Perhaps some of you have seen on CNN or other news outlets about the death of 4 members of our community here at Loyal, WI when their kayak capsized on Lake Superior. This tight-knit community is in shock, and we are mourning their loss.
Eric, the father of the 3 children who lost their lives due to a storm that blew in while they were on the lake. died of hypothermia. The water temp was 60 degrees. Eric was found by the coast guard, with one child clinging to his back, and one child clinging to the front of him. Both children were dead. The other child was found about 7 hours later. Only the mother survived. She had gotten separated from the rest of the family as she swam to the kayak to retrieve an emergency kit. She got the cell phone out of the pack, and a flashlight. She sent 911 messages, and also disturbing messages to her sister, but they did not receive the messages until 4 hours later. The coast guard found her because of the bobbing of the flashlight.

Eric had just finished painting our porch, and 2 new walk-in doors in the garage. He was to paint my spare bedroom, which I am turning into a sewing room. He planned to start the room tomorrow.

His children adored him, and he them. The 9 y/o (Kyra) would come and sit with us on our deck while her daddy painted. She was so beautiful, so kind, and so loved by all.

Yesterday (Saturday) was the combined funeral held at the high school gymnasium. About 500 people attended. It was the saddest funeral I have ever attended. I baked 4 pans of bars and took them to the Trap Club, where the dinner was held. It broke my heart, and I think I cried the whole time I was baking.

Our community will grieve the loss, but we are Loyal to Loyal, and we will help each other through this unspeakable loss.