Several members of a Crawford County farm family have made a big contribution to a local veterans memorial project being completed outside the courthouse in Denison. Dean Hargens of Denison says his family decided to donate 25-hundred dollars to the memorial project to honor their dad. He says he asked his brothers to make a donation and he says they decided to pool their money as a family in honor of their father.
Hargens is one of seven sons of the late Louie and Eva Hargens. He says his parents are the inspiration for the gift. He says his dad was a very proud veteran who came back to farm after getting out of the military. Hargens says his mom was from Tennessee. He says his dad instilled in them to do a good job in whatever you do in life. Hargens says the fundraising for the memorial is moving right along. Hargens says they’ve raised over 50-thousand dollars and need 75-thousand. He says they hope to have the memorial done by Memorial Day of 2006.
The memorial will feature six granite modules — all seven feet tall by five feet wide. Each of the modules will feature the names of Crawford County veterans who have served their country dating back to World War Two. Two of Hargens’ brothers, Louie Junior of Charter Oak, and Bob of Des Moines will be recognized in the new memorial. Other family members include: George of Sioux City, Bill of Council Bluffs, Roger of Johnston and Jack of Denison.