This past summer Dave Uphoff was contacted by the widow of a former classmate of Dave's asking him to plant a tree in memory of her late husband, John W. Denson. Cheryl Yatteau, of The Villages in Florida, wanted to plant a Pin Oak tree in memory of husband, as it was his favorite tree.
Mr. Uphoff agreed to find a tree and plant it in memory of Mr. Denson in a park he was developing. A week later he received a check for $1200 from Ms. Yatteau at which time he contacted her and informed her the tree only cost $150.
Ms. Yatteau said to donate the remaining money to the Minonk community. She explained that she wanted to give back to a community her husband loved so much and for which she felt instilled in her husband qualities and traits that endeared him to her. She suggested giving some to the food pantry and also some to the local school because she felt strongly in supporting education.
Ms. Yatteau said she also wanted to contribute to the legacy of her husband's family because the Denson family played an important part in the growth and development of Minonk. Mr. Denson's grandfather, C.R. Denson, was the publisher of the Minonk News-Dispatch from 1905 until his death in 1960 at which time Mr. Denson's father, John O. Denson, assumed control of the paper.
Two weeks ago Mr. Uphoff planted the Pin Oak tree in his park and then gave $500 to the local food pantry and $500 to the Fieldcrest Primary School in Minonk. The money given to the school will be used to help families who are in need according to Jason Chaplin, the principal at Fieldcrest Primary. He said since the Minonk area has a high percentage of families in the poverty category, the money will be a big help for those less fortunate.
Dave Uphoff gives a check for $500 to Chrystal Lohr of the Minonk Food Pantry. The donation was from Cheryl Yatteau in memory of her husband John W. Denson
Fieldcrest Primary Principal Jason Chaplin receives a check for $500 from Dave Uphoff.
Comments
Sharon Oncken: It such a heart warming gesture to know that a an individual is being remembered in our town. What a grand, loving way to remember this man that was an institution in our community for so many years.
Denise Lindley Robinson: RIP Mr. Denson.
Dedra Masters: Oh this is just wonderful, what a beautiful soul this lady is and her hubby, what a wonderful man he must have been.