Dear Editor,

In less than two months we will pause to remember loved ones on Memorial Day and many of us will be taking floral tributes to the cemeteries. As we walk through these revered grounds we expect them to be well maintained places of rest.

Last year was a trying time for those who worked to keep the grass mowed while the weather made that nearly impossible at times. This is understandable as many of us struggled to keep our own property maintained with the incessant rainfall leaving everything wet and with pools of water standing in low spots. Meanwhile the grass continues to grow. And as many of you know trees were blown down during a storm and others have died from standing in water for an extended period of time.

Several factors point to a very possible similar situation again this summer. We ask for your patience and understanding and also for some assistance. Two weeks following Memorial Day we ask that you remove all floral tributes and other memorials you may have placed in the cemetery.

Another major problem for the cemetery is the lack of funding. The ZCBJ Cemetery no longer receives any funding from the Western Fraternal Insurance as it has closed our local affiliation. Thus the only funding for maintenance costs comes from plot sales which unfortunately this does not cover yearly costs. Lack of funds have forced us to ask those who have family members interred in the ZCBJ Cemetery for donations to help fund care of the property. Please seriously consider making a substantial contribution to the cemetery’s account at Commercial State Bank and ask family members who may no longer live in the Wagner area to do the same. Please seriously consider this dire need for funds because without your help we may be forced to only mow one or two times a season.

Thank you,

ZCBJ Cemetery Board