The project began in the early 1980s when founding member Darlene Nelson proposed a way for families to recognize children who had died. Originally the tree was located at Marktpltaz Mall, which permitted nonprofit organizations to display decorated trees in public spaces.

“I felt this would be an opportunity for families or individuals to place an ornament, if desired, in privacy at their own time,” Nelson said.

The first tree featured blue and silver ornaments, lights and a handmade banner. Families were encouraged to create replacement ornaments, and the project continued.

After its time at the Marktplatz Mall, the tree was displayed at the Brown County Museum before moving to New Ulm Medical Center, where it was located in the emergency room waiting area and later in the chapel.

The Remembrance Trees, a project of Compassionate Friends, are now located near the entrance of Oak Hills Living Center. The display includes more than 200 ornaments honoring children and loved ones.

This year, due to remodeling at NUMC, the tree was relocated to Oak Hills Living Center, where it is displayed near the main entrance.

“We are very happy to help out,” said Cindy Rueckert, a receptionist at Oak Hills. She said the entrance location ensures visibility. “People walking through would see it.”

Rueckert said visitors and residents have commented on the display.

“We have someone on staff that has two of her children’s photos on the trees,” Rueckert said.

Katie Fischer, a nurse at Oak Hills, said visitors of various ages have viewed the display. 

Both of this year’s Remembrance Trees include a “Compassionate Friends” ribbon and handmade ornaments contributed by families and volunteer

Her daughter Allison Fischer said, “I think they’re pretty. I think everybody stops by, and I think it’s really nice to have.”

As participation increased, the project expanded to two full-size trees holding more than 200 ornaments.

Each ornament represents an individual and is often handmade or selected by participating families. 

While the project does not solicit ornaments, new families may add them. Additional ornaments are sometimes included in honor of staff members or others connected to the community.

After longtime volunteer Judy Kastman moved to Kansas City, she divided tasks among committee members. 

Karla Weber now oversees coordination of the trees. Regular participants include Lorie Giefer, Robin and Bernadette Schendel, Richard and Karen Johnson, and Pam Braulick.

Setup and takedown each take about two hours.

“We could probably do it faster,” Karen Johnson said. “But we have to stop and comment on the ornaments.”

Bernadette Schendel announces tree setup at the November Compassionate Friends meeting and through email. Weber coordinates dates and locations with host facilities.

Sarah Gieseke delivers the trees and ornaments to the facility. 

After New Year’s Day, the ornaments are photographed, wrapped and stored in labeled containers. 

Giefer transports the materials to Jack and Sarah Gieseke’s home for storage until the following year.

Committee members purchase supplies as needed, including storage containers, lights and tree skirts. One butterfly-themed tree skirt was made by Arla Tande. Informational brochures are displayed beneath the trees.

The project has been funded for many years through Brown County United Way.

“Newsletter printing is provided at a discount by Martin Luther College,” Johnson said. “When Darlene produced the newsletter years ago, she had to cut and paste each piece by hand.”

The Remembrance Tree will remain on display at Oak Hills Living Center through New Year’ Day.