Transitions: Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck loved music, passes away

Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck, age 60, of Philo and Tolono, had a passion for live music, especially listening to her partner Dave Lindsey play. She enjoyed her yearly Rock and Roll cruises. She died August 30, 2020 at her home.

Jan is survived by her son Ryan Reifsteck, The Meekers; her adoptive family; her partner David Lindsey and siblings.

She was born January 20, 1960 in Urbana, a daughter of Lynn and Dorothy Meisenhelter.

Among the dearest to her heart was the collection of knives made by her loving friend Craig Schneider. She loved animals and sitting by bon fires enjoying friends, family, and nature. Jan was also known for her elaborate music collection, her ability to be spontaneous and enjoy life as well as her care and compassion for others. She is at peace now with her beloved parents and pet Warlock.

"When you can’t find the light that got you through the cloudy days; when the stars ain’t shinin’ bright; you feel like you’ve lost your way; when the candlelight of home; burns so very far away; well, you got to let your soul shine."

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or C4A -Community Center for the Arts in Urbana, Illinois.

SJO youth wrestling club needs your help to build a permanent home

Dear Editor,

Wrestling has been part of the St. Joseph-Ogden community since 1990. Oftentimes this is the first organized sport that kids partake in as members have started as young as four years old. Athletes who have been part of the program have been taught life lessons such as commitment, hard work, dedication, responsibility, resiliency, and a sense of ownership. The program has also produced numerous State Qualifiers, All-Staters, and SJO’s first two state champions.

Here is where your help is needed.

For years the youth wrestlers have used the St. Joseph-Ogden High School facilities as their wrestling home. Although the relationship has been a mutually beneficial one, it is time for the youth wrestling program to find a permanent home.

The SJO Youth Wrestling Club has been conducting a search for a new facility that will meet the ever changing needs of the community and the program. The idea is for the Youth Wrestling Club to have a place that can be used year round for practices, dual meets, and off-season training. This need has arisen due to the popularity of the sport and a lack of space to provide more opportunities for those interested. The facility will allow wrestlers, from pre-K through college, a space to wrestle, lift weights, and build relationships; a place that all SJO wrestlers can call HOME.

The SJO Youth Wrestling Club is looking for individuals and businesses to help our current and future wrestlers find a home. Each generous donation will receive recognition via a donor wall that will be visible to all that enter the future home of Spartan Wrestling. The donations levels are listed below.

SPARTAN LEVEL -$2500 +
MAROON LEVEL- $1000-$2499
COLUMBIA BLUE LEVEL- $500-$999
WHITE LEVEL- $250-$499
INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTIONS-up to $250

Email: sjoyouthwrestling@gmail.com
GoFundMe: SJO Wrestling Building

We thank you for taking the time to consider donating to this tremendous opportunity. We are grateful for any amount you are able to donate and thankful we live in communities that are always supportive of our youth. Go Spartans!!

Richard Vetter, Vice-President
SJO Youth Wrestling Board