Family of Larry Cordes

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