A memorial service will be held this morning for the four children who died in last week’s house fire near Greeley in northeast Iowa. Fourteen-year-old Abigail Zeil, 8-year-old Tyler Hansen, 7-year-old Megan Hansen and 3-year-old Haylee Hansen died in the fire.
West Delaware Middle School Principal Randy Stanek says classmates and teachers from across the West Delaware School District will attend the services. Stanek says they’re not expecting a large service since the seating capacity is limited but many students and their family members will be going.
Lambert Elementary Principal Carol Tjaden says the students have been joining in community efforts to donate to the families involved, but they want to do something special on their own to remember their classmates. Tjaden says they’re putting together a memory book for the family that will be composed of things contributed by the students.
Monday was the first day for classes at West Delaware since the deadly fire, due to last week’s severe winter weather. Stanek says it gave students time for the news to sink in, though Monday was still a difficult day. He says counselors were on hand for the students and staff.
Anytime you lose a student, regardless of age, it’s a very sad situation and a sad day for our school district and our entire community,” Stanek says. Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M. at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home in Manchester, with burial at a later date.