News : Ron Fiebelkorn's memorial donates $2,000 to his 'furry friends'

Ron Fiebelkorn's widow Bev gives checks from his memorial to Donita Casey of Friends of the Shelter.

Ron Fiebelkorn and his first dog, Buddy, who Ron said was his only companion as a child.

Ron Fiebelkorn wanted all of the funds from his memorial to go to the Vinton Animal Shelter.

Muffin, the Lhasa Apso that was buried this month with Ron Fiebelkorn.

Ron Fiebelkorn loved animals, says his widow, Bev.

From his childhood to the day of his funeral, animals have been part of Ron’s story.

“He was adopted as a child, but not until he was age 4,” said Bev. “He said many times that his only companions were his dog, Buddy, and a stick.”

That love of animals stayed with Ron Fiebelkorn until his death on June 9.

“Ron made it clear two or three years ago that after he died, he wanted all memorials to go to his ‘furry friends,’” said Bev on Tuesday morning, as she sat at her kitchen table with Donita Casey of the Friends of the Vinton Animal Shelter.

Ron’s friends and family gave more than $2,000 in his memory; Bev presented the checks to Donita Tuesday in her home.

It would have been too difficult, she said for her to see the animals at the shelter.

“I would want to bring them all home with me,” she said.

Ron would often send a donation to the shelter, with a note saying the money was for his “furry friends,” said Donita. He too, stayed away from the shelter because he did not want to see animals living that way, said Bev.

The Friends of the Shelter will meet later to decide how to spend the money from Ron’s memorial, said Donita.

Bev said she wanted to publicize the memorial donation so people would be aware of the needs of the animals that Ron always called his "furry friends.'

She also wanted to thank everyone who donated in Ron's memory.

“I can’t believe the generosity of the people of our town,” said Bev.

Along with Mortimer, the purebred silver Persian cat who lives at the Fiebelkorn residence, Ron and Bev feed birds as well as a few squirrels that Bev watches as they chase each other around the yard.

Ron was also buried with Muffin, the couple's Lhasa Apso dog, Muffin.

Bev said Muffin suffered from the same ailments that Ron was battling, and after they had to have Muffin euthanized last year, Ron's health seemed to take a turn for the worst. Muffin was laid to rest with Ron earlier this month.

Bev clearly recalls how, a few days ago, when they buried Ron’s cremains, a squirrel came running into Evergreen Cemetery, and stood for a few moments on Ron’s grave, before scampering away.

“It was an omen,” said Bev, who hopes that those who remember Ron will continue to help take care of his "furry friends."