Steven was born on June 29, 1986. Two days after his birth he was taken home to Madison by his adoptive parents Tom and Theresa Bly. At age 2, Steven welcomed his sister Stephanie. He attended MMN Elementary School where he was a spelling bee finalist 6 years in a row and he was chosen to present his D.A.R.E. essay to the school. He then attended Lac Qui Parle Valley High School where he was a sophomore in the class of 2005. To say Steve was a trendsetter is an understatement; red shoes, sports jerseys over any shirt, head bands, crazy socks and his bright blonde hair. Steve loved being a blonde. There are many things that stood out about Steve. The color red, Cherry Coke, his contagious smile, and his being “one of the girls”. Steve loved all sports and participated in Cross Country, Basketball, and Golf. His passion was Cross Country Running. As a freshman, he was chosen as “Lac Qui Parle Valley Athlete of the Week” and ended the season as “Rookie of the Year”. As a sophomore, he achieved his goal of “All Conference” and was named MVP. Steve was taken from us November 16, 2002; after a devastating car accident in rural Madison, MN. His age was 16 years, 4 months, and 17 days. Steve will be remembered for his kindness and respect for others, his love for children, his easy going attitude, and his great sense of humor. The annual Fun Run/5K Race was formed to establish the Steven Bly Memorial Scholarship fund. Also, a portion of the proceeds benefits the Lac Qui Parle Valley – Dawson/Boyd Cross Country Team.  ~ Theresa Bly

Gregory Allan Trautman

Greg (also known as Ree Ree to his step-brothers and sister) was born on October 9, 1983. He was 21 when we lost him on December 6, 2004. Greg was a free spirit and only worked when he had to (or got paid for it J). His love for life was spending time with family and friends. He loved people and always found time to have fun. Greg had a heart of gold and always took time for the elderly people in his life. Greg liked to go deer hunting, jet skiing, visit his grandparents, and spend time with his two bothers (Tracy and Jarrod) and sister (Cassondra). Greg liked to “bear hug” his mom from behind and jumped on his dad (Jim) when he met him in public (yes, even when he was 21). Greg wanted to start driving at the age of 12 and he liked to drive fast like his grandfather and great uncle (which meant he was ok getting speeding tickets now and again). Greg liked to wear bandanas and teachers thought he was a hoodlum until they found out what a kind and gentle young man he was. Greg was loved by many and is greatly missed. He is forever in our hearts (though mine remains to be broken in his absence). We miss his fun spirit and big smile. I thank God I was given the 21 years I had with him, I will treasure them always. Greg was an organ donor and gave sight to two people. A man got his heart, another man his liver, & two women his kidneys. I have proudly met two of his recipients. ~ Dorle Blackwell

Joseph Fred Pitzen

Joseph was the smallest of four sons. He weighed 7 ¼ lbs but he broke the Glenwood hospital record because he was 24” long. I thought I was a millionaire when I got him. Joseph was the oldest of four sons when he started school. Joseph was a top student in Glenwood High School in 1973 and went to school in Moorhead and St. Johns. He job hunted in Minneapolis, MN and was in Nebraska when the accident happened. He didn’t get the care he needed. He didn’t have his real driver’s license. He only has the paper license so they did not know who he was. He was close to his birthday. He was born September 30, 1954 and was taken September 21, 1988. He was a number one person and always came to help on the farm. We really miss him. ~ Lucille Pitzen

Jacob Gregory Taylor - “I’m OK” – Christmas 2004
Back in 1985 I started at the Willmar Regional Center. I was carrying our 4^th child. Since I had 3 sons, many people would say, “I bet you’re hoping for that little girl”. As I worked with these clients, so profoundly handicapped and disabled, I remember praying. “Oh God, just give me a healthy baby”, for my concern was not the sex of my child. On April 29, 1986, we were blessed with our 4^th healthy beautiful son whom we named Jacob Gregory. As he lay nestled in my arms, if he could speak, he would have said, “Don’t worry Mommy, I’m ok”. What joy this little guy brought to all of us, and it is true that I would have to set the oven time-minder so each child would get an equal time to hold this little guy as none of us could get enough of him. Raising 4 boys can keep a mom super busy but since our little caboose arrived 7 years after out last son, it seems that Jacob was my constant companion. His older brothers being off to school left mornings for the two of us. He loved to play hide-and-seek, and even though very obvious to me, he felt he was so well hidden. Playing the game to the full extent, I exaggerated the search from room to room repeating, “Where’s Jacob, where’s my little boy, I’m so afraid I can’t find him.” Then out from behind the chair this little excited voice would announce, “Don’t worry Mommy, I’m ok.” As time passed, Jake at an early age got involved with sports. He’d go out on that wrestling mat, his body twisted in every direction and his face turning purple, and of course my response being, “Honey, are you ok?” and a very calm voice would assure me, “Don’t worry Mom, I’m ok.” As years passed, Jake endured many heartbreaking surprises from emergency appendectomy to torn ligaments and broken bones, but each time keeping a positive attitude. He’d mend and return to lifting weights and getting in shape all the time saying, “Don’t worry Mom, I’m ok.” Throughout his growing years, my expectations were to know where, with whom, and what he was up to. To him I was a “nosey” mom but he’d answer anyway and end by saying, “Mother, you worry too much – Chill Out – Don’t worry, I’m ok.” As Jake further matured, he began to realize his mom’s worry was out of love and concern. So, if he was running late or decided to stay at a friends, he would always call and say, “Just calling to let you know I’ll be late so don’t worry Mom, I’m Ok.” This holiday season is a difficult time, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we must consider the true meaning. I have many, many blessings, especially being blessed with precious family and friends. But most of all, I thank God for sending His Son so that we may have eternal life. Jacob accepted Christ into his heart and I know that in his moment of despair the Good Lord embraced him. As I have repeatedly said, “My human heart aches but my soul is at peace”. I will never forget that dreadful morning of May 29, 2004 that I found him, my precious son. Oh God, how I miss him. I give him back to You as he has been Yours from the beginning and not mine alone. I wait the day we again will be together; I thank You for the gift of my son. I thank You for Your comfort from Your promises and hope. I thank You for those moments of peace that is mine through signs that are too obvious to be coincidental and the repeated words in my head assuring me, “Don’t worry Mom, I’m ok.”                                      “Jakes Mom” ~ Pam Taylor (father Carey)

Featured CF Friends Story
Our Compassionate Friends group is saddened by the loss of one of our own.  On July 22, 2008, our good friend, Rich Flaig, of Willmar, died unexpectedly. This is truly a loss for his wife, Lois, and his children, Tom, Ben and Suzie.  It is also a great loss to our Compassionate Friends group. Rich and Lois have been involved with our group since the death of their son, Steven, on September 18, 1996.   During this time they have shared their own thoughts and feelings about the death of Steven and its impact on their lives.  They have also provided support and love to other families during their most difficult times. Rich was always ready to listen to a grieving parent.  We feel he was a big teddy bear because he gave the biggest hugs!  Rich also had a wonderful sense of humor and he taught us to laugh again, when many of us thought we would never be able to smile again. We find comfort in knowing that Rich and Steven are together again.  But his death has left a big hole in our hearts and in our group. We extend our love to Lois, Tom, Ben, Suzie, his parents, family and friends. We’re going to miss you Rich!