Burial of Steve's Ashes

On Saturday, May 26, our family gathered at the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin for a burial service for Steve's ashes. The burial was postponed to this time in the hopes Steve's brother, David, would be well enough to attend. Thankfully, it worked out for him to be there.

Hans, Heidi and Marshall flew into Minneapolis on Friday, and they stayed at my home. I loved having them here, even though our time together went by so fast.

Saturday morning we drove to Austin and our first stop was at the mortuary to pick up Steve's ashes. Heidi and Hans went in while I waited outside. They came out with a very nice oak box. It surprised me as I was expecting something more in the nature of metal—not sure why. We checked into our hotel and drove to a garden shop to buy some flowers to put on his grave.

A bit before 3 we gathered at the cemetery for the informal service.  My sister and brother – Janet and Jerry – were there as well as my cousins Pat and Pudge. Steve's brother David and his wife Donna, their daughter Amy and some of her kids, and their son, Tim, and some of his kids came. Also, a woman Steve worked with at the mortuary came with her husband. She said I graduated from high school with her, but I don't remember her.

L to R: Tim, Hans, Heidi and Peder

Marshall with his hand on Steve's ashes

Heidi, Peder and Hans

Heidi welcomed everyone and then read her prepared tribute. It was an emotional time for her and I was so proud of her. She memorialized her dad in a very nice way. Next Steve's brother, David, read his prepared speech. One had to listen hard to hear him since he was dealing with laryngitis. He mentioned his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles buried in the spot as well.

Steve's remains are buried next to his mother and dad. His stone has the same design as his parents.