Grave memorials for great grandparents

March 27, 2007

Greetings,

I probably mentioned that I was in the process of getting headstones for each of the great grandparents graves this summer. This project is moving along and it looks like a go. The picture at the left is an example of the stone provided by the firm I am working with to get the job done.

For those of you that may not be aware of the history of this endeavor, here's the short story. Back in 1993 or thereabouts Maureen and I started doing some research in terms of what was available. We ended up contacting the 2 local mortuaries in Kittson County (Hughes and Collins). Neither seemed all that business like or interested in helping us get it done. We continued exploring alternatives and tried to raise a few dollars in the mean time. Since our family was in charge of the 1994 reunion at Lake Bronson, we decided to use any proceeds we had after expenses to go toward those headstones. FYI, we started with a balance of zero as we accepted the responsibility of hosting that year's reunion. So, we didn't raid any existing pot of money in the process. I would be remiss if I didn't mention we also got a contribution from descendants of Sam Wilebski's family (Kathy Schafer).

Although we continued talking with the 2 mortuaries through about 2001, we finally decided to put the project on hold. At that time, we gave the limited funds we had raised to the Jerome Family who agreed to host the 2003 reunion for seed money.

While time passed, we continued to think about proceeding with the project. As fate would have it, our delay has probably worked in our favor. Initially, we had envisioned a brass plaque with a narrative on each of the graves. Now however, the technology such as laser engraving, allows us many more alternatives.

It is our intent now to install a headstone much like the one above at each grave site with a laser etched copy of the Frank & Antonia (Januczek) family picture. We believe the photo will be approximately 12 by 12 (inches). In addition to the picture we will put on the birth and death dates and perhaps some verbiage on the base to the effect "Pioneer, Husband, Father". On Grandma's grave of course would be "Pioneer, Wife, Mother".

Some of you had asked about the grave sites. Well, Grandpa Frank is buried at Kroze, North of Lancaster. A wooden cross marks his grave and is near the front of the cemetery. Grandma Antonia however is buried in the Florian cemetery. It is not clear why the were buried at separate locations. However, Antonia died in Warren, perhaps when she was visiting or staying with some of her children in the area. So while we do not have an answer to this mystery of the separate burial locations, it does necessitate the installation of 2 headstones.

Anyway, I hope this gives you all a little more information about the grave memorial project. The estimate provided by Stennes Granite comes to just under $4,200 at this point. I have decided to pay for them initially to get it done finally. And, if the family wishes to help defer the cost or reimburse me, that would be fine too. I already have almost an extra hundred dollars as a result of the contributions for "flowers from the cousins" at Aunt Ella's funeral. Thanks to all of you that donated to the cause.

If you have any other questions, suggestions, or comments, let me know. In fact, responding to this blog would be the best so that others that want to stay in the loop on this project can see what has been decided or other changes.

Fred

If you are interested in seeing some of the other memorials available, you can go to the following link. According to cousin Phyllis and the sales person, the black marble above appears to be the best choice for laser etching. www.stennesgranite.com