Established in 2002, the St. John Lutheran Cemetery plaque commemorates a rich history. St. John Lutheran Cemetery’s story began much earlier, in 1848. German settlers from Posen and Pomerania arrived in the area, seeking new lives. These settlers founded St. John Lutheran Church in 1853. The community faced tragedy in 1873. A smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of eleven church members. These individuals, along with other victims, were laid to rest on the land of Henry Raatz, a church member. Initially, most graves were unmarked. Wilhelm F. Petrich’s grave stands as the earliest marked burial at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Raatz generously donated the land to the church in 1878, formally establishing it as a graveyard. Over a century later, the community still utilizes this historic cemetery. A dedicated association, formed in 1973, ensures the St. John Lutheran Cemetery’s continued preservation. The St. John Lutheran Cemetery plaque serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience, faith, and enduring connection to their history.
Greenwood Church
How about a story of faith spanning generations? This is the story of Greenwood Church. Greenwood Church has a rich