After two decades, Chaseburg residents unveil memorial for children lost too soon

July 21, 2026

CHASEBURG, Wis. — A nearly 20-year dream to honor young lives lost too soon will become a reality on Sunday, Aug. 30, with the dedication of the “A Place for Angels” memorial in Chaseburg Village Park.

The public is invited to attend the event at 402 Depot St., with food available at 12:30 p.m. and the formal dedication ceremony beginning at 2 p.m..

Situated on a hill overlooking the village’s walking trail, the handicap-accessible memorial provides a peaceful space for reflection and grieving for families from any background. At its center stands a 5-foot angel sculpture holding the hands of a young boy and girl. Behind the angel is a 6-foot brick wall featuring 8-by-12-inch tiles engraved with the names of nearly 160 children who have died. The tranquil site is open 24 hours a day and is surrounded by trees, flowers, and dedicated memorial benches.

The project was spearheaded by local residents Rick and Sue Williams, along with Linda DeGarmo, who discussed creating the tribute for over 15 years after each experiencing the profound loss of a child. Rick and Sue lost their son, Gavin, before his first birthday, and Linda and her husband, Marv, lost their 9-year-old daughter, Tammi, to leukemia in 1978. Originally inspired by a similar memorial garden in Duluth, Minnesota, the organizers were prompted to finally break ground after the recent drowning of another local young man.

“This memorial was made possible by generous donations from the community, friends and family, both monetary and in kind,” wrote Monty Gilbertson in a community announcement.

A Place for Angels is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was heavily supported by community fundraising, including a notable $16,000 donation from the Power of 100 organization. Moving forward, the nonprofit plans to use ongoing donations to maintain the site, cover engraving costs for grieving families who cannot afford them, and establish a scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors who have lost a sibling.

For more information about the dedication ceremony, the public can contact Linda DeGarmo at 608-769-1919 or Rick Williams at 608-632-2984.