On February 1st our family experienced some of the darkest days we have ever faced, my parents’ forever retirement home caught fire, and they lost not only their dream house, but they also lost family heirlooms, clothes, and most importantly they lost their livelihood, and all their hard work. They have worked and built their lives from the ground up not only as individuals but as a team, and all of that has been taken from them. The house and everything inside is a complete loss.

My grandmother also lived in the home and lost everything as well. My dad and Grandmother are all due to have heart surgery in the next month. This displacement is going to be extremely hard due to the care they will need after surgery.

My grandmother and father came over here to the United States from Germany at an early age and unfortunately, everything they brought over have been damaged due to the fire. These are items that our family held very closely and held onto for many years to pass on through generations. This fire has been devastating for all of us in so many ways.

My father had his father’s ashes and at this time they had been unfound. Along with all Family photos and videos.

Our mother is doing the best she can to keep working and hold the family together under all the misfortunate circumstances that they are facing at this time. She is currently the only one working and providing for their household.

Growing up all I can remember is my parents helping and providing a happy safe home not just for us kids but anyone that was in need. We have had foster children, a foreign exchange student, family and friends staying with us. My parents have never asked for help in anyway and this is our time to give back in a time of need. I pray that we can raise enough money to pay on going expenses of everything while everything gets sorted out. They still have water, electricity, sewer and trash bills along with whatever else.

We are extremely grateful and thankful that everyone including our family dog was able to make it out safe.

IF you would like to make a private donation, please feel free to send to Lori & David @ Zelle - [phone redacted] or Venmo @dwk9248 and Facebook Messenger @ Lori white kopietz (She is tagged in this post)