UPDATED SUNDAY AT 9:30 P.M.
A severe car accident took place Wednesday – just days before graduation for HLWW – with four Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted seniors involved, as they returned from the section track meet on Highway 55 near Annandale.
Killed was HLWW senior Madey Kleve, 18 who was one of three candidates for Miss Howard Lake this year.
Among the injured are senior Kacie Carlsted, 18, who is a prolific dancer and also a candidate for Miss Howard Lake, who has a broken pelvis, punctured lung and facial injuries; senior Mitch Bayerl, 18, who was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, and Brie Barfknecht of Waverly, who was taken to Buffalo Hospital, treated and released.
All four are honor students.
During the graduation ceremony Sunday, many were pleasantly surprised by the presence of Mitch Bayerl at the ceremony in a wheelchair, wan and tired, but able to smile and interact. He was only just able to start walking the day before, according to the Caring Bridge web site. Brie Barfknecht also took part in the ceremony with her fellow classmates.
The Kleve family also attended, as well as Marshall Carlsted on behalf of Kacie.
Madey Kleve
Rather than planning their daughter’s future during graduation, Dan and Julie Kleve were put in the position of planning their daughter’s funeral instead.
Nevertheless, the Kleves attended the graduation ceremony with daughters Morgan and McCall. The girls tearfully accepted Madey’s diploma.
Visitation for Madey was set for Monday, June 2 at 4-8 p.m, with a 7 p.m. prayer time at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Funeral service is set for Tuesday, June 3 at 2 p.m., with visitation a half hour prior at the new Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School, located at County Road 6 south & 30. Arrangements are being made by Swanson-Peterson. Madey’s obituary is located inside.
Kacie Carlsted
Kacie’s twin brother, Erick Carlsted, reported Wednesday night that his sister was doing OK in intensive care at St. Cloud Hospital, in an attempt to calm concerned questions from the community during the initital confusion of the accident.
According to the Caring Bridge web site for Kacie, she has multiple injuries, including head injury (brain), facial fractures-left eye and maxillary sinus, pelvic fractures, liver laceration (stable – not bleeding as of Thursday), punctured lung (showed healed on CT scan), rib fracture, lower spinal injury (as far as we can tell no spinal cord damage), cervical spine - neck possible injury.
Kacie’s mother, Lee Ann Carlsted, wrote the following update Saturday afternoon on the Caring Bridge site for Kacie: “Kacie is stable and still in critical condition. She moved her left hand today when the nurse cleaned her mouth out. This is a good sign because she has not moved her left hand before this. She is moving on a subconscious level and is reacting to pain stimulus (she does not like having her mouth cleaned out).”
“Surgery is still scheduled for Monday (today) for her face and will have the tube in her neck (treacheotomy) for breathing done at that time,” Lee Ann wrote.
Kacie is a well known dancer with the Barbara Lee Studio of Dance. Barbara Lee commented on Kacie’s Caring Bridge site that she will be dedicating this year’s dance recital to Kacie.
Mitch Bayerl
Mitch Bayerl was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, which is where he remains; although he was able to obtain a brief pass to attend the HLWW graduation Sunday. He accepted his diploma himself, while being pushed in a wheelchair.
This helped improve the tone of the ceremony entirely, according to some parents who attended, saying that the other graduates took the cue of positivity from Bayerl and went from there.
However, the graduates did not toss their caps as they normally would; but Silly String still took place. A touching song by the choir caused an impromptu show of solidarity by graduates in their gowns, as they walked down the choir steps, linked arms and sang “Up Where We Belong.”
Hopefully the activity wasn’t too much for Bayerl, who had only the day before had the doctor take out Mitch’s chest tube. He was able to sit and visit with some of his teachers and family, as well as able to visit with some of his close friends. This was a huge step, according to his family, because Mitch stayed wide awake the entire visit (about two hours.) On Saturday, up until the journal entry was made, Mitch was able to walk the hallway four times.
Bayerl went to Holy Trinity up to the ninth grade, and his Caring Bridge comments were packed full of well wishes from the Winsted area as well as elsewhere.
An outpouring of grief, sympathy from many
Grief counselors, youth pastors, and many others were on hand Thursday morning at HLWW trying to console dozens of crying students, who were shaken with grief. Some on hand included Lisa Weninger, ag instructor Jim Weninger’s wife, Pastor Rick Messer, youth pastor Matt Wagner, Dennis Entinger and several others, along with Principal Mike Day and Supt. George Ladd.
More than 96 messages were received on the HJ Blog over a four-day period.
Carlsted is the daughter of Lee Ann and Marshall Carlsted of Howard Lake, and Bayerl the son of Tom and Janette Bayerl of Silver Lake. Brie Barfknecht is from Waverly, and the daughter of Lyle Barfknecht and DeAnne Jenkins.
The accident took place 6:11 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Wright Co. Rd. 6 and Highway 55 and was broadside crash in nature, according to an accident report by the State Patrol.
The HLWW students were traveling southbound in a 2001 Altima, with Brie Barfknecht as the driver, when they stopped at the intersection of Wright Co. Rd. 6 and Highway 55, located between Annandale and Maple Lake. Then, according to the State Patrol, the Altima rolled into the path of a 1997 Dodge Ram truck going eastbound on Highway 55, driven by Josh Hoffenkamp, 27, of Maple Lake, with passengers Kaia Hoffenkamp, 4, and Seann Hoffenkamp, 2, of Maple Lake. All three truck occupants received non-life threatening injuries.
The collision caused the car to end up in the southeast ditch, according to the truck driver and a witness at the scene, reported Chuck Sterling of the Annandale Advocate.
The truck ended up in the westbound turning lane at the intersection, facing east, Sterling reported.
Two of the four occupants of the car were thrown, Carlsted and Bayerl. Kleve was killed on impact, with Carlsted and Bayerl listed in critical condition.
Click here for Kacie Carlsted’s Caring Bridge web site
Click here for Mitch Bayerl’s Caring Bridge web site
To see a videotaped report by KARE 11 news, click here.
we love u madey kacie mitch and brie!!!
Kacie is the valedictorian of the HLWW Class of 2008.
Mitch is the Salutatorian of the HLWW Class of 2008.
I drove by the scene on my way to my parents house in Annandale. It looks like the accident happened at CR 6 and Hwy 55. State Troopers were on scene doing accident reconstruction and the County had deputies rerouting traffic onto CR 6 north, via a small trail east of Lampi Auctioneering.
This is Kacie’s brother Erick, right now she’s at St Cloud in ICU.
She’s doing alright.
I also passed by the accident site shortly after the accident last night. A very sad tragedy to happen anytime but especially so close to graduation. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends and classmates of those injured and especially to Madey’s family.
We are praying for the families
I live up in the Hinckley Minnesota area and I check the local news down there a few times a week I logged in this morning and saw the info about the accident how very very sad….
My Prayers go out to all the families.
To wake up to this devistating news……..how precious is our time on this earth. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Kleve family, as well as the other young people who were injured. May God be with you through your time of grief.
Last night many students, faculty and parents gathered to mourn and remember Madey and wait for further updates on Mitch and Kacie. While it was a very sad and tragic time for all it was wonderful how the community gathered. HLWW students will have a tough time dealing with the emotions this tragedy has brought to their lives, but I commend the faculty for making the high school their safe haven this morning and helping them begin to heal. I pray for all the students that they may find peace with what has happened.
My prayers and thoughts are with, Julie, Dan, Morgan and McCall Kleve and Brian Krienke- I am so very sorry for your loss.
Also healing prayers for Kacie and Mitch- and for comfort for their families as they continue to struggle with their injuries.
Cheri Luhman
Out here in Ripon, California we were shocked to hear of this terrible accident from our daughter Audrey Tkalec in Maple Lake. Kacie’s mother, LeeAnn (nee Haglin) Carlsted, is Florence’s niece. While we were living in Annandale we watched Kacie and Erick grow up and have been so pleased with all their accomplishments. Our hearts go out to LeeAnn and Marshall and their family as well as the families of the other students involved in the accident. May God give grace and comfort to each of the injured students and especially to the family of Madey Kleve grieving her untimely death. Our love, sympathy, and prayers for all who have been touched so deeply by this tragic occurence.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Kleve family for this tragic loss. We pray for strength and faith in the next upcoming difficult days ahead. Our healing prayers go out to the Bayerl and Carlsted families. To the seniors this year. Hold on to your friends and family and find comfort and strenght through them.
I have lived in Annandale for 18 years of my life and I always travel 6 and 55. That intersection has always been bad and something needs to be done about it. I now live in Bemidji MN and I was home to see my family. When the accident happened I was in the car with my boy friend, mother, and friend of the family. We were all on our way to my bothers baseball game in Delano, so we were right behind the teenager’s car. We experienced the entire accident. My mother and friend of the family saw the car get hit, the truck coming from Annandale hit the cars side and sent it into the ditch and the friend of the family (Jamie) said a boy was just thrown from the car. Jamie and I then ran across 55 to the car. I am first aid and CPR certified and I thought I could help in till the cops showed up. I have never seen a car like that before. As I approached there was already a women there, she was very nice and very instructive. My mother called 911 the minuet we had ran across the road. I then went to the car I opened the driver door and asked the driver if she was ok, she responded that she felt ok, I then asked her if she had any pain any were, she reported that her ear was ringing and that she wanted to know what happened. I told her that everything would be ok. Then I asked her to move her fingers and toes and I again asked her if there was pain. She seemed to be ok. I then ask Brie if she wanted to get out of the car. Then I helped her out and we walked a couple steps from the car, at this time she was shacking and continually asking if everything was going to be ok. I tried to reassure her. Then I asked my mother who was at the back of the car if she could come and talk to Brie. She did and that gave me a chance to see how the other passengers were doing. I then went back to the car and sat in the drivers seat, I asked the girl in the front seat if she was ok and there was no response, I checked her pulse and I looked at her chest for vitals, from just looking at her chest I could see her heart beating, it was very fast and erratic, I could not tell if she was breathing. I then went to the back seat to the other girl in the car, it was the same with her, I could see her heart beating in her chest but she did not respond to me. I chose not to move either of them because I am not qualified to do so and if I tried I could have hurt them more. I told both of the girls to hang on and that it would be ok. This was very hard for me because of the condition they seemed to be in. I then went to the back of the car were the boy was. He was behind the car laying in the ditch, at this time I also noticed that the car was still on, so I quickly shut it off so we would not have to worry about it. I then went back to the boy I ask him if he was ok, he was moving some. He started moaning so a couple of us tried to keep talking to him and we all told him that it was going to be ok. The cops and ambience then came…the three kids were then helped. I then went and looked in the truck at the man and the two kids they all looked really shook up but they seemed ok. I then went back and my mother and I helped the paramedic help Brie on to a stretcher. After this we were asked to leave. I just want to tell any one who reads this that my information has little detail, this accident was life changing for me and I hope this will never happen again. In that one moment every thing changed for those teenagers. I pray that the survivors will return to healthy and I also pray for the people that were helping. I also want to tell the parents that I am sorry, I am so very sorry, I can not imagine how they feel, and I pray that they will some day understand why this happened. For every one else PLEASE just remember what is important in our lives. It’s the people! Tell the people you love that you love them every day.
I am at a loss of words - I can only pray for the quick recovery of those injured and to offer our most heart felt sympathies to the family and friends of the Kleve family. Please know that many people are praying for you all.
Our deepest sympathies to the Kleve family and our thoughts and prayers to the Bayerl, Carlsted and Barfknecht families as they heal physically and emotionally from this tragic accident.
Madey, Kacie, Mitch and Brie have suffered unnecessarily as young adults. As a teacher of high school students, I found their accident to be a learning experience for all my students today as they make plans to celebrate the end of the year and, for some, the end of high school. We talked this morning about being safe as they travel with friends and to always look out for each other. The students and staff of Marshall High School give their sympathy to everyone involved and affected by this tragic accident.
I went to school with Julie, Dan and LeeAnn. To Julie and Dan you have my deepest sympathy and I will be praying for you and your families. This was a terrible thing that happened and I will be thinking about you both. To LeeAnn I am praying that Kacie will get better soon. May God be with you all in this time o9f need.
The news of this terrible accident spread very quickly throughout the HLWW community, and most of us are still at a loss for words. I cannot imagine the grief felt by the families involved. Dan, Julie, Morgan, McCall, Kacie, Mitch, Brie, and all families and friends involved, please know that you are being held up in prayer by so many people around you.
I am a teacher at Kimball High School, and I teach senior economics. As this class heads to graduation tonight, I cannot help but feel so sorry for the loss and pain felt by HLWW’s class of 2008. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of the staff and students at Kimball High School.
I live in Annandale and my heart goes out to all the families involved in this tragic accident.
Many prayers being said and to the mother of Mady…. words can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. May you find strength during this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all people involved in this accident and their families. I pray that you all find comfort in each other and get through this tragedy. To the Kleve family, cling to one another and be strong my hearfelt sympathies are with you through your terrible loss. To Mitchell and Kacie and their families I pray a full recovery for both of you and I pray for your families to have strength to help get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are also with Brie and her family through this tough road ahead and to the occupants of the other vehicle as well. To all medical personnel and other who assisted on scene may god give you strength to move on from this tragedy and know that you did everything you could for the victims of this accident.
I graduated from HLWW high school and alot of these names are familiar….very sad day…..very sad.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these 4 great kids, and also to the friends, familes, teachers and all the others that are in the lives of these young people. This is such a tragic thing to happe.
Maddie was such a beautiful,sweet girl. Kacie a beautiful dancer. Mitch a wonderful young man. Brie a great friend.
May there be comfort to them all.
The intersection that this happened at is a horrid one. A good friend of mines daughter was also in a tragic accident at this very same place 10 years ago. She too passed away, he fiancee was hurt tremendiously.This is an intersection that needs to be taken care of for the safety of all who travel it.
May the families and friends have a comforting knowledge that Miss Maddie is there is spirit and will be with them always.
I hope that on Sunday’s Graduation Commencement, that there will be a special message recieved when Maddies presence is either felt, heard, or seen to let everyone she is with them.
Bless you all !!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family’s involved in this tragic accident. Dan and Julie-we are so sorry about the loss of your daughter.
Our deepest sympathy to the Kleve family. Madey was a beautiful, wonderful girl who will be missed by so many who loved her. We cannot even imagine the pain you are going through. We know that your grief will be comforted by family and friends, but also know your community of Howard Lake and Waverly are grieving with you as well, at this difficult time. To the Carlsted, Bayerl and Barfknecht families, you are all in our thoughts and prayers as well for speedy healing and recovery.
Ed, Mary, Erica, Laura and Amy Jacobson
I want to send my deepest sympathy to all families involved in this tragedy. My cousin was killed at that same intersection 11 years ago, so my heart goes out to all. I had the privilege of coaching both Madey and Brie in volleyball. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Living in small town you do not know everyone but you know of people. When something tragic like this happens it affects everyone. I just want everyone to know that all of you are in so many people’s thoughts and prays. Words cannot help at a time like this but prays can. You are all in my prayers.
I live only 1 mile away from the Accident site, My friend had
just left my home and was frantically trying to reach my cel
phone, in which I was using at the time. Finnally she was
able to get through telling me of the horrable accident that had
just happened. I asked her if I should come help since I am
trained in CPR. She said probably not, that there were people
all over assisting with traffic and injured people, afraid that if
anyone else stopped it could cause another accident. At this
time the police were just arriving, soon to follow was the Allina
Paramedic & EMT.
As I hung up my phone I began to cry, wondering the condition of
everyone involved. Soon I heard the helicopter, which made me realize how serious the situation really was.
My heart goes out to all the family members & friends. My family
will be praying for all.
Also, to the wonderful people that stopped to help. The next few days will be difficult, but always remember you helped! The
family members will be very greatfull for your actions.
I have also lived in Annandale for 25 years, knowing that intersection is very dangerous. And living just 1 mile away, and
traveling it everyday is frightning, since I have witnessed 2
other accidents at the very same site.
God will be with you all at this time of need, take his hand and
he will comfort you.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Dan, Julie, Morgan and McCall. We are so very sorry for your loss of your beautiful daughter. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We can not even begin to imagine what you are going through. We also pray for healing for all the parents and family members of the other students involved in this tragic accident.
We are praying for the families. My deepest sympathy is extended to Dan, Julie, Morgan and McCall sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all families. Graduating just three years ago today from HLWW, I realize how hard this must be for everyone. I was shocked to hear of this event. I hope that the Class of 2008 from HLWW stays strong and bands together in order to get through this tragic time.
Dan, Julie, Morgan and McCall,
I am so very sorry for your loss of your daughter/sister. I am praying for you and LOTS of others are praying for you as well. May God comfort you during this tragic time.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. ”
Matthew 11:28
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalms 147:3
Coach Asleson
McCall’s gymnastics coach
We love you, Kacie! We will continue to pray for you and the others involved.
Dan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers thru this difficult time.
Marie Butler (Peterson) and family
My prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. I spoke with Lauri stenberg Zumach this morning when I saw it on the news. Being from a small town when I heard Howard Lake, I instantly knew it would be someone I know. Julie, you and your family are being thought of in Eagan. Grandma Irene has her in her arms!
To All of the Families I am deeply sorry for the hurt you are going through. Melissa and I are praying for Kacie for a very fast recovery and also for the families of the others. We are deeply sorry. We Love You Kacie!!
We pray for the family of Madey, that you will depend on God’s strength and peace as well as the love and comfort offered you by friends and your community to get you through this unbelievably sad time.
We pray for Brie, that her trauma and emotional suffering will be eased.
We pray for healing for Mitch and our friend, Kacie, that God will restore their physical and emotional health, and comfort them and those who love them with His presence now and in the long months ahead.
We will continue to hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.
God promises in Jeremiah 29: 11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
May God bless you and be with you all.
Having known Brie since she moved to Waverly, we will continue to keep her as well as all the others in our prayers as we all continue to greive in this tragic accident! We are a small, but strong community and with God’s help will make it through this!!!
God bless!
We found out about this terrible accident this morning from our neighbor. I’ve lost a very close friend in a car accident that I still think about quite often (happened about 12 years ago). It is so difficult to not have answers. My family and I extend our sympathies to the families involved as want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
I am sorry for your loss. We live about a mile from where the accident took place. You are in out thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kleve, Carlsted, Bayerl and Barfnecht families. Madey, Kacie, Mitch and Brie are wonderful, caring and loving teenagers and they have touched many lives. May all of your family and friends find God’s strength and comfort.
Jeff, Janell, Jillian and Joel Koch
Dan and Family,
Words can never be enough for the pain you must be feeling.
May you know we all ache deep in our hearts for your loss.
She was a beautiful girl inside and out! And from the times I
saw you at Kyle’s with her. I know how much you loved her.
Your three girls are the stars off your lives. One of those stars
is not with you now. But she is still shining bright in the lives she has touched in her brief time here. May GOD somehow give you the grace and comfort you need at this time and in the days ahead. I am glad that I had the chance to meet her and as so many others will never forget her. Sincerely Dan Tilus
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families, especially the Kleve family. May the Lord hold you all up during this tragic loss! May the Lord give you strength to endure!
My husband and daughter were involved in an accident last summer at that exact intersection of Hwy 55 and County Rd. 6. Someone pulled out at that same spot, not seeing the oncoming truck, and my husband/daughter got hit at the stop sign. Luckily no one was killed at that time. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH THIS INTERSECTION!! WHEN YOU PULL OUT THERE YOU CANNOT SEE CLEARLY IF SOMEONE IS COMING. A VERY DANGEROUS INTERSECTION! A Stoplight is what is needed. I pray something will be done there and soon!
Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of these wonderful kids. That intersection is terrible and should be fixed.
Iam very devistated it is so hard to believe that this is happening…I hope all the victims recover. Also to the Kleve family it must be so hard. I love you all and I will forever have you in my thoughts and prayers. Love Raechell
There has been a CARING BRIDGE site set up for Kacie. Here it is ~> http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewHome.do
We are living in a very supportive community. There were over 100 kids gathered at the Pettit home in Howard Lake last night. Juniors, Seniors, teachers, parents, school board members, Principal Day, clergy and our Mayor filled the yard. All came together to help these kids try to process this tragedy. We need to thank the Pettit’s for opening their home, for the parents, teachers, clergy and other adults that helped these students through the first hours and for the students themselves for coming together in a positive setting to give each other support. Our prayers are with the Kleve family and also with the Carlsted’s, Bayerl’s and Barfknecht’s.
Note: forwarded message attached.
That link does not take you directly to it, go to http://www.caringbridge.com then type in kaciecarlsted (all one word) then you will get there~
Sorry
I believe there is no greater loss than that of a child….my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the Kleve family. I can only pray that the memories of Madey you hold dear; the love of God, family, friends, and the community will help you through this most difficult time in your lives.
I have a lot of praying to do; for the Kleve family, that you may find strength in the Lord for peace to endurance; for the others involved in the accident, that you will heal (physically as well as emotionally); for all the families and friends this tragedy has affected - clearly there are many who love you all; and for the entire 2008 graduating class whose lives will never be the same….know that there are people out here you have never & may never meet, but you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers
We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Mitchell and the entire Bayerl family and to all the other victims/families involved. We hope you find strength and comfort in the days ahead.
My heart goes out to the Kleve family I know the pain and heartache you are all going through I also lost my daughter 10yrs
ago at that same intersection it is a terrible intersection and something needs to be done with it before someone else loses thier life my thoughts and prayers are with you at this diffucult time
also to all the other parents and your families my thoughts and
prayers are with all of you to and hope you teenagers have a good recovery God bless you all
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families involved in this horrible accident. To the Kleve family, we are so saddened by your loss, words cannot even express. Madey such a beautiful young lady, a life too short. Your family will be in our continued prayer.
To All of the families involved in this terrible accident,
You are ALL in our thoughts and prayers!!!
no comment
Dan, Julie, Morgan and McCall,
Our prayers are with your family during this time of great despair. May God’s peace be with you and bring you solace now and in the future.
Our prayers go out to the Kleve, Bayeral, Carlsted, and Barfneckt Family. Dan and Julie, I pray for your family during this difficult time with the loss of your daughter. THe Bayeral and Carlsted family we pray for the recovery of your children and may god be with you and each of the families during this tragedy.
How awful.
The Kleve family is in my prayers.
Mitchell went to school at Holy Trinity up until 9th grade, I believe. A lot of us, including myself, were great friends with him and we all know how intelligent this young man is. I can remember him always helping out everyone with their homework in 6th grade. He is a great guy and I really hope he will be able to heal quickly. Having just graduated ourselves, the Holy Trinity Class of 2008 cannot even imagine how HLWW’s Class of 2008 must be feeling at this time. The happiest time of your life is in turn changed to be the most tragic. All we can do is pray and grieve.
My heart breaks for the families and friends that are suffering this grief. This is a terrible tragedy for the Kleve family and I pray that Julie, Dan and their families can find some peace. Little by little and one day at a time. I also send my prayers to the families of Brie, Kacie and Mitch for healing and understanding of that “WHY” question that maybe going through your thoughts and all of our thoughts. Some answers to questions take time to see.
I worked at the Lake Bowl with Julie and Dan and other Kleve family members and went to school with them, also and with the Stenberg family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart aches for you.
God is with you. Lean on Him..
Dear Kleve Family,
Sadness fills my heart as I heard the shocking news this past morning. I can’t begin to even imagine the depth of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your families. May you feel God’s strength as you try to cope with this tragedy. My sincere thoughts and prayers to you and the other families.
Mary (Gilbert) Mattsen, former teacher at HLWW
why does bad things always happen to amazing people?
RIP Madey
your smile was one of the many great things you had to share with people
To all the families involved,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Stay strong!
My prayers are with you and your family through this hard tradey!! i will pray for you all!
The moment my sister told me about the accident, and the indviduals that were rushed to the hospital, I was in complete shock, but the shock after being told Madey died, my heart just sank to the floor for all four students. I cannot imagine what each family is going through. I didn’t know the students all too well but I graduated in 2006 and living in the district, and knowing everyones name, just hits hard. I am praying that Kacie and Mitch get well soon, Brie I am glad you are safe and alive…But to the Kleve family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Madey and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers! God Bless!
My thoughts and prayer go out to all the families involved in this terrible accident. My husband and I where on our way home from the track meet and came upon the accident. I will never forget my heart just sank to my toes it seem like because my son also drove home from the meet with some other students with him. They also told us it was no one from our area in the accident. But, I just had this uneasy filling about it. Then to learn it was some students from HLWW. Brie, Mitch, and Kacie get well soon and for the Kleve Family my thougts and prayer go out to you for you loss, I didn’t personal know Madey but just seeing her pictures she had a beautiful smile and touched a lot of people with it. I lost my sister when she was 8yrs old in car accident also. I still find it hard some days but then I remember she is watching over me and in a better place and still smiling.
We were with Mitch and his parents yesturday and he is doing well, still in the ICU but awake and responsive. Our family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and our hearts go out to all the other families dealing with this tragedy.
Dan and Julie- You are in our prayers.
The following is a note from Wright County Commissioner Dick Mattson:
Hi Lynda:
I copied your article and sent it to one of our safety people in District 3 which Wright County is located in to have them study this intersection and I will let you know what answers I receive as soon as I can.
Such a tragic happening in our community, there are so few words to say that can explain Why? Only God has that answer.
Dick Mattson
Our family would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of the families involved. I work at the high school as a paraprofessional and each of the kids involved are wonderful,beautiful students. To the Kleve family, Maddie will never be forgotten. Her smile and beautiful personality will be remembered by all. She touched everyone, even if SHE didn’t know it. To any of the seniors or other high school students that need someone to reach out to, don’t hold it in. Everyone is hurting during this time, but you are not alone. We love you all and our thougths and prayers are with each of you!
Dan and Julie,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful Madeysen. Please know we are holding your family in our thoughts and prayers as you work through this time of unimaginable grief.
It has been a long time since I lived in Howard Lake but still have many fond memories of my Lake Bowl days including Morgan and Madeysen as darling baby girls. I clearly remember how proud both of you were of your little girls and given the recent press coverage, I can see Madeysen continued to make you proud as she grew into a lovely, accomplished young woman.
I am still in shock of this horrible accident. To me, it seems unreal. Madey and Kacie are good friends of mine and to hear of the accident on the date of my 18th Birthday seemed unreal. At first I thought it was a prank call,but after trying to call her cell phone several times and then finally calling one of her best friends I realized that this was real.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Dan, Julie, Morgan and McCall - You are strong people. You are in my prayers as are all of the friends. May the lord comfort you. I know this is a hard time. There is never a good time for someone to pass on, especially at this age.
Once again, God bless.
A friend - Randy Peterson
There has been a caringbridge set up for Mitch also. Thanks again for all the prayers.
I was shocked and saddened to hear what happened, I am so very sorry for the loss that the Stenberg/Kleve family has suffered. I worked at the Lake Bowl back in my high school days and felt as if the Kleve’s and all the employees were family to me. I still hold all those memories dear to my heart as will they of their dear daughter Madey. I am very sorry for your loss Dan, Julie and family. God bless!
Dan, Julie, Morgan, McCall, and to the rest of the extended Kleve family,
I now more than ever realize how great it was to live in a small community growing up. The ongoing and outpouring of support is so wonderful to see. This amazing girl Madeyson has truley touched many lives.
As I read the entries on this site I realize that the Kleve family made more than just my sisters and I feel like their family. I too worked at the Lake Bowl for many years. And so because you felt like my family my heart breaks for what you are going through.
Know that you are in my thoughts, prayers, and tears and by the grace of God you find comfort in the coming days ahead.
I love you all Rhoda
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families involved in this tragic accident. May the love of those around you help throughout the days ahead.
Gina,Steve,Kelsey and Brady
please don’t feel guilty
It was just my time to go.
I see you are still feeling sad,
And the tears just seem to flow.
We all come to earth for our lifetime,
And for some it’s not many years
I don’t want you to keep crying
You are shedding so many tears.
I haven’t really left you
Even though it may seem so.
I have just gone to my heavenly home,
And I’m closer to you than you know.
Just believe that when you say my name
I’m standing next to you,
I know you long to see me,
But there’s nothing I can do.
But I’ll still send you messages
And hope you understand,
That when your time comes to “cross over,”
I’ll be there to take your hand.
We, like everyone else in this caring community, send our thoughts and prayers to all the families and friends involved. To the Kleve family - May all the wonderful memories you have provide you with comfort and also knowing the joy and happiness your daughter brought to so many lives in such a short time. To the Carlsted, Bayerl and Barfknecht families, you are in our thoughts and prayers. The love, prayers and faith of family and friends will guide you through this. God Bless.
Dan, Julie, Morgan,and McCall please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Iam very sorry for your loss God bless you all.
To the Kleve/Stenberg family. I’ve been checking these entries every hour, trying to start my own, but never knowing quite what to say. My heart just aches for you and your family. You’ve done such a wonderful job as parents, I can only hope Darin and I can do the same with our girls. I was at Syd and Kay’s last night - your kids are lucky to have such loving grandparents! Our entire family has not stopped thinking and praying for you since we got the call. You are loved by many! Please know that the community and your family are serious when we say we are here for you if you need anything. I know this is incredibly hard, but try to find peace in knowing Madey is in Heaven now and that she did a wonderful job during her short time on this earth when the rest of us could enjoy her. We love you and will see you soon!
I graduated from Howard Lake and our class also graduated with one less than we should have. My heart goes out to all those who were involved in this terrible accident. It is extremely sad, for teenagers should not have to deal with a loss like this.
To Dan, Julie, Morgan, and McCall– Words can not express how deeply saddened I am by your loss. May you take comfort in knowing that Madey is now an angel looking over and protecting you. I hope your memories of her will help you find the strength to get through this tragic time. Lean on your community, family and friends. We are all here praying for you.
To the Bayerl Family — Mitch is one of my nephew’s best friends. He is the only one of the four that I know personally. He is a great kid with a big heart and I continue to pray for his recovery. May he continue to gather strength from his family and friends in his time of healing both emotionally and physically.
To the Carlsted Family — I do not know Kacie personally, but I do know she loved to dance. My prayers go out for a speedy recovery. May she also find comfort in family and friends and the strength to get through the next few difficult weeks.
To the Barfnecht Family — May you continue to rally around Brie and give her comfort.
To the Class of 2008 — I am so sorry that what is to be a happy time in your life has suddenly become a somber one. Lean on one another and gather strength from each other. Hug. Cry. Let it out. The next few day/weeks will be very difficult but know in your heart that time will eventually heal your wounds.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Howard Lake Waverly Winsted community. You are in our thoughts today and the days ahead as we all mourn the loss of a bright young lady and the recovery of her classmates. God bless us all.
my thoughts and prayers are out to the families of madey, kacie, mitch and brie.I love them all dearly.you guys are strong and need to hang in there.your on a road to recovery.i cant wait to see my friends in great health again.i love you all.get better real soon i miss everyone.
love karen
Dan and Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter Madeseyn. I remember Madeseyn as a little girl while working at the Lake Bowl years ago. Please find comfort in all the memories you hold in your hearts of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Ann Hoover
We are strongly praying for all the victims of the car crash. We hope that Mitchell and Kacie will recover fast so they can continue on to college and with there dreams.
Just a note to let all the family’s know that we have been thinking of them constantly since hearing the sad news of the accident by Annandale. We are sincerely praying for all of you
and sending care and concern to each of you.
Marshall and LeAnn - our love to you. …To think we just shared time together on Sunday, never realizing what lie ahead in your lives. May God be with you-and we pray for Kacie and ALL of you. We can’t imagine how hard this must be. Our thoughts are with you every minute…
our prayers are with the victims & familys.How tragic.May God be with all of you and bring you comfort.
I was so so sad and sickened when i heard about the death of your daughter. I know all too well what your family is going through and will be going through in the months and years ahead. I lost my only child, Erik Anderson, on county road 14 in Buffalo 3 years ago. He was 16 years old and a Junior at Delano High. It’s something no one should have to go through, losing their child. I wish i could take all your pain away and help you through this somehow, but i cannot. You will be in our prayers, and in my thoughts in the weeks to come. If you ever need someone to talk too, or need to speak to someone who can relate, contact me. Again, i’m so sorry for your loss. God bless..
Mandy Henderson
Delano, MN
My sister is Midge Zaske Compton. Vern Kleve, Sr., Madey’s grandfather of McGregor is her hubby.
I have been reading the good wishes posted by friends, family, church family and everyone in the community. Midge and I and my other two sisters grew up in rural Renville and graduated from Danube High School. Seeing the community rise up and help support the Kleve family and the others involved in this horrible, tragic accident is so heartening and so “small town America”. When anyone is as devastated as these families, it is our families and church families and friends and neighbors that helps us get through the shock and despair, broken hearts and all the questions of “why”. And only when Madey welcomes us into eternity will be know the answer. And someone commented “she touched so many lives, even if she didn’t know it”.
My church family here in Angola, IN is praying for the Kleve family and all the others. My husband is a Gideon and they are praying. And he is part of a community prayer group also praying. It is prayer, lots of hugs and “I love you”s that will get them all through this - even one minute at a time. God mercies are new every morning.
God must be showered with prayers for these families and when they are ready to see it, they will see the showers of blessings to come from this. There will be something good.
And perhaps that deadly dangerous intersection will get fixed……
God’s mercies are new every morning
I witnessed the horrible crash and knelt helplessly near the victims while waiting for the paramedics. My heart aches for the Kleve family. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t find words that are strong enough to express how sorry I am. I pray for Madey, Mitch, Brie and Kacie and their families. I also pray for the classmates and the entire Howard Lake/Waverly/Winsted Community. Things like this change peoples’ lives forever. Daily life is just not the same. I struggle this week to find joy in my son’s graduation because my heart is so heavy. That day will be etched in my memory forever. That day the priority of my world changed.
Please know that all of your kind words,thoughts, and gestures are very much appreciated.
The meaning of a friend: A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. One that supports or patronizes a group or cause.
The meaning of support: To hold up or maintain in position. To be capable of bearing; withstand. To keep from failing during stress.
So many friends, so much support and caring from so many people. It is truly amazing the support which has been received from all the friends, family, neighbors and community members from the local areas as well as from around the state/s.
So many memories to reflect on and hold near and dear to our hearts. She may not be with us on this earth anymore physically, however, she will always remain in our hearts and on our minds. Nobody can take those memories away. She was a beautiful young woman with a caring heart and a caring spirit. Her beautiful smile was infectious and she will be missed terribly.
Brie, Kacie, Mitch and families - may you be touched by Gods healing hands and have a speedy recovery both physically and emotionally.
The past cannot be changed or filled with regret. We must learn and grow from our past in order to survive our future.
Reading the messages has brought me to tears. And though I do not know any of the people involved in this tragic moment persoanlly, it has brought back memories of when death or injury came to our school and my classroom. I was a high school teacher for more than 30 years. And I know that the heart ache is being felt not only by the immediate family members, but even by those who are far distant not only in the family line, but also by the miles that separate one another. It is not something that will go away in a few days, or weeks. So please continue to hold each and every one of the people involved, and their