When Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation volunteers recently gathered for their annual Rendezvous, they did more than just successfully carry out another on-the-ground conservation project. They also remembered several of their own.
Members of all ages from the James River Valley (Mitchell) Chapter came together to erect a memorial sign in the Black Hills for Don and Matt Wetzel, a father and son who were faithful RMEF volunteers that had passed away.
“You could tell Don and Matt were passionate RMEF volunteers by the amount of friends and family members that joined us to put up the memorial for the both of them,” said Mason Cooper, RMEF regional director in South Dakota. “I truly feel there is no better way to honor two RMEF volunteers that put blood, sweat and tears in to our mission and projects in the beautiful state of South Dakota. Even though they are gone, they will never be forgotten.”
The group dedicated its 2018 Rendezvous as a memorial year for all the beloved volunteers lost over the last several years including Mike Broderson, Becky Merkel, Jim Rosa, Matthew Wetzel, Donald Wetzel and Keith Williams.
(Photo source: South Dakota RMEF Facebook page)