The service for the Christian reburial of Maria Ridulph was held Sunday. The service was private and attended by family and close friends, many of whom have lived through these tragic events from the beginning.

The service began at Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John at 2 p.m., and it continued with the committal at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore. It was followed by a family gathering and fellowship meal at the church.

The service was officiated by the Rev. Robert Weinhold from St. John Lutheran Church in Sycamore, with the message of comfort delivered by the Rev. Paul Koester from Greenfield Park Lutheran Church in West Allis, Wis. The Rev. Koester is a longtime friend and classmate of myself.