DISGRACE TO ALL — Larry Goehring, caretaker at St. Olaf Cemetery just outside of New Richland, is, like many people, apalled at the recent vandalism and thefts at area cemeteries. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Vandals strike area cemeteries
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
When one enters through the doors of a church, they've entered the house of God. When one enters a cemetery, they have entered upon sacred ground, a serene paradise on earth for families to chat with loved ones lost. It’s a place to pay respect to ancestors, parents, siblings, children, other family members, friends and talk with God.
Recently, New Richland area cemeteries have been under siege by hooligans, pranksters, or thieves committing despicable acts. St. Olaf cemetery has had memorial flowers completely disappear. To some, this may seem trivial. However, to the lost loved one’s family, it is not.
For many young families this has been extremely frustrating, because this year, many of those assaults have been on their children's sites.
"That really makes me sad," said Larry Goehring. "We try to make things nice for everyone."
Other area holy soil have experienced similar wreckage. Calvary Cemetery also has flowers disappearing, and St. Peter cemetery has even had headstones tipped in previous years, an utter atrocity. Cemeteries are an obligation of the community. It is up to all of us to take a stand against these culprits.
Waseca County has over 27 different cemeteries. It is impossible for law enforcement to patrol every hour of the day. All the cemeteries in New Richland are outside the city limits. Therefore, it is the county's responsibility. Anyone who sees questionable activity is asked to contact the Waseca County Sheriff's office immediately.
"People shouldn't have to worry,” said Goehring. “Some families come every day. They want their loved ones to know they are not forgotten. They sit and talk a long time."
This destruction affects everyone. Those families whose loved ones that have made New Richland area cemeteries their final resting place are likely to be previous or current New Richland residents.
"These acts of mischief disgraces us all," said Goehring.
