If my life has made you smile or touched your heart, then, in living, I have left my mark.

Transcription

1 Sherry Lou Engebretsen A Christian woman who loved the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, Sherry was a beloved wife, caring mother, and friend to many people. At work she was a dynamic leader who cared for her employees, always had time to listen to people, and showed great empathy in all situations. She put others first in her life and was a giving person. Sherry and her husband raised two beautiful daughters, and she loved to read to them and instructed them to be the best they could be. She supported her daughters in their school activities and never missed an opportunity to see them perform their dance routines. Using humor as a way to brighten the day, Sherry always had a smile for others. An excellent writer, she also loved music and loved to travel. Guests were always welcome in her home. She was proud to be an American and equally proud of her Irish heritage. The Irish Blessing summed up how she viewed life: May the roads rise to meet you, May the winds be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. God bless her memory. Scott Sathers If my life has made you smile or touched your heart, then, in living, I have left my mark. Forever in our hearts. Julia Blackhawk She went by many names: Thunder Woman, Wa ka ja Henuk winga, Julia Anne Blackhawk, loving mother of Adaaro James, Xavier Julius, and Shanoah. Also beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. Born October 20, 1974, in Omaha, Nebraska, Julia made Minneapolis her home. She was a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Thunder Clan.

2 The morning is gone. The day is here. Now it s time for my good-bye. He took my hand. We laughed out loud. He said, I m so very proud. Come with me. I ll take you home. We ve missed you. Tell your loved ones not to cry, You ll see them very soon. I m home again With many friends. I ll greet you all at your end. Greg Jolly Jolstad Always seeming happy and carefree, Jolly truly embodied the nickname given to him as a child. He had a profound love for family and friends, those he held dear to his heart of gold. His quick wit and keen sense of humor endeared him to many. He was an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also had a powerful devotion to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. A hardworking man, Jolly was a member of the Laborers union and the Local 49ers union. He was highly respected as both a leader and a friend. On that fateful day in August, Jolly lost his life while working to repair the bridge. Jolly will be forever in our hearts, forever loved, forever missed. Patrick Holmes Forever remembered, Forever missed. We love you. Thanks for the ride. Christine Sacorafas Christine Sacorafas was a very happy-go-lucky person. She loved meeting new people and made lasting friendships wherever she went. Christine s family and friends were very

3 important to her. Many times, on a whim, she would pick up the phone to say hi to a best friend in Detroit, San Diego, or Las Vegas. Christine moved to Minnesota to be near her cousins, her extended family whom she adored. She joined St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis where, in just two years, she became an important part of this church family. Christine was very proud of her Greek heritage. She traveled to Greece and fell in love with the country and also with Greek dancing. Christine could not believe that St. Mary s did not have a Greek dance group. She decided that her gift to St. Mary s would be to teach the children to dance in the Greek style. Christine found two other wonderful dancers to help her teach. She spent hours sewing costumes for her dance group. The night of the bridge collapse, Christine was hurrying to St. Mary s because she promised to teach her dancers a new dance routine and she was running late but, alas, it was not meant to be. As a young child, Christine always mentioned to her mom that she never wanted people to forget her. Because of the tragedy, the St. Mary s dance group has become known as Christine s dancers. The Lord, knowing her wish to be remembered, made sure that Christine will not be forgotten. Peter Joseph Hausmann We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. Romans 5:3-7 If you only knew quitting your job and your whole life for a one-way ticket to Kenya would mean finding your best friend, the love of your life, and the thousands of unforgettable smiles of the Kisii people. If only you knew your best friend and love of your life would become your wife and the two of you would create a beautiful family of four children filled with love and your contagious spirit of service. If only you knew your final act of selfless fortitude would touch the hearts of so many and inspire us to live a life worth living. If only you knew the time you spent with us would be the most meaningful and priceless gift God could ever give us. If only you knew how much stronger, how much braver, how much more hopeful we are because we knew you. We will always carry you with us in our hearts.

4 Omogaka, intogwanchete goika omoerio naende kare na kare. Dad, we love you to the end and forever. Vera Catherine Peck Vera Peck had a very challenging life. She fled Cambodia to escape the Khmer Rouge. She learned a new language and culture, raising three children as a single parent. Yet the struggle of life did not wear her down. She was as vibrant and alive and fun-loving as a 20-year-old. So cute and funny that she would have you smiling and laughing in no time. Vera s life was a creation of love. She had a way about her that could only be described as grace. Vera had a kind of grace that God gives to his special souls. They are the souls that are on earth to be examples for the rest of us. Vera could never hold a grudge or burn a bridge. If anyone treated her unkindly or took advantage of her gentle nature, she would forgive them and move on. She would say, It s over. Let it go. People who knew how Vera and I met understood that we were meant to be together. She was my soulmate, and looking at her beautiful face made me feel better about everything. I feel fortunate that I told her often how lucky I was to have her in my life. I always wondered why it took so long for me to find her. Now I wonder why our time together was so brief. I love you, Vera. Nick We miss you, Mom. Pollee and Caroline We miss you, Nana. Isabelle, Alexandra, and Bradon Richard Cossal Chit Richard was one of those people who took you by surprise. Born with Down s syndrome and a hole in his heart, he was given a lot to deal with. Yet you could not find a more gentle and loving person. He was truly his mother s son. Richard made the most of his short life. He did not worry about things that he could not control. He lived in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures, like a good meal or

5 bowling. He was an avid Minnesota sports fan. From the Vikings to the Wild to the Timberwolves, he loved them all. But his favorite team was the Minnesota Twins with Joe Mauer. Richard s ability to read and write and understand what was going on exceeded everyone s expectations. Sometimes I would forget that he was handicapped. Richard was usually quiet and laid back, but once in a while he would show an excitement and enthusiasm that would make me smile. He would dance after he got a strike in bowling, and it was hilarious. I will never forget the pure joy that he exuded. Vera was my soulmate, and Richard was my gift. I love you, Richard. Nick We miss you, brother. Pollee and Caroline We miss you Oun. Isabelle, Alexandra, and Bradon Artimeo Trinidad Mena Artimeo Trinidad Mena was born October 20, 1977, in Guerrero, Mexico, where he grew up the oldest son of the Trinidad Mena family. In 1996, Artemio married and, later, had four children. He immigrated to Minnesota to provide his family with a better life, and he promised to return to them as soon as possible. After several years, he began counting down the months until he could return, not realizing that he would never again hold his children and his family. When the I35W Bridge collapsed, his promises and dreams collapsed. Artemio Trinidad Mena nació el 20 de Octubre de 1977, en Guerrero México, donde creció como el hijo mayor de la familia de Trinidad Mena. En 1986, Artemio se casó y tuvo cuatro hijos. El emigró a Minnesota para brindarle a su familia una vida mejor y les prometió volver tan pronto como le fuera posible. Después de varios años, comenzó a contar los meses hasta que pudiera regresar, sin darse cuenta de nunca volvería a tener a sus hijos y a su familia. Cuando el puente del I35W se derrumbó también se derrumbaron sus promesas y sus sueños.

6 Hana Sahal Hana Sahal was a bright, shining star. She was a smiling, laughing little girl who loved to talk to her parents and anyone who would listen. On the morning of August 1, 2007, Hana gave her father an extra hug and kiss before he left for work, almost as if she knew she was saying goodbye. Hana will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Sadiya Sahal Sadiya Sahal was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Sadiya pursued life to the fullest, balancing family, friends, and work. She set a good example for her family and was planning a career in nursing. Sadiya was a bright, shining star and will be missed by all who knew her. Paul Eickstadt I was a traveler Across the country far and wide. I heard the mountain's testimony And saw the skies declare His glory. Along the highways I traveled Till concrete and steel collapsed. Though crushed and buried I am still alive! As man s work failed me My Savior stood by me. Consider the work of Jesus Christ For his love endures forever.