Memorial Archive: Summer and Fall 2007

Home for Life® memorials
2008

At Home for Life®, each dog and cat is special to us. Yet, we recognize that the animals we lovingly care for do not live forever.

When one of our residents passes, we take time to reflect on that animal's gift to us and to the sanctuary. The following residents passed on this spring. We are honored to have been part of their lives.

We thank the generous donors who sponsored these animals and share in their loss.

In Memory of Newman

In loving memory of Newman, our long-haired red Doberman, a loyal and noble dog. Read In Memory of Newman.

Newman, with the wind blowing through his long hair

In Memory of Pooh

In loving memory of Pooh, our elderly disabled Doberman, a brave and noble spirit. Read In Memory of Pooh.

How to Make a Memorial Donation

Home For Life® offers memorial space on our web site. All memorials appear in our newsletter, as well. The cost is:

To arrange a memorial, fill out our online donation form and specify that the donation is a memorial.

Send photos to:

For more information, drop us an email, or call our toll-free number at 1-800-252-5918.

Memorials, continued

This is actually a Christmas gift for my friend, Ericka, who is an animal lover like me. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, we decided to donate money to animals in need! Merry Christmas!
–Anonymous

In honor of our daughter, Betsy Adams.
–Dennis Adams

On behalf of my friend, Munson. This is a Christmas gift.
–Pam Arledge

In memory of Frank Voos.
–Keith Attenborough

In memory of Norma Hirte who cared for all living things.
–Eveline Barnes

In honor of my sister's birthday.
–Cindy Beavef

In memory of Madison, who received tender care and affection from her rescuer and my cherished friend, Brenda.
–Julie Berg

In memory of Earl Blocher.
–Charlotte Blocher

My mom and I saved a scruffy looking cat that appeared in her neighborhood who, thankfully, ended up at Home for Life®. I foster and adopt elderly and special needs cats but didn't have any more space, so thank you for taking cats like him. I can't think of a more meaningful gift for my mother's 89th birthday than a donation to Home for Life® in appreciation of taking in this needy little guy. My mom still thinks of him.
–Donna Bolte

In loving memory of our cats, Max and Mattie who brought great joy to our lives.
–Sue and Mark Bonitz

To help Stormy.
–Kathie Borosch

In memory of Tara, whose love never wavered. Always and forever in my heart. May other dogs benefit in her memory.
–Katherine Brinkman

This donation is given from John and Sue Broman and Ron and Mary Broman. We are a blessed family that needs nothing for Christmas. The past few years we have taken the money we would have spent on each other and donated to someone that could use a little help. Because John and I have donated before and we all have animals that we love, we thought of you and all the wonderful work you are doing for the animals and the children, too. We wish you much success in 2008.
–The Broman Family

This donation is in lieu of a birthday gift for my sister Nancy Olson, who has a lifelong passion for animals.
–Karen Brumbaugh

On behalf of my Tanna and Darby Hilgendorf who will also become contributors.
–Jean Burkhardt

In memory of my beloved feisty cat, Carmen, and in honor of our six-year-old cat, Stella Maxine, who just lost her sister/littermate Chloe Grace, and in honor of our wonderful Yorkie, Rupert.
–The Dziuk Family

In memory of Chloe Grace Dziuk. Our beautiful tortoiseshell cat died suddenly in November of kidney failure at the age of six years. She was a sweet, very sensitive cat who spent most of her time in our bedroom. Chloe, I miss you.
–Debra Dziuk

In honor of Tara Cummiskey.
–Julie Frederick

In memory of Reese.
–Gretchen Goodman

In memory of Jack for Julie and Karen.
–Maddy and John MacIndoe

In memory of Bounder and Delia for Lindsay MacIndoe and Wendy Helding.
–Maddy and John MacIndoe

Hey, Eddie, can you lend us a few bucks, can you give us a ride... gotta make it through the tunnel, got a meeting with the man on the other side— and Eddie this guy's the real thing, so if you wanna come along you gotta promise not to say anything—cause this guy, he don't dance, and word's been passed this is our last chance...Will miss you forever, Eddie.
–Mary Jo Murray

In the spirit of Christmas to Sandra Miller.
–Jennifer Myers

In honor of all of my friends and family who are also friends of the animals.
–Lynne Mills

Saw a segment promoting Home for Life® on Kare 11 News last night and I wanted to help immediately! I think all of you are doing a wonderful job... keep up the good work! All animals deserve a safe, happy home. Thanks for all you do for these animals!
–Holly Naber

In loving memory of Lee Latee, animal lover with a heart of gold.
–Patricia Noonan

In memory of Foxy, loving canine companion of Brenda and Rob Buckles.
–Cindy Northwick

In memory of Yankee.
–The Odens

In loving memory of the sweetest, most gentle dog, Buddy. I thank God for the time I had with Buddy and for the love he gave to me - I miss him so much.
–Kathy Radford

In memory of Taz. A good, even a great, dog who is missed by his family in Salt Lake City.
–John, Jan and Frank Ritter

In loving memory of our Collies we have loved and lost — DJ, Sammy, Reggie, Elky, Max and George our lop eared bunny.
–Jody and Jeff Roberts and Family

In memory of Homer, a dear companion of my brother, his wife and his sons.
–Lisbeth Robinson

In memory of Burt Rogers.
–Lucy Rogers

Saw the story on Kare11. Thanks from all pet owners and keep up the wonderful work.
–Scott Rusten

In memory of Paula Winter.
–Deb and Wayne Zwickey

Memorials

Home for Life® thanks all of our friends and supporters who give in memory of their beloved pets. We thank them for the love and companionship they offered to the cherished animals in their care.

Memorials: Winter 2007 and Spring 2008

Johnny Bryan and his two dogs John Robert Bryan, age 27, was called to Heaven early on May 25th. John was born in Edina, MN on January 16, 1981 and graduated from Edina High School in 1999. Since his graduation, John has been a man of many projects. He was happiest when using his hands, always an artistic creator. John could take common tasks and make them artful in a way no one else could've imagined. John was accomplished in home carpentry, car audio and electronics, customizing cars and other things that caught his fascination. The name of his business "Johnny B Custom" was in fact a lifestyle for him. John spent much of the past two years creating his family's log home with his father. He plunged his soul into his projects, always doing them whole-heartedly. John enjoyed boating, motorcycling, playing with his dogs and having movie nights with friends. He also enjoyed many good times with family at the cabin as well as his most recent rekindling of great friendships. He was a kind-hearted person, always willing to help others for things big or small at a moment's notice. His calm, welcoming and loving spirit will be forever etched in the hearts of his family and friends.

Memorials to Home for Life on behalf of John from:

Lynn Anderson; Christine Arnoldi; Susie, Rachel and Jake Ayers; Jill Bartyzal; Paul and Betty Bartyzal; Jay and Sally Bennett; Janice Bergren; Karen Bergseth; Bob, Lynn, Rob, Beth and Ali Bleckinger; Beverly Borgstrom; Judy Brown-Wescott; Charlotte Bryan; Jim Bryan (uncle); Steve and Valerie Bryan; Barb Carriger; Kirstie Cecil; Mary Cederberg; Ruth Cederberg; Robert and Nancy Coates; Cihan Cukurova; Robert and Julie Daugherty; Annie Doughty; Linda Duran; Byron Ellingson; Richard and Julianne Corty Erickson; Donald and Yvonne Erstad; Karen Ettesvold; Douglas and Marie Falls; Robert, Denise and Jenny Falls; Gary and Jeanann Fenrich; David and Karlynn Fronek; Lisa and Charlie Geldbaum and Family; Stan and Beverly Geyer; James and Adeline Gibbons; Fay Gold; Gregory and Jackie Goodlund; Dawnn Green; Jeffrey and Ethel Gustafson; Harold and Barbara Wynne Huber; Earl and Melanie Hylok; Molly Ingvaldson; Tanya Ives; Dale and Jean Johnson; Kathryn and Dean Johnson; Mary and Barry Johnson; Ronald and Jane Johnson; Patty and Lane Jorgensen and family; Melissa and Brian Judd; Camie Kane; S. N. Keator; Julie Knutson; Roar and Susan Lund; John and Sallie March; Karen McKernan; Juan, Ruth and Blake Medellin; Gregory and Peggy Moon; Louise Nesbitt; New Paper Company, LLC (Tony and Kathy Flaminio, Josh Halsey, Mark Holmberg, Greg and Vanessa Savioe, Amy and Mike Schoo, Lynn St. Louis); Ray and Kathleen Oleson; Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Cheryl A. Jones; Nancy and Allen Olsen; Sally Lewis Olson; Tom and Betty Olson; Michael and Shannon Palm; Lorraine Pascoe; Gregg and Barbara Pederson; Scott Phillips; Dorothy Pool; Steven and Hallie Richards; Mary Searle; Kevin Schmoll; Kenneth and Sharon Schultz; Michael and Holly Sega; George and Susan Selcke; Kathy Shideman; Jeffrey and Dawn Siemon; Michael and Carol Simacek; Lawrence and Darlene Swan; Larry and Barbara Swanson; Abbey Thorne; Mary Ann Wadsworth

Hugo and Trixie, a dogDear Home for Life,
I am writing with sad news: Hugo Olson, Trixie's owner, has passed away. Up to the very end, he would talk about Trixie and he enjoyed the letters and photos sent every month. He was glad to know she was being taken care of and would continue to be cared for even after he was gone. Trixie was his only family. I only knew Hugo for six years and was happy to meet some of his old neighbors at his funeral. They told me he had been a dog lover all his life and always had a dog, always named Trixie! He never married, so these dogs were his family. Thank you very much for the care you are providing for Trixie and the other animals. Hugo enjoyed his visits down there and would tell stories about the great living conditions they had! I have talked positively (and will continue to do so) about your facility to many people. Thank you again.
–Kathy Lund, Registered Guardian
Robert PondIn honor of Robert J. Pond, a loyal and avid Home for Life® supporter and the loving sponsor of Charlie, HFL's three-legged lab.

–Margaret Corcoran, Ty and Mary Eastlick, Bev and Stan Geyer, Polly Holley and Family, Robert Holley, Janet S. Amis, Jo Pond, Gail Rolf, Mary "Corky" and Charles Carlsen, Mary Ehrlick and The Midwest Group One, LLC
woman hugging dogIn memory of Cheryl Schnobrich, an animal lover and supporter of Home for Life®.

–Alexis DuBois and Camille Schnobrich (her daughters), William and Victoria Eichten, Dick and Elizabeth Maglio, Nicholas and Jenna Weiss, Kathleen Humphries, KLB Financial Edina, Kevin and Jeanne Bobofchak, Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Bobofchak, Patricia and Richard Conklin, Elisabeth and David Lindstrom, Kathleen and Michael Searles, Jan and Larry Frank, Christine Price, Betty Christiansen, Gerald and Patricia DuBois, Sandra Rodness, Michelle Skinner

Dear Home for Life Animal Sanctuary:
When my father passed away on March 23, 2008, we thought we might have to bring his 14 year old cat Mama to HFL since we thought it would be impossible to find a place for her to live. We decided that the memorials should be directed to HFL, in case. If we did end up finding her a new home,we thought that HFL should still be the beneficiary of the memorials. Mama has gone to live with a friend's mother who wanted a cat. I'm enclosing the memorials that were collected in tribute to my dad, William "Bill" Larson.

In memory of Bill Larson.
–Jodelle Klein, J. L. Larson, Lou Ann Milotzky, Dianne and Gary Berglund, Richard and Laura Eliason, John Erickson and Lynda Fagely, LuAnn Swanson, Mary and Gerald Dick James, Elizabeth Dunleap, Dave And Connie Rikke, Mick and Carolyn Bilotta, Liz Mahon, Polly McGlaughlin, Terry and Jeff Peltier, Tony Irani, Jan and Kent Erickson, Laura Feirabend, Jodelle Klein

My name is Rachel Black. I am 16 years old and attend Akron-Westfield Community School as a junior. I am currently enrolled in a speech class offered by our school which teaches us how to properly present different types of speeches. We recently finished a unit on persuasive speeches. For this speech, each student had to pick an organization or a charity and try to persuade the rest of the class why the organization was important and the speech that was the most persuasive would receive our class donation. My speech about your organization won. I heard of HFL from my Mom, Connie, who has a great love for animals. The story of Cedric is what truly gave me the ambition to tell my classmates what a wonderful charity your staff really has. What your staff does is incredible. You all are truly angels in disguise and we all are thankful that you exist and are thankful for what you do for these animals. I ask that the money donated by our class be put toward your resident, Kobi (the cat). I told the class about Kobi in my speech and I feel that he truly deserves our donation after everything he has been through. It's the least that we can do. Thank you for everything that your organization does.
–Rachel Black and Speech I Class, Akron-Westfield School, Akron, Iowa

gray and white catIn honor of all who are caring for animals every day, and especially in honor of my special girl, Mikko.
–Heather C.

In memory of Max, our next door neighbor dog who recently passed away.
–Kate and Nate Carson and dog, Malcolm

In honor of the birthday of our daughter-in-law, Kelly Street.
–Carl and Regina Carver

ten girlsWe have ten 3rd grade girls that wanted their service projects for the year to benefit animals in need. They were very excited to learn that you care for your animals for life and I thank you because you are living a good example for the girls. We have very limited funds, so I asked them to choose wisely and gave them several options on who to donate their funds to. They unanimously voted to send the donation to you!
–Dawn Haack
Leader of Girl Scout Browning Troup #41
Metro Detroit

Thank you.
–Melody Hach

In honor of my 5th anniversary with Midwest Medical Insurance Company.
–Cindy Hall

Dear Home for Life,
I totally love what you are doing to help animals in need! I'm a big fan of helping animals and will most likely come out to volunteer one day. Thank you soooo much!
–Nikki Hanto, 14 years old

In memory of Eugene McCaghy.
–Bonnie Harma

Thanks for doing what you do.
–Dana Hill

God bless you for what you are doing, and thank you for doing what so many wish they could do, and can't!
– Marisa Hinnenkamp

In honor of my sister, Heidi. This follows her Christmas wishes.
–Wendy and Brian Holland

Keep up the great work!
–Esther Huehn and kids, Mey, Morris, Bailey and
Toby, too!

dog and boneChance: Krystie's dog was a lovable 15 year old lab who was a fighter. He had been sick for almost 2 years. Krystie got him when he was just a puppy. He would not sleep unless he could sleep with her up by her head on the pillow. Chance was a big part of our family and he will never be forgotten. He went to heaven on the 29th of March, 2008 in the morning, he had waited all night so Krystie could be out there with him when he took his last breath, and that she was. We believe he is now being fed his favorite treats and will await the time until we meet again. Until then Chance; the handsome boy.
–Joe, Krystie, Cassandra, and Gabriela
young man sitting on dockDeath of Eagle Pine
Died of strong winds and weak roots, our inspiration and namesake, EaglePine. He lived a long and noble life. He showed us Nature's beauty and the will to survive. He figured he could be more of an influence living in our memories and show greater strength through our words. He is survived by his small adoptive family; a forked Birch sapling, several tiny offspring, a protective bramble bush, and a flourishing berry bush. Perhaps all EaglePine review readers should plant at least one tree to honor our founding inspiration. Live strong, learn to survive, and always notice Nature’s beauty.
Later Gator, 2'

In memory of Kirk Johnson, 6.16.70 – 9.19.07.
–Joe Adams, Jen and Eric Alstad, David and Mary Anderson (Molly's friends), Pat Anoya, Pat and Masa Bailey, Terry Bockey, Charles Bolf, Larry and Shirley Bowen, Mary Brucciana, Michael and Beverly Brucciana, Stephen and Heidi Caskey, Jim and Judy Daugherty, Janice Davis, Jim and Anne Donaghy, Tom and Sandy Dunger, Michael Edwins, Ruby Englund, Sharron Erickson, David and Joan Fawcett (Molly's friends), John and Ann Frykland and Family, Jerry and Judy Grenz, Heather and John Haglund, Linda Leonardson Hallman, Luvern and Judy Hanson, Dale and Thelma Himebaugh, Tom and Sonja Hirsch, Richard Hokanson, Vic Holmes, Judy and Lauri Isaacson, Gary and Helen Jacobson, Jo, Donna Johnson, Karen and Mary (Molly's work friends), Gary Kenning, Tom and Judith Kersten, Bob and Karen Knoll, Joe and Kathy Kohler, Emmy Kruse, Jeanna and Paul Kuehn, Kent and Karen Landro, Gary and Carol Langness, Jerome Larsen, Kari Lipke, Chuck and Mary Lofy, Warner and Mona Luoma, Kevin and Lori Manske, Raymond and Elsie Martin, Gary and Lynn McLean, Jan and Tim Menning, Bruce and Norma Miller, Joan and Roy Moen, et al, James and Jeanne Nelson, Kevin and Susan Nelson, Larry and Linda Olson, Scott and Tammy Olson, Judy Peacock, Karna Peterson, Mark Phariss, Ione Rau, Dick and Sue Rohloff, SPR Center (Phil Jury), Lund Sander, Pat Schoenecker, David and Gloria Speng, Ted and Carla Stoneberg, Pat and Mona Sullivan, Jerry and Sandy Swenson, Richard Swenson, Loren and Karen Taylor, The Saint Paul Foundation, Lee and Jan Wenzel, Jeanne and Jeff Zlonis

Photo caption: My Name is Two Feet and I Walk with Four Paws

In honor of Tim and Monica Kryzer and their dog, Tess.
–Mary Johnson

In Memory of Bogey Gasche, whose family Mark, Currie and Christopher miss him very much!
–Kathryn Kenyon

family and their dogIn memory of Mom and Smokey, too! Helen always loved our dog, Smokey, and he was always happy to see and greet her and my Dad. Helen was a beautiful, kind and loving Mom—as was our Smokey, a kind and loving little dog.
–Sue and John Krausert

What a wonderful thing that you are doing for these animals in need. I will ask the Lord for His help to you in your special endeavor. Thank you for this great work that you are doing for these innocent and precious creatures. God bless,
– Scott Kreger

In memory of my mother and father.
–Kathleen Krull

smiling dogIn memory of Sophie who meant the world to me.
–Barb Lene

In loving memory of Nellie. You got your mother and me up and out every morning for so many years. Morning walks will never be the same! You now have well-deserved rest.
–Naurine Lennox

In memory of sweet Mitzi – heaven is a brighter place now. From your friends,
–Janelle and Elliot Litchfield

In honor of my friend, Carol Stehlik. Today is her birthday and she has a huge heart - for friends and animals alike. Happy Birthday, Carol!
–Jean Lofgren

In honor of the marriage of Mary Golen and Michael Flynn.
–Kathleen Palmen

cat with crossed pawsIn loving memory of Chelsie.
–Karen Parks

In memory of Corkie, Sunny Boy and Fergie, my beloved corgis who are waiting for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
–Lisa Polec

In memory of Bart.
–Jaclyn Phillips

In loving memory of our sons Louis and Matthew Schroeder.
–Carl and Mary Schroeder

In memory of a very special dog named Buster!
–Amy Snook

wedding photoIn celebration of our love and marriage, we asked all our guests to direct the wedding gifts to Home for Life®, for the sanctuary's animals.
–Dennis and Amber Stapleton

In memory of Emily and Mookie, the sweetest, most loving cats in the world!
–Beverly Stethem

In memory of Maximillion.
–Daniel and Valentina Syrstad

Trudy with dog toyIn honor of our beautiful and incredible collie-mix Trudy who has suffered from chronic ITP and other complications for the past 7 years. She is amazingly celebrating her 15th Birthday and still loves to run and play (every other day)!
–Lisa Takekawa

In memory of Mary Mac Gatyas.
–Elizabeth Mangino Wallace

Your organization is fabulous.
–Greta Weisser

striped cat on bedMolly, I am truly saddened to hear of your sudden sickness and passing. From the day I met you on December 27, 2007, all I wanted was for you to experience happiness and safety. You found this at HFL in January. I wish I could have given you more time at your newfound home. I know the time you had though, was the first time you got to be "just a kitty" and not worry about surviving on your own. I am thankful for this.

I am truly honored for you running into my life (literally). You have made me want to be a better, selfless, caring person. I will miss you and wish I could have given you more time. I love you and will remember your sweet little soul forever. You were truly a fighter.

Thank you Home for Life® for giving Molly the first Home she ever had. With my sincere love,
–Kelly Welker

On behalf of Abby Roth as a Christmas gift.
–Barbara R. Wickham

Please accept this donation to care for dogs who are ill in Kyler's name. Kyler was the beloved 14-year old German shepherd of my friend, Lauren. Kyler was considered for guide dog training, but was career changed to become a pet. He was loving, kind, dignified and very courageous, despite physical disabilities in his later years. Thank you for the good work that you do in making the lives of so many animals better. God bless.
–Elizabeth Wittmann