Memorials honor joyful spirit of teen
Many of Bridget Achenbach’s Class of 2014 classmates established the Live Like Bridget Memorial Fund in her memory. Several were in attendance for a flag dedication ceremony in Bridget’s honor held in October at Bluff View. From left are Olivia Skemp, Morgan Groom, Kristen Hanson, Vince Weber, Julia Pintz and Carly Mergen.
This is the plaque that will be affixed to the entryway of the new sports complex at Bluff View.
Bridget’s siblings and cousins are pictured leading the Pledge of Allegiance during the flag dedication ceremony in her honor. (Submitted photos)
Kristen Hanson and Vince Weber, two of Bridget’s classmates and active members of the military, appropriately raised the American Flag that now flies in her honor at the new Bluff View sports complex.
By Correne Martin
Just as Bridget Achenbach bestowed her genuine friendship upon nearly every person she met, her classmates in the Prairie du Chien Class of 2014 started the Live Like Bridget Memorial Fund to establish mementos that will forever share the late teenager’s graces with the communities she loved.
At the young age of 19, Bridget died in a May 2015 car accident just a few miles from her rural Eastman home. Through their mourning, Bridget’s friends and family have found comfort in celebrating her spunky nature and diverse purposes in life.
“When you talk to some of her friends, it just blows my mind how she was so many things to so many people,” her mom, Jane, said. “She could spark a conversation with anyone she would meet and make them feel as if they were a great person. She could be a friend to anyone. She always included everyone.”
The Live Like Bridget Memorial Fund was initiated by Bridget’s classmates and friends, who wanted to honor her memory.
“Her classmates just so badly wanted to do something, after she passed,” said Shelley Mergen, whose daughter, Carly, was one of Bridget’s many best friends.
To start, funds were raised from the sales of 2,000 silicone bracelets, in her favorite color, sky blue, that said “Live Like Bridget.” That statement, in itself, signifies what Bridget once said in a speech: “Be Happy...You only have one life to life so you might as well do it right and be happy.”
Raising additional money for the memorial fund, over 300 sky blue T-shirts were sold and more than 200 participated in a fun run/walk held in Eastman around her birthday, Oct. 26. Donations from many area businesses—Cabela’s, Hardee’s, Shihata’s Orchard, Kwik Trip, Sports World, Adams Auction, Craig Bell DJ Service and the Eastman Locker—as well as friends and family made the run/walk possible.
As the memorial fund grew, Bridget’s classmates began looking for ideas of monuments that might best represent their friend’s shining memory. Around the same time, Bridget’s dad, Lonnie, informed the group that Bluff View School was seeking a flag and flagpole for its new soccer/softball complex. Since Bridget played both sports in school, he made the suggestion and the Class of 2014 ran with the idea.
A lighted, 40-foot flagpole and new American flag were purchased and prepared for the site.
Then, Alliant Energy, along with Ken Quick’s high school technology class (which included Bridget’s younger brother Chad) and Jim Stoehr, Bluff View custodian, helped in getting the flagpole set. The Class of 2014 also decided to order a plaque to commemorate Bridget and describe how the flag honors her memory. Mike Steiner and his daughter, Liz Hall, will construct a stone pedestal at the entrance to the sports complex where the plaque will be affixed and visible to everyone who walks by.
Last month, on Oct. 16, there was an intimate flag dedication ceremony at Bluff View with Bridget’s family and classmates. The plaque was presented to the family and a few words were said about Bridget and the collaborative project in her honor. Then, the flag was unfolded and raised by Kristen Hanson and Vince Weber, two classmates of Bridget’s and active members of the military.
“After the flag was raised, the Pledge of Allegiance was said, led by Bridget’s younger brother and sisters. It was a very special moment, not overwhelming, just endearing,” Mergen said. “Now, the flag flies proudly, 24 hours a day, and it’s lit up at night for all to see, and remember.”
At the flag ceremony, Jane thanked everyone for the beautiful memorial and imparted a few sentiments about her vivacious daughter.
“She was very much the glue of our family. She was beyond her years. She wanted to be a veterinarian and a good Catholic. She could be country, but fit in with business. She could go all night, but all day too,” Jane rambled softly, smiling, but holding back tears, in an interview last week. “We will always continue to pray for her and for other people’s loved ones in heaven.”
The way Bridget lived with such a free spirit, devoted morals and enthusiasm is the legacy she’s left behind for those who miss her most.
“It’s not just about our loss. It’s also about everyone she left behind: grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, her best friends, classmates from high school and college, her Catholic family, her 4-H and fair friends,” Jane added.
In the wake of Bridget’s tragic accident, those who knew her were very kind and generous to the family. The Achenbachs lean on their faith as each day passes, but they have also had many people who consistently share in remembering Bridget’s message of joy.
“It’s what she would have wanted,” Mergen remarked fondly.
Bridget’s memory grows wildly through a garden on the family’s farm, filled with countless trees, bushes, plants, flowers, angels, crosses, wind chimes, pictures, plaques, benches, wreaths, etc. that were given to the Achenbachs upon her passing. All have markers next to them denoting who provided them. Jane said their fellow parishioners have also given a wonderful amount of masses in Bridget’s name, a number of which were paid forward to others in need as well.
The family is ever grateful for these gifts and has its own plans to create several public tributes in her honor. This past summer, picnic tables and a bench were donated to the Crawford County Fairgrounds. They also wish to place memorials at the community ball field and at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, both in Eastman.
“I think that should cover all of the areas she loved,” Jane said. “Bridget had a great life; she made it that way. We were so lucky to have her.”
