Sean Oczki
Class of 1999
Downers Grove South

Sean Oczki –
Sean graduated from Downers Grove South H.S. - the last class of the Century.

Sean was born at Good Samaritan Hospital and grew up in Downers Grove.

Sean loves Downers Grove.

This Community has given Sean so many wonderful opportunities and activities.

The wonderful school system and caring teachers prepared Sean as he grew and matured.

Each Saturday when Sean was in grammar school we would visit Downers Grove Library and Sean would pick out books to explore.

The Indian Boundary YMCA offered gym and swim classes for Sean as a toddler, and as he grew older, Youth Summer Day Camp. As a teen, Sean played basketball at the YMCA and used the workout room to keep in physical condition for the high school football team.

Sean played hockey at the Downers Grove Ice Arena from the age of 3 years old until he was 13 years old.

Sean has friends of all diverse backgrounds that he met in school and the many activities.

In the future Sean may leave Downers Grove, but what he will carry with him in his heart will be the childhood memories. His parents and the rest of his family are very proud of Sean. He has become a fine young man with so many wonderful possibilities for the future.

Beverly Lombardo.

We purchased a brick as part of our support to library. The library has always been a part of our family, as we have taken our children there since they were babies. Now that they’re growing up, they use it for school work. We want others to find the many uses of the library as we do.

The Patterson Family Scott, Karen,. Neal and Matthew

SCOTT KAREN
NEAL MATTHEW
PATTERSON



In the early 1960’s, when I was 12 years old, I became a page in the Downers Grove Library Junior Room. Frieda Humphris, the Head Librarian and Administrator, interviewed me and awarded me my very first employment. She instructed me to obtain a social security card and I was on the payroll! What a wonderful work experience. I learned responsibility and the pride of earning my own money! I’ll never forget my work experiences at the Downers Grove library. I went on to enjoy a wonderful career in the corporate world, but I will always remember Frieda’s kindness and where it all began for me.

Cathy Lou Pearson



July 1999

Fred C. Pearson was a member of the Downers Grove Library Board for 12 years, and President of the Board for several of those years. He was president during the building “new” library.

Fred was killed in a car accident in 1986. Fred grew up in Downers Grove and lived here until his untimely death at age 59.

His three sons - Randy, Marty and Greg, his daughter Andrea (Pearson Hoff) and their mother Vivian Pearson Borrink have chosen to honor and remember him and his service to the library and to Downers Grove with a brick commemorating him.

In Memory of
Fred Pearson
Board Member
’74 - ’86 From
His Children



DOROTHEY PONSTEIN
By: Chelsea Ponstein
Age 9

My Great Grandma. Dorothy Ponstein was the best relative. She was very giving and kind.

Dorothy Ponstein was giving. She gave me cards on holidays. Also she gave my brother, sister and me nice gifts. Every birthday and Christmas she gave expensive Barbie dolls. My favorite one is the one that comes with talking bird that only says tweet-tweet. The Barbie doll has a blue dress with flowers on it. Another thing she did for giving was that she donated money for our school fundraisers, like Gift Wrap.

My Great Grandma also was very kind. She always asked how we were doing if we were sick. Like when we had chicken pox. Another thing was that Grandma said nice things to others. Like are you okay if we fell down.

On April 8, 1998 my Great Grandma Ponstein died. I miss her very much. I miss hearing her voice and seeing her. But most of all I feel bad because she will miss seeing me grow up.

Dorothy Ponstein
1920 - 1998
We love you
and miss you.



Memory of Joseph and Robert Pratscher

Our family is pleased to donate to the Downers Grove Public Library. We are grateful for the opportunity to memorialize two very special individuals.

Joseph Pratscher - Father and Grandfather

Our father was a kind and giving man who loved reading and had such respect for books and the world it gave him a chance to explore.

Growing up in the Depression era, he had to quit school at 13 years old to get a job and bring an income to a household with 9 children. Those were very lean times for all that had to sacrifice to survive. Even though Joseph had a thirst for knowledge and wanted to continue school, he went to work never complaining or holding a grudge. The family was all that mattered!

He married and had his own family and was able to return to school at night to continue his education. Joseph impressed on his children and grandchildren the value of reading and education.

He spent many hours at the Chicago Public Library on the southwest aide of Chicago, and would return with stacks of books of every interest to devour every week. Joseph Pratscher passed away May of 1997 at the age of 81 years.

Robert Pratscher - Brother

Our brother was an avid reader beginning at Preschool age. He loved history, especially the Civil War. Reading was his joy.  He had so many interests that books were always stacked in the corner of his room. Robert loved to travel and explore the world - to actually experience what he read! He hiked, he camped, went down in rapids in a canoe and visited every battlefield of the Civil War. Robert especially enjoyed the annual Civil War encampment held in Downers Grove.

Our brother passed away suddenly at 53 years old, in May of 1997, only three weeks after our dad passed away.

Our family is comforted in knowing that our dad and brother will be memorialized where they found such peace and joy - near their beloved books.

Beverly (Pratscher) Lombardo



JIM REGIS
HARLEY LOVER
BOOK LOVER

My husband, Jim, is a man of many interests. However, two of his favorites are his Harley motorcycle and books, books, books - all kinds of books! He has found the most fascinating books to check out from the library.



Nothing dramatic, simply so to speak. It’s our first and last home, he had no intentions in moving, if possible, never got to find out, he died at fifty. He was with the public reserve for many years, guess he liked the town enough, to help with whatever. Moved in 1955 and here it is 2002, and I’m still here.

Audrey M. Renner



We rely on our library to provide us with reference resources. The library also provides us with Internet access at no charge, and have printed us information from the Internet at the reference desk ready for our retrieval.

When we have an interest in a new book, the library has ordered it at their expense, so we can humor our reading habits. And, they send us a card when it is in or call.

The library and its staff have always responded to any messages left on their answering machine with efficiency.

More importantly, the Downers Grove Writer’s Group that meets at the library enabled me to gain knowledge as to my knowledge as to my writing skills and develop friendships.

We are pleased that for eternity our names will be inscribed in the Garden so that everyone who passes through it will grow in the knowledge nurtured and stimulated by reading a book from the library.

Bunny Cline and Tim Rinkoski



Robert J. Rutherford and Jeanne E. Rutherford were husband and wife. They married in 1935, lived in Chicago until 1944 when they migrated to Downers Grove. By 1947 they had four children - Bruce, Madylnne, Jay and Ross. Jeanne passed on in 2001 at age 84, and Robert in 2008 at age 92 The had many friends in Downers Grove. I hope they like their memorial bricks from their heavenly view.

Bruce Rutherford



GEORGE AND
DOROTHEA
SACHER
CHILDREN BOB
MAGGIE TOM

After the bomb was dropped, after WWII ended, the University of Chicago Metallurgy laboratory moved out to what is now called Argonne. The University of Chicago began to return to university priorities rather than war.

University employees left the Chicago neighborhood to live in the suburbs. Since there was no immediate hurry to move, each Sunday we would go to one suburb and then go back home and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.  Our priorities were: everything within walking distance with excellent schools, library and stores which would sell everything we might need since there was no Yorktown, Oakbrook, or strip malls.

After moving our first project was to obtain library cards. The children felt at home with old friends they felt accustomed to seeing and reading in a Chicago library, making it an easier transition to a strange place.

Dorothea Sacher

Anthony J. Sarti family
est. 8 - 16 - 87

The brick was purchased on our 10th anniversary as a gift to my husband and for our daughter Jordan, and son Kyle to see as they grow up - and hopefully for their children to see someday.

Linda Sarti



IN HONOR OF
MARTA SEDATH
OUR OMA
ALEX ANDREW
BOBBY GUNN

The brick in the walkway at Downers Grove Public Library was created in memory of my Oma. It all started when she had a stroke more than half a year ago. She spent about two weeks in intensive care then was moved to a nursing home. While she was in the nursing home she would say she wanted to return to her home in Darien. Finally she was allowed to do so.  Everyone thought she was getting better but slowly she was getting worse. Oma was sent back to the nursing home where she died on November 17, 1998.

I will miss my Oma very much and I wish she were the same as she was before the stroke. But history cannot be changed. This brick will last forever just like I wish she did.

We are providers of Consumer and Management services to homeowners, institutions and businesses. We operate through markets. Leading companies of TruGreen/ChemLawn, Terminix, American Home Shield, Rescue Rooter, American Residential Services, ServiceMaster (Res/Com), Merry Maids, AmeriSpec, and Furniture Medic.

We are...around the clock with service you can count on.

WE SERVE
SERVICEMASTER

When John Simmons was in the army his buddies nicknamed him “Books” because he would read whenever he had the opportunity. This characteristic remained with him for all his life. He was well known to the staff of this library for the time he lived in Downers Grove. I can think of no more appropriate memorial for “Books” than his own brick on the garden walk.

IN MEMORY OF
JOHN W. SIMMONS
1921-1995



When our children were young, we would go to Downers Grove each Saturday morning, stopping at the fruit market and Walgreens that used to be on Main Street, Busy Bee Bakery, Chuck’s Meat Market, the post office, and of course, the library. Now, we have two grandchildren and hopefully will have more in the future. Our brick commemorates our family in earlier days, and our gratitude for the presence of the library in our community.

The Smiths: Barbara, Albert, Randy, and Smantha

JACK, BARBARA
KATE AND SAM
SMITH




PC2  '99 SB
KSGDMGCMBZ
JSTBDRCSJBJD

The mystery brick. What the heck does it mean? Can your imagination take the pressure anymore?? Well, today's your lucky day folks, because at the risk of demystifying what we've heard is the most cryptic brick in the walk, we've decided to tell the real story behind our very cool brick. So here you go!

The eleven of us who chipped in for the brick count ourselves among the luckiest of people, for we have a very unique friendship. And during the summer of '98, before our senior year at DGS began, we found a way to immortalize ourselves and our friendship for a long time, if not forever. Anyway, so without further delay, we present you the key to understanding our cryptic brick.

PC2: PC2 is, most simply, one of the portable classrooms outside DGS. To us, however, it is more than that - a meeting place where our teacher, coach, and friend Mrs. Paula Kenny lets us gather every morning before school, and therefore the scene of many ever so in-depth conversations, lots of laughter, some tears, and mush last minute homework finishing (and starting!)

'99: Our graduating year, of course! The last class of the 1900s, if not the millennium. And what a year it was!

SB: SB stands for Scholastic Bowl - one of the many things that linked us together as friends. Thanks to each other, Ms. Kenny, Mr. Crider, and countless...let's say memorable...opponents and anti - feather boa people, Scholastic Bowl gave us a ton and a half of memories we'll never forget.

And finally, the brick's last two lines are the initials of each of us -

KS - Kamakshi Sishtla    JS - Jim Schouten
GD - Gayle Dingler  TB - Tiffany Barthelt
MD - Meghan Goldenstein   DR - Dominique Royem
CM - Catherine McGleam  CS - Cheryl Sieracki
BZ - Bettina Zachariah   JB - Jeff Brasen
JD - Joe Dellamorte

So now the mystery is solved, and your burning questions answered. Okay, so maybe our story doesn't include any spies or adventure, but we hope you enjoyed the story! Many thanks to the DG library for this unique opportunity!



Mildred Stach (nee Trejbal) 1911 - 2004

was born to Bohemian immigrants on the southwest side of Chicago. She grew up focused on education, attending college at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and becoming one of three women in her class to graduate in Pharmacy. She married William Stach and the two of them owned and lived behind Stach Bros. drugs, sometimes working 14 hour days, 7 days a week.

They had one son William, Jr., who grew up in the apartment behind the drugstore, attended University of Illinois, and eventually became a physician.

Mildred and her husband retied and then moved to Downers Grove in 1973. She lived here in Downers Grove until her death in 2004.

Mildred (“Mil” to her friends), placed a tremendous emphasis on education, and did her best to ensure her descendents would have the means to pursue the best education available. She enjoyed living in Downers Grove, and was a regular participant in community events of all kinds. Mil was always looking for new things to learn, and visited the DG library at least three times a week. Whether brushing up on her Spanish or reading the Wall Street Journal in the periodicals room, she made the most of the library’s resources.

Mil was a pioneer, a mother, a cheerleader, a lifelong learner, and a hero. She was my grandmother, and I was blessed and lucky to have her in my life.

Lisa Stach



We have lived in Downers Grove since 1976, have always enjoyed the community, and have always loved to read.

Dave, Suzanne, Richard and Sara Stoltenberg

STOLTENBERG
DAVE SUZANNE
RICHARD SARA



5-21-04

Did you ever wonder how out lives become entwined with others?

During the blizzard of 68 we arrived in Downers Grove and stayed with our best friends, the Salata’s. We had planned to stay for a few days and work on our new house two doors away. We were all snow-bound for three days and had to use a sled to go to the store for bread and milk. What fun…

We stayed with them for a few weeks before we could go back to Cicero and get ready for the movers. I shoveled snow for a couple of days so we could get a spot for the movers. I looked out the window and some nice man from Downers Grove had just plowed me back in. I ran down the street and finally got him to come back.

After moving in we met our immediate new neighbors, the Hennies, the Louck’s, the Hallers, and the Schneiders. We seem to fit in and still live in Downers Grove.

Five years ago we lost Jackie Salata (my best friend). Aunt Betty bought her a brick/ Four years ago we lost Gram (Glenna Olsen), my mother in law. Aunt Betty bought a brick for her too. We are all readers and use the library to the fullest.

Now last November we lost Aunt Betty. We bought a brick for her. I asked if hers could be close to Jackie and Gram. When I saw it last week, I got tears. The three of them all tough corners, just as in our lives we touched each other…

I want to thank Rita Regis and her crew for arranging it for us.

Thanks again for letting me tell my story.

Veronica Swiss



Just as our lives touched and the corners of our bricks touched, we are adding two more bricks. Nonie and Bobby now have a brick 6-11-50. It is our 57^th Wedding Anniversary- also attached by the corners to others. I had Jack and Maddie out to the library for a trip and knowing what I wanted to do – the kids and I walked all over and looked at the bricks and I read them all, fun time. I had intended to buy my extended family, the Degiorgio’s – Cathy, Chris, Jack and Maddie a brick that I was going to put away for Christmas. Never realizing I would be this sick. Jack looked up at me very seriously with eyes tearing and said very seriously, “Grandma Swiss, I wish I had a brick.” So once more I added a brick with corners touching. This was a Sunday, 8-18-07 and the bike races were going on and it was hard to get it all together. Bobby took some pictures and here you have it – 5 bricks touching. I have added them to my family, it has been done and I am happy. Enjoy your brick, Jack and Maddie. We love you. It was installed just in time.

Grandma Swiss and Bobby



Roger S. Tea - Board Member 1954 - 1972

My father loved books. As children my brother, Sherm, my sister, Phyl and I learned to care for our books. Our school books were even opened properly before using. He often read to us and later to his grandchildren.

He was born in Indiana. His father was a doctor. His mother died when he was a small boy. They lived in the back of the office in Lafayette. He worked in a drugstore in battleground before college at DePaw in Greencastle. He worked at Western Electric for over 45 years taking the Burlington each day. When he retired he was a supervisor in the Brass Mill.

He married my mom, Marie Abercrombie from Kansas in 1930. They were both active in First Congregational Church. Mom did community work in nursing and Dad for the library.

He loved to garden and shared the produce with friends and neighbors. When on vacations and visting me in college he always visited the librarians in the area. He had a great sense of humor and often chuckled about things.



Our brick just contains our names. We have no special “brick story” but wanted you to know how special the library has been to the lives of our family since 1965.

Reading was and still is very important to us. Our three daughters (April, Alison and Kristen) attended story times, movies, and reading programs and going to the library was a part of every week.

We remember especially when our oldest daughter was six and we could leave her alone in the children’s room. She managed to break two fingers by knocking over one of the heavy benches on her hand.

Thank you, library, for all the memories and services you’ve provided our family.

Dennis and Charmaine Thorfeldt

This brick is dedicated to Sue Thornquist - Reader, Teacher, Leader.  Sue is an avid reader and uses her love of books as a high school honors literature teacher at Downers Grove South.  She has also lead a book discussion for the First United Methodist Church for more than 15 years. The brick was placed to honor her dedication by the members of that book club.  Sue has inspired the members of her book club to read and discuss more than 125 books in our 15 years together covering classics, fiction and non-fiction.

Tryloff, see McNamara



Open a book and open your mind!

The story of our brick is simply our lifelong love of reading, perhaps summarized by these quotes:

There are books...which take rank in your life with parents and lovers and passionate experiences.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are made whole by books, as by great spaces and the stars.
-Mary Carolyn Davis

Joseph and Mary Beth Turek

July 1999



Peter Ushela
11/14/95
OUR ANGEL

Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of everywhere into here.

Where did you get your eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.

What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?
Some of the starry spikes left in.

Where did you find that little tear?
I found it waiting when I got here.

What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as I went by.

What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?
I saw something better than anyone knows.

Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?
Three angels at once gave me a kiss.

Where did you get this pearly ear?
God spoke, and it came out to hear.

Where did you get those arms and hands?
Love made itself into hooks and hands.

Feet, whence did you come, darling things?
From the same box as cherubs’ wings.

How did they all just come to be you?
God thought about me, and so I grew.

But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.

George MacDonald

Our first born and only son, Peter Matthew Ushela, was stillborn on November 14^th, 1995, six days after his due date. Although we held him for only a few hours, he has changed our lives forever.

George and Tracy Ushela and little sister, Selene



VANDER PLOEG
KEN -- LAURA
SUE--MICHELE

“CHAPTER ME”

When our daughters were 5 or 6 years old, they graduated from wanting just short, illustrated little books read to them to longer stories like “Stuart Little,” “The Little Princess.” The bedtime request became “chapter me” —as in, read a chapter or two from a longer storybook tonight.

Ken and Sue VanderPloeg



IN MEMORY OF
FRED
VANDERWALKER
1918 - 1996
FROM SMOKEY

“Smoky” Fred Vanderwalker

In 1947 when Fred Vanderwalker and I met, we both smoked Winston cigarettes. I smoked more than he. He would buy the cigarettes, and where we departed for the evening he would slip me a full pack. The next day, when we met, I was out of smokes. From that day on I was “Smoky” for 48 years.



July 24, 2001

Katie Vasile
April 5, 1999
Loves Books

Katherine was born in 1999 so her name could not be inscribed on the brick honoring her brothers. We were so pleased that this section was opened so she too could show in this event.

Katherine does love her books, even at an earlier age she would leaf through books. Always holding books the proper way (never upside down) and always turning pages right to left. Now at two years, she has stories read to her throughout the day and takes them to bed with her at nap time and bedtime. When all is quiet we often find her sitting in a corner reading her books, now out loud with expression. Still in her own language but often we will hear an “Oh, no.”

It is such a joy to see her love the books that much. I hope this continues throughout her life.

Nancy Stadee, nee “Nonie”



Donna Vegter
Our Treasure
Plowboys 653

Plowboys #653 is a chapter belonging to Questers, an international society devoted to the study, preservation and restoration of our historic treasures. Donna Vegter, after many years as a member and leader of our chapter, moved from Downers Grove June of 2010. To honor her and her contribution to Questers and the Downers Grove Historic Museum, we chose this brick as a permanent token of our thanks and esteem.

Shirley Hesslau
Ann Springer
Plowboys Chapter 653
July 12, 2010



My love of reading comes from my parents: there were always books in the house and weekly trips to the library for more books. One of my fondest memories is of being six, in the first grade, when my father took me to the library for my very own library card.

So the inscription on my brick reads “To Mom and Dad, from Ellen” in honor of the two most influential people in my life.

Ellen S. Volk



The George P. Walsh Family Brick was purchased to honor one of the greatest men who ever lived, though it was much too short a time. He was taken from us in the prime of his life and ours.

He was the best father any child could hope for and the most wonderful husband a wife could have. We were all honored and extremely lucky to belong to him.

He was an avid reader and it is quite fitting that this memorial brick be on the path to the library! Ironically, this brick was laid ion place on his birthday, July 7.

Jean (Mrs. George Walsh), Eileen, Mark, and Nadine.



Jan Wiedman
Loving wife, mother, friend

Jan is now our special friend in spirit as she lost her fight with breast cancer. Her friendship brought many together while sharing our experiences with her final year. Because of Jan, we continue to share in memory of our dear friend. We will always remember you.

In loving memory of GARY WILK
July 1946 - April 2009  

Beloved husband and father, Gary and I met at the Riverview Roller Rink in the 60's during our high school days, it's always fun memories thinking back on those days when we would get together with friends at the roller rink, we also did some ballroom dancing over the years!     

Gary joined the Navy and we were married Feb. 15th 1967, we had one son who has been a blessing to us.      

Gary always loved to read an learn, he worked very hard providing for us over the years, always looking for new opportunities, going to school in the evenings, he graduated from De Paul Univ. June 1998 with a MBA Business Administration, MAJOR Accountancy, and BS in Finance.

Gary went home to be with the Lord April 24th 2009, we were married for 43yrs. I miss him dearly and I know one day we will be reunited in the arms of Jesus.

All praise, glory and honor to Christ Jesus Our Lord and Savior for Gary and Your many blessings!

Until we meet again, with much love and gratitude,
Wife Joyce and son Kirk                    

For the Gift of Books
The Wittmers

Our family’s relationships with books and reading began with my mother, Ethel Plothin. She was an avid reader and passed on her love of reading to me at a very early age. We would visit the local storefront library in our southside Chicago neighborhood of Chatham. It was about 1.5 miles from our home but every two weeks we would take the walk that opened up the world. My children and grandchildren are now the beneficiaries of this wonderful legacy from their Grandma. While she’s no longer here her spirit was alive each time we open a book and receive the gift of the printed word.

Susan Wittmer

This brick is in memory of Frank Wozney.  He was a man of many hats from father, grandfather, husband, uncle, son, brother, salesman, friendly neighbor and much more.  He will forever be missed. 

He moved to Downers Grove to raise his family in 1975, near DGS.  He loved taking his daughters and their friends “park hopping.”  He would drive them to many of the Downers Grove parks, stopping at each one for 15 minutes or so and letting them play before traveling on to the next park.  He loved his remote control boat that he would use in Prince Pond with his daughter and grandson.  He was a dedicated family man and made time for family time. 

He loved the restaurant Feebs that used to be on Main Street, just south of 55th street.  He also loved going to the Jewel on Main and 63rd street with his grandson, running into neighbors and friends.  He was always friendly and outgoing.  He volunteered at Good Sam as a candy striper and loved talking to everyone there.  He even made a temporary mailbox to allow a bird to raise her babies in his mailbox on Bolson Drive.

He loved Downers Grove and he loved being outdoors.  This brick was the perfect way to remember Frank with his favorite saying when he was asked, “How are you today?”  He would answer, “One foot in front of the other.”  Our family loved the Downers Grove library and has many fond memories growing up in Downers Grove.  Thank you to all of the family members that donated to the Downers Grove Public Library.  Frank was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 1995 and died on June 13, 1995.  He is missed greatly everyday.  No matter how hard life gets, never give up.  Just remember to put “one foot in front of the other.”

I met my husband in 8th grade, at Lincoln School. He had brought snakes to school and I did not like him at all. He was the only one in the class that I did not send a valentine to.

All the way through High School he was my best friend and I, thought, pal. As the war progressed and the Germans began bombing England (where he was stationed) I began to realize that I did not want that fella harmed in any way.

I was engaged to someone else, but Ted Wrenn was the one I was really in love with.

We married September 15, 1945 and had 43 years together. The only way we are separated is through death.

He was beloved all those years and continues to be my best friend, lover, and great person. I dedicate this brick to be remembered by all the people in Downers Grove.

Shirley Lou Banta Wrenn

Beloved
Ted Wrenn
Shirley Wrenn



Kelly C. Zahller
6 - 10 - 97

Kelly, our only child, joined our family through adoption three days after her birth date inscribed on the brick.

We're very happy to be residents of Downers Grove and would like Kelly to grow up connecting with and appreciating what such a viable community center like our library offers.  We depend on our love of reading as a model for her so as she grows she'll pass the Garden Walk often enroute to the pleasures just beyond.

We think, though small, as a solid and secure symbolic base from which our love for our daughter soars up to the stars, and back again.



The Zarnowski Boys are brothers Dane, 6; Brant, 4; John, 2; and Cade, also 2. My husband and I decided to “get a brick” because we frequent the Library Junior section often. We also plan on staying in Downers Grove for a long time and know they will utilize the library for many, many years to come. We had fun finding our name on the walk. I hope they will have fond memories of using the library; as it is it’s one of my favorite places to visit.

David and Julie were the heart of our family.  Our children, like most brothers and sisters, were alike in many ways, but were very different young people.  Their loss has been devastating.

David was gentle, kind and thoughtful. He was very protective of his younger sister from the time she was born with a congenital heart defect.  David loved music, the theater, computers and the Renaissance Faire.  He found a family of friends at the Faire who shared this special interest and loved his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, his spirit of fun and mostly, his smile.

Julie idolized her brother, but teased him constantly. She was happy, busy, and fun loving. She enjoyed music, movies, looking at photo albums, and shopping.  She always made is laugh with her funny remarks and silly games. Her disabilities and health problems never seemed to get her down or stopped her from doing anything. She just kept going!

We lost Julie is 2003 at the age of 26, and David in 2006 at 32, both on a beautiful April day. We could never have imagined that anything like this would happen to our family.  Our children were a part of us that we will never get back and we are forever changed.

In the months that followed David’s accident, we searched for answers that will never come. What answer to “why” would ever satisfy our sad hearts? Nothing we could do would change what had happened to our family.

Then one day, we watched one of their favorite movies, “The Blues Brothers”. They loved the music, the silliness, and Julie loved the car crashes. Then Dan Akroyd said a familiar line, “We’re on a mission from God”. And suddenly, it seemed like some things made sense. It was somehow comforting.

Although David and Julie are gone from us, we put that on their paver.  It reminds us that they are still with us and they are on a mission from God.

Lin and Jerry Zielinski

Brick Stories A to F

Brick Stories G to M


For more information about donating a brick of your own, pick up a brochure in the library or call the Administration Office at (630) 960–1200.