February 2013 - Parents of Murdered Children

For the families and friends of those who have died by violence
VOICES OF HOPE
Parents Of Murdered Children-MN Hope Chapter, PO Box 516, Circle Pines, MN 55014
pomc.com rawiggins@comcast.net 651-245-6195 or 651-484-0336
POMC National Headquarters
National Organization of POMC, Inc
Executive Director, Nancy Ruhe
100 East Eighth Street, Suite 202
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Why we are here…
Phone: 888-818-POMC
Fax: 513-345-4489
Email: NatlPOMC@aol.com
Online: www.pomc.com
1. To provide ongoing emotional support needed to help
parents and other survivors deal with the pain of their
loss and facilitate the reconstruction of their lives.
2. To provide contact with similarly bereaved persons and
establish self-help groups that meet regularly.
3. To provide information about the grief process and the
criminal justice system as they pertain to survivors of a
homicide victim.
4. To communicate with professionals about the problems
faced by those surviving a homicide victim.
5. To increase society’s awareness of the problems faced by
survivors.
We’d like to hear from you!
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for Voices of
Hope, please let us know.
Contact us either by emailing the newsletter editor at
mbierwerth@hotmail.com
or by mail to our P.O. Box.
Moving??? Please let us know to keep you on
the mailing list
Minnesota POMC Meetings Schedule
Minneapolis/St. Paul Hope Chapter
Contact Jim Lym for details.
651-484-0336
jimlym3@aol.com
Central Minnesota Meetings
Leader: Vicky Bolin
Meetings , contact Vicky
Southeast Minnesota Meetings 4 th Tuesday of Month
400 13th Ave. SE, Rochester, Minnesota 55904
7:00-9:00pm
Homestead United Methodist Church
Questions contact: Connie @ 507-358-4017 or
Lois @ 507-367-4646
More info at www.semnpomc.com
February 201 3
Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. is a self-help support organization for families
and friends who have lost a loved one to violence.
“Membership” is open to those who have been cruelly bereaved by the murder of a loved one. Professionals who are in frequent
contact with grieving families are also welcome to join.
This project was supported by the Office for Victims of Crime, US Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of
the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of the US Department of Justice
Page 1

Page 2
Anniversaries
Name Lived Until
Charles Spann Jr. February 3, 1994
Jesse Alvarez February 4, 2005
Jennifer Suzanne O'Neal February 5, 1994
James Ellison February 5, 2002
Daniel Joseph O'Connell February 5, 2002
Dianne Joyce Olson February 7, 1995
Tyrone Anthony Struss February 7, 1997
Christopher Lee Bluebird February 8, 1997
Deltrece Nickole Benson February 9, 1990
Michael Eric Chaplin February 9, 2003
Linda Kathleen Farm February 10, 2002
Manuel Jason Yarbrough February 11, 1994
Laraemiun LaMont Byrd February 12, 1993
Londwea Brown February 12, 1994
Daniel A. Bengtson February 14, 1994
Kami Talley February 14, 1996
Mitchell Allen Zachary February 15, 1986
Jesse Daniel Sayers February 15, 2004
Elisa Sue Martinez February 17, 1990
Nancy J Ludwig February 17, 1991
Debra Jean Blackstone February 17, 1993
Tina Kay Dunker February 17, 2001
Ricky Brom February 18, 1988
Diane Brom February 18, 1988
Bernie Brom February 18, 1988
Paulette Brom February 18, 1988
Ethan LaMar Graham February 18, 2002
Gertrude Matilda Bestor February 19, 1995
Tracie Joy McBride February 19, 1995
Bradley Neil Pruitt February 20, 1983
Phyllis Lucy Pool February 20, 1988
Russell James Holt February 21, 2001
Kevin Allen Gefroh February 22, 1998
David Ernes Greenwood February 22, 2000
Jonathan Wilis Dwyer February 22, 2002
Robert Stratton February 23, 1987
Artavies Allen Brown February 23, 2005
Tyhran Eugene Wallace February 23, 2006
Linda Elizabeth Jensen February 24, 1992
Blake James Rogers February 25, 2002
Jorge Antionio Martinez February 27, 1997
Myeka Coppage February 28, 1994
Niarte Coppage February 28, 1994
Nicheba Coppage February 28, 1994
Nicos Coppage February 28, 1994
Nika Coppage February 28, 1994
Denise Marie McCormick February 28, 2004
February
Birthdays
*If you do not see your loved one’s name in these lists and
would like to please let us know at
mbierwerth@hotmail.com or send a letter to our P.O Box.
Voices Of Hope
Name Birth Date
Agnes Fafrowiez February 2, 1916
Peter Mark Westra February 3, 1977
Aaron Michael Rollins February 3, 1986
Seth David Bartell February 3, 1989
Edward Thomas Wittkopp February 5, 1967
Cathy White February 6, 1945
Jason Bartholomew Hayden February 6, 1975
Derek Allen Babb February 6, 1986
Jonathan Wilis Dwyer February 7, 1971
Leanniatia Cinvettle Thomas February 7, 1980
John Michael Adams February 8, 1963
Wayne Lowell Huling February 8, 1965
David Miller February 10, 1942
Felicia Nicole Martinez February 10, 1980
Joshua Johnson February 11, 1966
Kevin Allen Gefroh February 11, 1997
Russell James Holt February 12, 1969
Michael Lee Sargent February 12, 1973
James Herbert Kunitz February 14, 1945
Nathan Shane Wood February 14, 1972
Laura Jean MacPhee February 14, 1975
Michael David Sullivan February 16, 1961
Kari Ann Koskinen February 16, 1961
Mary Eileen Hughs-Cornwell February 16, 1966
Kurt David Markert February 17, 1960
Patti Ann Huling February 18, 1966
Craig Howard Shults February 19, 1976
Wayne Luis Costilla, Jr. February 19, 1983
Kenneth David Hassler, Jr. February 20, 1956
Fay Ann Erickson February 20, 1966
Joshua Richard Haglund February 20, 1971
Tammy Rae Jensen February 21, 1968
Eric Douglas Kolstad February 21, 1982
Cheryl Thompson February 22, 1975
Alexander Franklin Butzin February 22, 1984
Daniel Joseph O'Connell February 23, 1961
Kathleen Deiss February 24, 1926
Eric Alaverez February 24, 1979
David John Budziak February 25, 1956
Melissa Ann Dudero February 25, 1982
Michael Damon McLoyd February 26, 1969
Deltrece Nickole Benson February 26, 1977
Jerry Anderson February 27, 1952
Crutis A. Goddard February 27, 1975
Kathlyn Elizabeth Poirier February 28, 1980
Isiah William Devine February 28, 2001
Lorraine Binsfeld February 29, 1940

Voices Of Hope
Fred Reker
Chris Dahl
Beverly Adams
In Memorium
Page 3
Attached to this issue are copies of the memorials from each of the above funerals. It seems as we get older, we
spend more time going to funerals than ever. I guess that’s rather normal.
Joanie and I traveled to St. Cloud for the wake and funeral of Fred Reker on September 22. To say it was a
moving couple of days would be an understatement. Fred was obviously known and loved by a multitude of
people both in the area and elsewhere. We will all miss you Fred.
Chris Dahl was the Hope Chapter Leader for several years. He had many friends and the service was
memorable. Many who had been in touch with him over the years through his website expressed their
condolences. Our sympathies go out to Kathleen and the family.
Beverly Adams and her family have been POMC participants over several years. She died suddenly and will be
sadly missed by many. She was an exceptional lady.
God bless all of you.
Jim Lym

Page 4
Chapter Changes 2013
The 2013 Board of Directors was nominated and voted
on at our annual meeting, 2-3-2013.
The Board is as follows:
1. Sharon Wiggins: Chapter Leader
2. Jim Lym: Chapter co-leader
3. Phyllis Baumgardner
4. Frank Baumgardner
5. Joan Lym
6. Darlene Moen
7. Mike Schumacher
The following items were discussed:
Group meetings will be held at the home of Joan and Jim
Lym. We are considering having them on Sunday
afternoon’s and will be scheduled as needed.
The newsletter will be published every other month
beginning with the February issue.
We have decided to discontinue the Crime Victims’ Rights
week brunch. The workload for that has gotten out of
hand and we have had no input from others to share pain.
The fate of the September picnic is still to be decided.
We are going to see if it is possible to put some sort of
shrine to POMC in Como Park. We will keep you posted
as to developments
We would welcome any suggestions from readers
regarding your thoughts or suggestions for the future of
the Chapter. Strangely, since our last issue regarding the
termination of the monthly meetings, we have had
several inquiries from new people and will be holding a
meeting shortly for them and anyone else who would
care to participate.
Because of the cost of producing the newsletter, we are
going to be editing the mailing list. If you receive this
issue and would prefer to be removed, it would be helpful
if you would let us know.
We continue to have problems with some of the
electronic mailings and will try to correct that.
It’s important to remember that we really don’t want to
shut down the chapter completely and your input would
be very much appreciated. Please send your thoughts to
the P.O. Box
The next support group meeting will be at Joan and Jim
Lym’s on Sunday March 3 at 2:00. Please let us know if
you will be attending.
Jim Lym
Voices Of Hope
In Memory of
Beverly M Adams
Was Welcomed Home to Her Lord
and Savior on Thursday, January 17th Bev was born on May
28, 1930. She grew up in the Como Park area, attending both
the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Andrew's Grade Schools, and
St. Agnes High School, graduating in 1948. She married her
sweetheart James Robert Adams on January 26, 1952. After
starting and growing their family in Roseville, and then
moving to West St. Paul, Bev stayed active in the parish of St.
Michael's Catholic Church throughout the 60's and 70's,
raising seven children with her husband Jim. Bev enjoyed
homemaking for her family where she excelled at cooking
wonderful meals, being especially proud of her spaghetti and
meatballs. She loved being with family, entertaining company,
lunching with her girlfriends, and especially taking trips to
Duluth with Jim. She enjoyed her various retail jobs througout
her life, working (and shopping) at her favorites Macy's and
Herbergers. Bev was a beautiful woman who enjoyed
dressing for the occasion, with her style and taste being
remarkable. Her volunteer work at church and school set the
example and value of giving back to not only her extended
family, but many others. Her favorite was St. Joseph's Hospital
in St. Paul, where Bev volunteered in the women's auxiliary.
Bev was a consistent example of faith, family, food, friends,
and fun her entire life. She continued praying the rosary, right
up until her passing with her rosary in hand. Her love and
devotion to God was an amazing example to the many who
knew her best, as she lived One Day at a Time . Her open
arms, smile, and enthusiasm for those around her will be
deeply missed. Bev was preceded in death by parents Art &
Grace Dion; infant son Nicholas; and beloved son John
Michael. She is survived by Jim, her devoted husband and
instrumental caregiver of nearly 61 years; children Jay
(Nancy), Jeff, Mary Jo (Larry) Grabau, Cindy (Don) Bauerfeld,
Joseph (Tina), and Andrea (Tom Erickson). She is also
survived by 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren,
whom she loved so dearly; sisters Jean (Ron) Gallati and
Kathy (Sam) Ciresi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and
friends. Rest in peace Bev, and hugs from all of us to John.
Thank you for the love, laughter, and memories you gave each
of us— we will hold you in our hearts forever. Visitation 4-
8PM, Wednesday at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 235
Wentworth Ave W, West St. Paul. Mass of Christian burial
11AM Thursday at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole
Ave, West St. Paul, with visitation one hour before the service.
Memorials preferred to the American Lung Association,
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC), or donor's choice.

Voices Of Hope
Love Gifts
A special thanks to all who have generously donated in
memory
of their loved ones.
Larry and Mary Antonich in memory of Paul Antonich
Margaret Barrett in memory of Mike Lym
Colleen Parker in memory of Eric Parker
Nora Ivory in memory of Mike Lym
Joan and Jim Lym in memory of Mike Lym
John Schram n memory of Cindi Schram
Beverly Adams estate in memory of Bev Adams
MN Hope Chapter Board of Directors
Sharon Huberty-Wiggins (Chapter Leader) 651-245-6195
Jim Lym (Co-Leader) 651-484-0336
Darlene Moen (Treasurer) 612-840-8522
Joan Lym (Member) 651-484-0336
Frank Baumgardner (Member) 651-224-3114
Phyllis Baumgardner (Member) 651-224-3114
Mike Schumacher (Member) 612-348-5368
If you would like support or have information
on upcoming hearings, trials, or sentencings
please call Jim Lym at 651-484-0336.
“Justice will only be achieved when those who are not injured by crime feel as
indignant as those who are.”
Page 5
If you would like to memorialize your loved
one on the MN Hope Chapter Memorial
Wall, please mail the following to our P.O.
Box.
o Victim’s Name
o Date of Birth
o Date of Death
o 2”x3” colored photo
o $25 check to POMC/MN Hope
Chapter
The walls are 2’x3’ and consist of thirty
photos each. Underneath their photo is a
brass nameplate with their name, date of
birth, and date of death. The walls travel
to POMC functions. We currently have 5
panels.

Page 6
LOVE GIFTS are a living memorial to our children, siblings and grandchildren,
usually given on anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc. There is no charge for
our newsletters or meetings. We depend solely on your contributions.
I wish to make a donation in memory of:
_____________________________________________
Amount Enclosed $ __________________
DOB: ____/_____/_____ DOD: _____/_____/____
Age at Death: ______________
Donated by: ____________________________________
Relationship to: _________________________________
Please make your tax deductible check payable to: POMC Minnesota Hope
Chapter and mail to: PO Box 516, Circle Pines MN 55014
Voices Of Hope
MN Hope Chapter Digital Photo Frame
A very special thanks goes out to the family and loved
ones of Joshua Haglund who generously donated a
digital photo frame to our chapter to help create a very
moving memorial to all our fallen loved ones. It will
be on display at our monthly meetings and any special
functions such as the annual brunch. Below is a
consent form that needs to be completed to have your
loved ones photo included. Please sign and return it to
us by mail or at the next meeting. Include an uncropped
photo of any size. The clearer the picture, the
better. The photo will be returned.
MN Hope Chapter Memorial Digital Photo
Frame
CONSENT FORM
(please print clearly)
I give the Minnesota Hope Chapter of POMC
permission to use my loved one’s photo for
the Memorial Digital Photo Frame that will
be displayed at chapter meetings and
events.
Your Name:_________________________
Loved One’s Name:
__________________________________
DOB___/___/___ DOD___/___/___
Relationship to Loved One:
__________________________________
Address:
__________________________________
City:______________State:___Zip:______
Phone(area code):___________________
Email:_____________________________
Donation included (optional):
$_____________
We are sorry for the circumstances that bring you to POMC, but we hope that we can be of assistance to
you as you work through your grief. You are cordially invited to attend our meetings each month.
Nothing is required of you. There are no dues or fees, and you need not speak a work. Attending your
first meeting takes courage, but most find a comforting network of support, friendship, and
understanding that only those who have “been there” can give.

Voices Of Hope
In Memory of
Rev. Mr. Fred J
Reker
Fred was born September 22, 1928 in
Lismore to Fred and Catherine (Kern)
Reker. He graduated from St. Mary’s
College in Winona in 1951, and
attended St. John’s Seminary for three
years. Fred started working at the
Liturgical Press at Collegeville in
1955. He retired in 1993. Fred
married Rita M. Bechtold on June
14th, 1958 in Luxemburg. On June
2nd, 1978 Fred was ordained to the
permanent deaconate for the St. Cloud
Diocese by Bishop George Speltz. He
was assigned to St. John Cantius
Parish, and later to the cluster of St.
John Cantius, St. Anthony’s and Holy
Spirit parishes. He served as chaplain
at the Foley Nursing Home for 19
years.
Fred loved to cook for his family,
gardening and shoveling snow for the
neighborhood. He was known for his
very welcoming spirit, but above all
else, Fred loved his wife, children and
grandchildren. He shared his faith
with all those he touched.
He was a member of St. John Cantius
parish since 1958. Fred was a member
and past grand knight of the Knights
of Columbus Council #961. During his
service to the St Cloud Diocese, Fred
served as confirmation M.C. for the
Bishop for ten years. He is a member
of the Catholic Order of Foresters,
Independent Order of Foresters,
Collegeville Credit Union, which he
served on the supervisory committee
for 40 years. He was a member of the
Catholic Credit Union of St. Cloud
where he was a manager for five
years. He was a member of St.
Margaret’s-St. Joseph’s Society. Fred
was chaplain for the Daughters of
Isabella, and a member of the State
Board of the Minnesota League of
Credit Unions for six years.
Survivors include his wife Rita,
children, Elizabeth “Betsy” Westerhoff
(Jim) Cold Spring, Martin Reker
(Karen) Rice, Matthew Reker, St.
Cloud, and Leah Wunderlich (Dave)
Owatonna, 11 grandchildren, Chad,
Katrina, Caitlin Reker, Susanne
Westerhoff-Uprety (Praveen),
Benjamin, and Isaac Westerhoff,
Savannah, Bria, Payton, Elizabeth, and
Theresa Wunderlich, brothers, Milo
Reker, Worthington, and Ray Reker,
Sioux Falls
SD.
He was
preceded in
death by his
parents, two
daughters,
Mary
Catherine and
Susanne
Marie, sisters,
Rosina Reker,
Irene Stubbe, and Viola Honermann
and brothers, Edwin, Roman, Alvin
and Sylvester Reker, and an infant
grandchild Jonah Wunderlich.
Memorials are preferred to the
Catholic Education Foundation with
the St. Cloud Diocese.
The family would like to thank the
staffs at the St. Cloud Hospital
Telemetry, Cardiac Care and
Emergency Room at the St. Cloud
Hospital, and St. Benedict’s Center.
Page 7

Page 8
Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.
Minnesota Hope Chapter
P.O. Box 516
Circle Pines, MN 55014
Address service requested
MN Hope Chapter
Upcoming Events
We’re on the Web!
Visit us at:
Pomc.com/minnesota
Voices Of Hope
Newsletter Mailing List Update
This is an effort to update our mailing list. We are asking for your cooperation.
To continue receiving the POMC, MN Hope Chapter VOICES OF HOPE
newsletter, please fill out the information below and return.
We hope you will continue to want to receive the newsletter and future
mailings. Thank you, MN Hope Chapter Board of Directors.
Name:____________________________________ Newsletter Donation: $____________
(optional)
Address:_____________________________City:_____________St:_____Zip:__________
Home Phone: (____)_____________ Work Phone: (____)____________
Permission to send info to POMC National: Yes:______ No:______
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 334
Circle Pines, MN
Email Address:______________________________________________________________
Do you wish to remain on the mailing list? Yes____ No____ If yes, by Mail____Email___
Survivor/ Professional/ Both If Professional, Company Name:_____________________
(circle one)
Victim’s Name:_____________________________________________________________
Last First Middle
DOB:____/____/____ DOD:____/____/____ Age at time of death:____
Your relationship to the Victim:_______________________________________________________
Mail to: POMC, inc. MN Hope Chapter, PO Box 516, Circle Pines, MN 55104
Or email us at: pomc@pomcmn.com