Dear Friends and Family of the Zwettler's,

For those that don't know me, I grew up with Jim and have been a longtime friend of his. Like a long line of you, my life has been greatly enriched by knowing Jim Zwettler. Definitely the funniest man I know, and so good natured and fun to be around. Of course if you'd seen us play games or do puzzles together, you'd know it didn't take much for us to enjoy each other's company. Jim's been my best friend since middle school and I was so incredibly lucky to be in Minneapolis when Jim moved up here. We had some awesome years living together and weekend trips and a chance to continue our bromance through fatherhood into our middle ages. 

Many of you might know that Jim loved the MN state fair. I'd say he rarely missed it and many years he went two or more times. If you didn't know that, perhaps you did  know that the man can eat junk food like it's his job and that he is long in the sweet-tooth. He is also a prolific and above-average player of bar games (darts, foosball, etc)  So you add that up and you can see that the MN state fair was a good opportunity for Jim to eat more than anyone should in a day and stop by the Midway for some stuffed-animals for the kiddos. 

So we are going to get a memorial bench at the state fair dedicated to Jim. I ran it by the family and they love it. Here is a link that explains the benches and all of the details. Jim's bench will be found in the RED section of the map. The backrest of Jim's bench is going to say 'Zwettler Fam'. On one side of the backrest will be a placard with a photo of Jim's family and some immortal words from the man himself. 

There are hard times ahead, but I take a little solace in thinking about a day down the road when the hurt is a little less raw. I can find Jim's bench, sit and think of Jim, his humor and spirit and recall some of the many happy memories with him. Then...once my face stops melting, I'll probably have a fat bacon or an espresso float, or a pickle dog or maybe all 3 in Jim's honor. 

The memorial bench is not a terrible amount of money and I was prepared to find a few people to split it with, but then it occurred to me that there might be a bunch more people who would appreciate the opportunity to contribute towards some type of remembrance of Jim and that when presented in that community spirit, it was even better that way. So, I'm setting up a gofundme site for donations. But, what I'm really trying to express is that this is it not about the AMOUNT OF MONEY but rather the AMOUNT OF PEOPLE who wish to contribute. I ask that if you wish to donate, you donate LESS than $50 per person or LESS than $100 per family. Seriously, give the people who would like to give a small amount a chance to. I do encourage you to share the gofundme link wherever someone who loved Jim might be found. 

If by some chance we somehow come up short, it will be taken care of. If we somehow raise too much money (hopefully gofundme doesn't allow that) it will be given to Molly to do whatever she wants with it. 

I'll figure out a way to present something nice to the family that lists the names of donors. If someone out there has an idea or the inclination to make that a reality let me know. 

Along with the Zwettler's, you all are in my thoughts too. This whole situation ain't right, and it could mess you up pretty bad. Jim doesn't want that and neither do your loved ones. Find someone to talk to or pay someone smart to talk to. Take care of yourselves.