Thank you for all your stories! Keep posting your memories. We love to read about how Ali and Craig touched your lives.
We are compiling stories and memories of both Ali and Craig for the families. Please post specific memories and experiences you had with one or both of them. As many as you like! This way we can preserve everyone's relationships with and love for Craig and Ali, especially for Ali and Jeremy's children. I will be copying your posts into the books. If you know someone who might like to share a story, please forward them this blog address.
Ali W. Van Gieson
Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend
Craig Anthony Walther
Husband, Father, Grandpa, Son, Brother, Friend
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36 comments:
Shelby, I am so grateful this blog has been set up. I have so many wonderful memories of Ali. Could I email you? Please pass along my love and prayers to everyone! I will be flying in for the funeral, but please let me know if I can do anything!
Brittany Collier (Harney)
brittanyharney@gmail.com
harneyfam.blogspot.com
Walthers - I love you all so much and am so sorry. I have so many amazing memories of Craig and Allison.
One of my favorites of Ali was watching her grow during our year in high school choir together. The first time she got up to sing a solo, she was so nervous she broke into hives. But she put so much into her singing lessons that by the end of the year, she gave a beautiful solo. I was so impressed by her courage and dedication. It's a memory that captures who she is.
And Craig... I can't think about him without smiling. The way he would tease me, but make me feel so cared for at the same time. He welcomed me into his home and heart. You all did.
We are all better people because of our association and friendship with these very special, wonderful people. Only now, there in the Spirit World, can they begin to understand how vast and how significant Craig and Ali's influence has been on so many of us.
Ray Pettit
The first thing that came to mind when I was thinking about Craig was when he came to a couple of mine and Caprice's track meets in high school. I remember thinking that it was so cool that not only my brother-in-law would come, but that his dad came with him and how much that meant for him to support us. It still means a lot to me.
Dear Walther and Van Geison Family, Ali Van Geison was such a wonderful woman -- truly an inspirational person. Have you ever know someone who has sweet sophistication? Who is the most compassionate and humble person? A woman who was so gentle and kind and beautiful and talented but completely unpretentious? That was Ali. Ali was one of my favorite people. I was so fortunate to be her friend at church, at our FHE group and at my daugher, Addy's, ballet class. She was the mother of 3 beautiful children. Her oldest, Brinley is Addy's age. This little girl is a spittin image of her mother and I am sure will carry the legacy of her mother with her always. I pray that these little ones and their father, Jeremy, will be comforted and the Lord will be their companion throughout their lives. Sincerely, Jennifer Brimhall from St. Clair Shores, Michigan
I grew up with Ali and the Walther family. Craig was a sweet and spiritual man. We admire the family and children that he and Cathy raised. Ali was such a beautiful person inside and out. I haven't seen her in a really long time, but the memories I have of her while growing up are sweet. She was very good friends with my brother and made a huge impact on his life, for the good. That means alot to me. My heart and prayers go out to everyone. I want Ali's kids to know that she was always the beautiful person that brought them into this world. I know,as a mother to three young children myself, that she loved them very much......I ran into your little family in Idaho Falls at BOO at the Zoo, when you were living there and she was so proud of you kids! I could tell, motherhood and marriage suited her :) And your Dad must be an amazing man. I do not know him, but for your mommy to choose him for your daddy, makes him pretty special. Just know,that you will see her again.
Ali moved here to Michigan an year ago with a small baby, two children and husband in tow. She moved into a home on the street right behind me. I was thrilled to learn that I would have another Mormon family living so close to us. Ali started to work out with me at the YMCA three days a week. She was definately more dedicated at working out than I was. Ali also joined our Family Home Evening group we formed last summer/fall. So, even though she was here only a year she definately impacted my life. I never heard her angry or speak any unkind words to or about anyone. She was a patient, loving, kind mother. Despite her husband being gone a lot, I never heard her complain about it. She was a beacon of goodness and kindness whereever she went. I can honestly say that Ali has a strong beautiful spirit that lives on and will never be forgotten! We love her and will miss her sooo much!!
My prayers are with the lives of the family members that this tragedy has affected!
Courtney Burnette
Ali and Jeremy lived in our ward in Des Moines while Jeremy was going to medical school. Many students have lived here and moved away, but I can truly say that the Van Giesons were rare jewels who embraced the ward as a family and loved and served everyone.
Ali came to my home and helped watch my children one day a week durning a very challenging time for me. She was unendingly patient, always positive, incredibly supportive, and loved my kids like they were her own. She had an enormous impact on my life at the time and her presence improved the happiness of our home. She and I were pregnant at the same time together and she took such great joy in the process! As for our two year olds, we already determined that Brinley and Isaac would some day have to get married!
I want Ali's precious children to know how blessed they are to have had Ali as their mother, even for the scared short time she was here. She inspired everyone to love more deeply, give more fully and cherish every day moments. We will continue to celebrate the gifts of love that Ali gave our family, and miss her deeply. Van Giesons--we love you all.
Kimberly Helton
kimhelton@juno.com
I remember one day when Ali was babysitting at our house, I came home from school and had had a terrible day. I was very upset, but was trying to hide it. Ali could tell something was wrong and she asked me if I was OK. She put her arm around me and I finally told her what happened. She was very understanding and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to.
I will really miss her. We all loved her.
Madison Helton (age 12)
Dear Walther and Van Gieson Families: Thank you for sharing Ali with us in our ward in Michigan. I was in Ali's family home evening group. Though we didn't have long to get to know her, she always brought a smile wherever she went. I knew by the way she lived that she had a strong testimony and did all she could to share it with her children. I substitute taught Jacob's Sunbeam class and was so impressed with his intelligence and testimony. What a blessing they are here to carry on Ali's legacy of peace and happiness. Please know that you have been in our prayers since we found out on the 19th and will continue to be. Jeremy, Russ is just a phone call away if you ever need. We know the Lord will always bless you,and we pray for him to send you his choicest blessings and comfort especially during this terrible loss.
Members of the Des Moines Third Ward were stunned to learn of Ali's untimely death. Jeremy, Ali, and their children were very much part of our ward family. We love them and miss them, and we cannot believe the turn of events that has taken Ali. Jeremy, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We ask Heavenly Father to comfort and strengthen you and your beautiful children.
Love,
Dee and Brenda Oviatt
and so many more DM3 ward members
Although we didn't know Craig and Ali well, we did know other members of the VanGieson and Walther families and we wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss and to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We pray that the Lord will bless you with sweet experiences that will carry you throughout this time of sorrow.
With Love, John & Judy Vogel
Ali and I were Laurel Advisors together. She was so much fun to be around and such an example. I loved her lessons and spending time with her at activites. I know the girls loved her to! She had the best smile and was always so happy.
What a beautiful person Ali was. We met last year when she and her family moved into our ward. Our daughters, Brinley and Sofia had ballet class together every Tuesday morning and we would love to just sit and chat. I'll miss that. My favorite memory would have to be when Ali & Jeremy and my husband, Tadj and I took our turn babysitting for Temple Saturday. A record number of families dropped their children off to us and the temple session ran super-long. For nearly 3 hours we tended to about 20 children! Ali was never overwhelmed. She tended to each child happily and even changed the poopy diapers I didn't want to. We were so happy to bond with Ali and her family that day. She brought a sweet serenity to a very CRAZY situation. She will be missed by our family and we look forward to meeting her again.
Sincerely,
The Hemingway Family: Tadj, Natalie, Sofia, Grayson, and Scarlett
I have wonderful memories of Brother Walther (I still have a hard time calling him Craig) teaching Gospel Doctrine in our ward. He was such a great teacher, and I loved how he and Kathy interacted in class - I could tell they loved each other very much. Allison was my daughter Natalie's Laurel advisor for about a year. Natalie said Sister VanGieson was so purely GOOD - and so obedient. She was one of her most favorite teachers. We send our love to Kathy and all the Walthers and to Jeremy and the VanGieson children. Know that as much as you miss Craig and Allison, they miss you, too.
Our family grew up with the Walther family, and I have always admired them. They are such an amazing family. I remember Ali as the perfect girl, who was always so happy and cheerful, and nice to everyone. She was always so beautiful and charming and she meant so much to my mother and my brother. My mother was her young womens leader for years, and would always tell us all the wonderful things about her, and how much she loved her. She was also very close with my brother, and I know that she will always have a special place in his heart for the impact she had on him. She will be greatly missed as will her dad, and I just wanted to tell her kids that they had and Amazing mother, and that they should look forward to the day they will be with her again.
To Kathy and Family -Craig has been a wonderful Gospel Doctrine teacher and the lessons he has taught have helped me change my life weekly for the better, he really knew how to teach with the spirit of the God. I can still hear his voice, so strong yet so gentle and humble, we will miss him and know we will be able to see him again.
I was Jacob's Nursery Leader and was so completely amazed by this little 2 year old boy who knew all the words to the primary songs and taught all the others about Jesus.
He clearly has a wonderful mother Allison who taught him to love the lord and know of Jesus and Heavenly Father's love for us all.
You are in our prayers, may peace and love abide
The Burnside Family
Ali was a great friend to me. We were chemistry lab partners at Rogers High School and went to the Junior Prom together our Senior year. "Of all the fish in the sea, will you go to prom with me" I remember we had a great time traveling up to Seattle in Mindy Shaw's grandparents limo and eating dinner at the Olympic Four Seasons, since the Garden Court Restaurant fit the "Secret Garden" theme. We had the best time.
I remember attending your wedding reception and getting the opportunity to congratulate your family and meet your husband. While our physical paths haven't crossed over the years, I enjoyed getting emails from you and keeping up on the happenings in your life. You will be sorely missed, but remembered fondly in my memories.
Adam Vincent
Rogers High School - Class of 98
Boston, MA
Growing up in the Ridgecrest Ward we had a strong youth. Ali of course was one you knew had a strong testimony of the gospel. Many will mention her smile and the spirit that radiated from it. I may not have been a close friend of hers, but I know without a doubt that she loves her children and still takes great care in that blessed calling. As for Brother Walter, I remember more… Most recently I was in a Ward who met after the Ridgecrest Ward. I saw him in the hall almost every Sunday, and he always stopped to talk, of course asking how we were and also sharing his love of his grandchildren. He made me feel of worth as he stopped to talk, as I was having a hard time fitting into a new ward. At one time Ali was in town with her children and he shared how great it was to have them for that time. There was no doubt of the great love he had being a grandfather. I can also remember him coming through the “Time Machine” in Primary as an ancient Prophet dressed in a robe and all! I can’t think of a greater man who can serve as a leader in the Bishopric and when has fulfilled that, gone onto be a fellow Primary Teacher. I have observed him being an active Father watching and helping with sports, seen the great love he has for his equally as wonderful wife, and be such an active participant in the gospel. There is no doubt that Ali was born of goodly parents and was also that for her children as well. Thank you for being such a good example to us all.
With love, Tarah Corrales-King
Dear Kathy and family,
Words cannot express the sadness we all felt upon hearing of Craig and Ali's death. We have many fond memories of watching and admiring the way you and Craig raised your beautiful family. What terrific kids you have! Kendelle remembers Brother Walther as one of her favorite primary teachers when she was a Sunbeam. And I remember Craig as a real "lifesaver" when I was the Ridgecrest Ward primary president. I could always count on him to help out with the rowdy kids! You must know how much we love you and love your wonderful family. We will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers. And I know that the Lord will wrap his loving arms around you and carry you throughout this difficult time.
With love, KB, Kimberley, Erin, Corey, Kendelle and Dallen James
I think I speak for all of "The Boys" when I say that I am so grateful for the role that Craig played in our lives. As a youth leader, we felt the love he had for each of us and how he wanted the best for everyone of us. He had the coolest nickname, "Cra". When we went bowling for mutual that's all that would fit from his name and we spent the whole night (and, pretty much, ever since) saying "Cra" as obnoxiously as we could.
As I have thought about this tragedy the last week I have thought about the power of Craig. I think the character of a man's children can be considered a reflection of his own. I am grateful for my friendship of Brian & Mike. The way they live their lives is a testament to their father. His power will always show through them.
I can still see Craig asleep on the couch all the times I went over there to see Mike and Brian. He was a great example to me growing up.
I met Ali while she was living with her parents during Jeremy's 4th year of medical school. We were new in the ward, but had just finished residency about year before so we had that immediate "wife of a med student, no he's not here, anyone want to talk to another adult, I'm sure I can figure it out" bond. I remember how much she talked about loving to be with her mom. She wouldn't even plan a play date or a visit at a park on the days her mom was home from work because that was her "mom time." I really admired their relationship and that even while living at home as an adult with children that she looked forward to spending as much time together as they could. Ali was one of my visiting teachers and for the first time in my whole life I looked forward to having my visiting teachers come every month. She was a faithful visiting teacher who so easily and quickly became my friend. She always brought a thoughtful message, invited the Spirit, and bore strong testimony of the truths she held most dear. We loved that they would come early or stay later just so all the kids could play and we could chit chat for an extra long visit! Her smile is unforgettable. I loved her smile and could always count on her big grin to brighten my day! This summer when she came home from Michigan to visit her family I walked into Sunday School and saw her sitting with her parents on the back row. There wasn't AN empty chair next to her, but instead a whole stack of chairs and no room to put the extras. That didn't stop me. I told her I knew where I wanted to sit and proceeded to move all those extra chairs. I remember her laughing and being all for it! About a week or so after that day we went to park with all our kids and Amanda Macdonald. It was a hot day (for Seattle anyway!) and the kids kept running over to the water fountain to get drinks. (I think Jake found it easiest to get drinks from the doggie water fountain at the bottom which grossed her out and made her laugh at the same time!) Of course the water fountain was just out of site so whenever anyone went over there, her kids or mine, she just jumped up to keep an eye on them. I told her I was feeling rather lazy for her to keep getting up on account of my kids, but she insisted she was happy to do it. That was just the way she was, happy and eager to serve others. Brinley and my son Parker were in the same Sunbeam class and CTR 5 class which I often substituted in because I didn't have a Sunday calling at the time. It was obvious that Ali and Jeremy loved the gospel and taught their young children at an early age because Brinley always knew the answers! (A little bit like her mom at that age, so I'm told!) I'm such a better person for having known the beautiful, confident, humble, divine, purposeful woman that Ali was and always will be. I will miss her!
Brother Walther was a favorite person of so many. I loved his Sunday school lessons and always thought it was funny that he would more often than not call on Ali to say the closing prayer at the end of his lessons. I loved watching him with his grandkids and how he could adore them and still seem to listen to the lesson! That Sunday when I moved all the chairs to sit next to Ali I was happily distracted and busy admiring Tyler and his newly acquired walking skills. I noticed the love in Brother Walthers face as he looked at Tyler most of the lesson, but then without skipping a beat could make a meaningful comment on the lesson. One day after my Laurel lesson, he came into the classroom to stack chairs. He was always so genuine and asked how I was liking my new calling. Of course I told him how much I loved it and that they better not have any plans to release me any time soon. He laughed because as soon as I said it, I realized that I had just put myself in jeopardy because I had admitted out loud that I liked my calling. He laughed that sometimes as soon as we like our calling that we get released which made me reply how "hard" and "difficult" my calling was, but I would just "stick with it!" He was so funny and just told me we could pretend we never had that conversation which is good because I will deny it if anyone asks!
oops! forgot to "sign" my name!
Love and prayers, Julie Savoldi
The Walther's and the Green families crossed paths when our daughter Alita met Mike Walther. It didn't take long for them to become engaged. Before they could get married, the Green's and the Walther's had to have a volley ball face off. Each had a vote of who would win. There were strong players on both sides. With an athletic family like the Walthers, we didn't have much of a chance. We loved the Walthers right from the beginning. The are so down to earth and genuinily good and wholesome people. We are so glad our lives crossed paths. We almost had Kathy and Craig talked into joining a golf league with us.
Maybe in heaven Kathy, what do you say? We were devastated when Alita got the news about Craid and Ali. Your families will always be in our prayers.
Lane & LaWana Green
I attended the burial. It was sweet and sad to see Craig and Allison placed side by side. Father & Daughter. It brought tears to my eyes for such sadness. Family did so well and were so brave during such a hard moment in time, I am glad for the peace that comes in knowing Gods plan. I pray for peace to be unto the Walther and Van Gieson families.Much love & respect Candice Blackham
ooops I left my first comment in the wrong spot...
I thought very highly of Bro. & Sis. Walther. They did truely seem to have an old fashioned love full of love and respect. He was such a kind man with a warm bright smile. I was not surprised to hear he was in the Bishop ric. Thankfully famillies are forever. LUV Sister Blackham
We are so sad about loosing such a great and dear friend. My wife had the great opprotunity to serve with her in the primary presidency in Iowa. She had a love for the kids in primary like no other that I have never seen. Our prayers are with you and your family Jeremy. I can not wait for the day to again see our dearest friend Allison.
Marty, Holly, Chelsey and Tanner
DeMasters
What can you say about your big brother. Memories of being taught how to play ping pong in the back yard, including how to play of the splinters in the table and using to the wobble in the legs to make that long lob just hit with a little help from your hip.
The first night in the tent trailer at Farewell Bend Idaho, Craig and Dad on the windward side to keep us on the ground, and the speculation the next morning as to whether the wind would blow the sand back the next night.
Putting up with his little brother. Pillow fights in the basement. The old green VW bug. Scambled eggs with salsa when he got back from his Mission. Ushering for his wedding reception at the Garden Park Ward.
Dropping off our kids when we went to the hospital to have a little brother. Golfing, in Arizona (110 degrees) I think it gets hotter every time I tell that story, and about everywhere else we went.
Looking out from the pulpit at the funeral, seeing a Stake Center filled wall to wall, You and Ali were loved because you loved others. You recieved because you gave. You will always be remembered because you always remembered others.
We love you and miss you, but look to the time when we too will be together with you, Ali, Dad, Ray and all the rest.
Love you!
Your little brother Jay
I am too stunned and saddened by the death of Ali. I am greateful for Jeremy's testimony of eternal families and hislovefor her and their children. Ali and I were neighbors in Des Moines while our husbands attended Medical Scool. Ali always had a smileonher face and just happy to be with her family and enjoying the journey of school with Jeremy. I chuckle at the memory of many ultrasounds with Jacob that determined he was a girl, only to laugh and be surprised right along with her when he was a BOY! But, I will always be grateful to Ali for helpign me inapinch whenI went into labor with #3 3 weeks early and without hesitation, even though Jacob was about 8 weeks old, she took my older two kids for 2 days while I labored and recovered and my husband went to school. You are a dear friend Ali, I pray for your dear husband and children every day and I know you are at peace and know they will be taken care of.
My comment information
Josh and Courtney Stubblefield Des Moines, IA
jdcps@hotmail.com
thestubblefieldstory.blogspot.com
I have very fond memories of Ali. During the Olympics her cute husband made huge amounts of money per hour helping dump the porta-potties and we all said we should take our personal leave and do it, too!!! At that time the uppper floor did lots of things together and I do remember how much fun she was. My heart just broke when Charity called and told me the news. It's been a hard few weeks. One hard to understand. Ali will be missed by so many people. She
and her cute husband we so much in love and caring for each other. She had a smile and something funny to say for everyone. :) {This was from Brenda Marvel - a teacher that Ali worked with at Maeser Elementary in Provo, UT}
We are in the Ridgecrest ward. I haven't been in the ward that long, but I do want to share one thing...Ruby, my daughter is Brinley's age, and they were in the same primary class and Ruby adores her. The other day, we were going to Bradley Lake Park, and Ruby said, "Bradley and Brinley rhyme, so everytime you say Bradley lake park, I think about Brinley!" I thought it was sweet, and maybe Brinley can hear that Ruby thinks of her.
I typed up an entry in my blog about these two wonderful people. If you are still looking for a thought or two about them from friends, here is my blog addy: http://bccelebrates.blogspot.com/2008/09/because-i-remember-them.html.
Thank you Shelby for setting up the blog. Its been wonderful to read others' comments.
What a wonderful blog.
I met Ali when we first moved into the ward. What a wonderful person. I enjoyed her smile and all of the conversations we had. She was a wonderful mother and friend- she will be missed by so many.
Brother Walther was such a neat man. The last thing he said to me in the hall of church brought so much happiness to my heart dluring a huge trial. He was a disciple of Christ and shared that love to everyone around him.
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