Letter to the Editor

Dear Terry,
I sit here in shock on Monday morning. It is June 25, and I am reading an email you sent me last week while I was out on vacation letting me know posters were ready to be picked up.
I have had the pleasure of being able to get to know you and Sherylee a little better over the last couple of years through working closely with the Lake Mills Graphic on projects. You were always there to help me dig up pieces of history, offer assistance or just chat about what was happening in town—which could be why your death has me so stunned.
I am sad, and I feel inclined to write this letter to share with your grieving family the impact you have had on me as a young professional in Lake Mills.
You were one of the first to reach out to me when I graduated college and started my first job at Waldorf University in Forest City. You did a feature on me, which I’m not sure was all that newsworthy to many people, but you thought it was important to show young people finding career opportunities in the area; which is pretty cool.
You were one of the first to stop in and welcome me into the LMCDC position I currently hold, but maybe that was because the news never sleeps and you had deadlines to meet; projects to work on!
You understood many of the troubles I have had in my career and were willing to listen and offer support when I needed it. You have told me to “hang in there” more times than I can even remember— usually accompanied with a chuckle and a smirk.
You stood strong in your green and yellow in a sea of purple and gold.
You dedicated your professional life to telling Lake Mills’ story. In some sense your job was more impactful on this community than mine. Your subscription reach spans a number of states, providing a touchstone to ‘home’ for many who still receive the Lake Mills Graphic. They say negative headlines sell papers, but I think our little hometown paper does an excellent job of highlighting accomplishments and milestones—especially when it comes to our youth.
You volunteered your time and resources to help many organizations. You were generous and you made an effort to build value in our community.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you, and to learn from you. I am sad for your poor family, who I know will miss you dearly. I am sad for your work family, as they feel lost without your direction. I am sad for the whole Lake Mills community, as I am sure there are very few people who are not impacted by your unexpected passing.
To the Gasper family, I am very sorry for your loss. I can’t begin to imagine your sorrow, but please know that he will be missed by many. He was a good colleague, and, above that, a good person.  
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnson