Families and friends from across Nebraska gathered at the Heartfelt Children’s Memorial in Seward on Sunday, May 24, for the organization’s Annual Remembrance Ceremony.
The event brought together parents, relatives and supporters to honor the lives of children who have passed away while celebrating the mission that Heartfelt has carried forward for more than two decades.
Heartfelt Connections Grief Support was founded in 2002 to provide support for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. The Heartfelt Children’s Memorial, dedicated in 2015, serves as a lasting place of remembrance where families can reflect, heal and celebrate the lives of their children. The memorial includes remembrance walls, a fountain, a butterfly garden, and the “I Am The Light” sculpture, all designed to provide a peaceful setting for visitors.
One of the most meaningful traits of the memorial is its engraved bricks. Each brick represents the life of a child and provides families with a permanent place where that child’s name can be remembered and honored. For many families, the bricks offer a physical connection to their loved one and a place to visit throughout the year. Children from across the United States and even other countries are represented on the memorial walls.
Diane Krieser, president of Heartfelt, said this year marked significant growth for the memorial. Twenty-two new bricks were dedicated during the ceremony, compared to nine new bricks last year. Those new bricks represent children from 11 different states and one foreign country, showing how Heartfelt’s impact extends far beyond Seward County. With this year’s additions, the memorial now contains 370 engraved bricks honoring children and their families.
As part of the ceremony, the names of the children being remembered this year were read aloud. Those honored included Aria Ember Harrison, Anthem Arrow Harrison, Arken Veil Harrison, Olivia Grieser, Morrison E. Zimmer, Finnegan E. Zimmer, Tyson E. Zimmer, Charles “Charlie” Kohl, Luke Guetti, Katie Klinge, Mox Steele, Nichole Block, Gabriel Smith, Judah Oberdieck, Harper Haney, Joshua D. Johnson, Courtney Graff, Jarod Haas, Justin Meinberg, Daniel Davis Jr., Barrett Gleason, and Morgan Hallstrom.
Pastor David Rempfer of St. John’s Lutheran Church delivered the prayer and sermon during the event. His message focused on the triggers that often remind grieving parents and families of those they have lost. He spoke about how anniversaries, holidays, songs, places, and everyday moments can unexpectedly bring back memories and emotions. While those reminders can be difficult, he encouraged attendees to embrace those memories and lean on faith, family, and community support during their grief journey.
Krieser and board member Lynn Brumm also addressed those in attendance. They discussed Heartfelt’s continuing mission and the importance of maintaining connections among families who have experienced the loss of a child.
As the organization looks to the future, Krieser said Heartfelt hopes to continue expanding its support while making resources easier for families to access.
“We want to get to the point where we can make the Heartfelt family a long-term resource for those who need it when I’m long gone,” Krieser said.
In addition to maintaining the memorial and offering support programs, Heartfelt benefits from a partnership with People’s City Mission in Lincoln through a donation box located at 215 N. 6th Street near Fast Mart in Seward. The donation box is owned by Heartfelt, and donations made there directly support both People’s City Mission and Heartfelt’s mission.
The donation site accepts gently used clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bedding, towels, curtains, and other fabric items. Household goods such as furniture, books, and electronics cannot be accepted. Donations help families in need through the mission while also supporting Heartfelt financially, as the organization receives a stipend based on the weight of donated items.
Community support for the project has been substantial. During 2025 alone, more than 91,222 pounds of donations were collected through the Heartfelt-owned donation box. Those contributions not only helped individuals and families in need but also provided funding that allows Heartfelt to continue serving grieving families.
The ceremony concluded with Heartfelt’s traditional butterfly release, symbolizing remembrance, hope, and the lasting connection between families and the children they honor. As butterflies drifted into the spring sky, the observers were reminded that while loss remains part of their lives, they do not face it alone. Through the memorial, support services, and the generosity of the community, Heartfelt continues to provide hope, healing, and a place where every child is remembered.
