Members of the ‘Graveyard Gang’ - Bill, Bev, Ron, Paul and Bob.
When remains are laid to rest in a sacred place, the members of the community have the opportunity to spend time with them. A cemetery is a place for families and friends to mourn and reflect on the lives of the deceased.
St. Charles parish cemetery was established in 1872 with grave markers dating back to the 1800s. After years of neglect, the graveyard had fallen into disrepair. The ground was uneven and many of the gravestones were broken or falling over.
In the early 1990s, a group of men belonging to St. Charles Parish decided to repair and restore this historic property. They used money from the St. Charles Cemetery Trust Fund to buy equipment and materials. As time went on, cement curbs and bases were poured, damaged headstones were repaired and trees and flowers were planted.
In 1997 The Apostles Columbarium was erected. When the first structure reached near capacity, a second one, called The Holy Spirit Columbarium, was built in 2016. This Columbarium has over eighty spots still available.
For Ron Desilets, one of the original group of parishioners who restored the graveyard, taking care of the cemetery is a labor of love. He has recruited a group of buddies who help him and they call themselves ‘The Graveyard Gang’.
When asked why he feels taking care of the graveyard is important he said, ”People live, die, and are buried here. Their family moves away and they have no one to take care of their graves.” The perpetual care provided shows the faithful departed are not being forgotten and their remains are being respected.
Many thanks to The Graveyard Gang - Bill, Bev, Ron, Paul, and Bob for your many hours of labor making St. Charles Cemetery a beautiful resting place for our departed family and friends.
