15 Comments
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Chuck Offenburger's avatar

What a great event in the Iowa countryside! I especially liked your caption on the final photo: “If you missed them in Pilot Mound…”

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Ha! Yes, just in case! Thanks, Chuck!

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Marla's avatar

Cheryl, you encapsulated Jane’s storied career beautifully! One of my fondest memories was when Jane and Walter stayed with us for one of their earlier Pilot Mound concerts…Jane in our musty basement going through her vocals and Walter in the shower doing the same. The old farmhouse never sounded so glorious! Thanks for sharing! I am sad I missed it.

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David S. Bender's avatar

Thank you so much for the wonderful article. She brings her dedication and commitment to all her work,

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

100% Thank you!

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Marshall Grabau's avatar

Thank you for sharing. I was fortunate to be present for a concert featuring Jane Thorngren, her husband Walter McNeil and Duane Funderburk at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive. Duane and our choir director Eric Dale Knapp were collaborator/rivals in Des Moines in the 1990's. Our church choir even performed with Duane in local concerts. These concerts are cherished memories for me. As a former Boone County boy, I think of Jane every time I drive past Pilot Mound.

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Thank you, Marshall, for adding your Thorngren, MacNeil,Funderburk memory. I understand that Duane was involved in organizing/performing in concerts during his years in Des Moines. Jane said her mom was acquainted with Duane before Jane ever met him, through these earlier concerts in Des Moines — maybe some of the ones where your church choir performed! I will share your memory with Jane! Thank you.

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Andy Lyons's avatar

A tragic fire. A blizzard. That darned bridge! And the goes on. There's no place like home. Terrific story, Cheryl. Sounds like theperformance was too.

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Thanks, Andy!

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Sarah Orngard's avatar

It was a wonderful night Cheryl, and you captured it! So glad it stopped snowing.

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Me, too, Sarah! Thanks you to you, Andy, and Shelley for being there!

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John Schmidt's avatar

Great story!

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Thanks, John. Glad you enjoyed it!

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DBG's avatar

Thank you for bringing us this story. No words for their loss and for the beauty of their art.

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

You’re welcome! Thank you.

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