Garden of Peace dedication

There were tears of sorrow, joy and laughter. There were mirthful memories amid calls for healing and peace for the more than 300 people gathered in Superior's Lincoln Park Friday afternoon for the dedication of the Garden of Peace. The site is a memorial to the lives of Darin Koepke and Sandy Nelson whose lives were cut short in an incident of workplace violence at the Superior Agrex facility. Exactly one year after a former employee returned to the workplace and opened fire, the site was dedicated. Further carnage was prevented by the actions of another Agrex employee who stopped the shooting spree with a shotgun blast.

Nelson would often retreat to the serenity of Lincoln Park to read a book as she ate lunch. She was often joined by her husband, Kendall. The park was also home to Sandy's family reunion gatherings.

Koepke, a resident of Hadar, had been in Superior the day of the killings to advise an employee that their services were no longer needed. The individual returned and opened fire.

Kelli Koepke said the idea for the garden was the result of Darin's life mantra of giving back. After consulting with her family and the Nelsons about the idea, they moved ahead. She collaborated with Jeremy Vlcek of Vlcek's Gardens, Chapman, on the design and installation of the memorial garden. Vlcek donated the entire labor cost of the installation of the garden.

The dedication ceremony was opened with words from Chris Peterson, Superior's mayor. He thanked the first responders for their actions that day. He stressed that Superior was all about community. He pointed out the continued outpouring of support for all those involved in the tragic events of that day.

Daniel Waide, pastor of the Formoso Community Church, offered a prayer for friendships and relationships and told how fragile these and life can be.

Kendall Nelson spoke next. He mourned the loss of Sandy but rejoiced in her memory. He said the community came together in the aftermath because "that's what we do in the Midwest." He related how much she loved her coworkers. He spoke of her love for Lincoln Park as a place of respite from the rigors of daily life. He urged all present to make use of the garden for their own peace.

Kelli Koepke thanked her family for being pillars of support for the past year. She spoke of Darin's constant urging to give back, to invest in others.

Eric Krotzinger alternated between tears and laughter, between recounting the events of the day and relating numerous stories about the relationship he had with both Sandy and Darin. He spoke of Koepke's loyalty to family and his encouragement. He spoke of how he and his co-workers would interact with Sandy. Krotzinger exhorted those present to seek peace, faith and friendship.

The final presenter was Jacob Tuma, pastor to the Koepke family and at St. John's Lutheran Church, Piece, gave the final lesson. As he spoke a butterfly wafted its way across the front of the garden.

The common theme throughout the ceremony was peace and healing

The memorial garden has two memorial benches, one each for Sandy and Darin. The garden has a water feature, two separate streams come down to meet as one at the base of the garden. Aged and worn driftwood is interspersed among the rocks. There are plantings which will mature with passing of time. The garden is lighted and open to all, day and night.

A plaque at the edge of the garden invites one to take in the garden as a place to heal, pray, meditate and find comfort. It is a sanctuary among the trees for all the community to seek solace in their daily lives. Perhaps a butterfly or two will join you on a summer day.