Wisconsin

June 6, 2026 – November 21, 2026
Opening Reception: July 25, 2026 1PM – 3PM
Sauk Prairie River Arts Center, Prairie du Sac, WI

Devin Hart Bearden

Devin Hart Bearden

Caring, athletic, bright, witty, attractive At 6’2”, Devin was lanky, handsome, and a natural athlete. Equally at home on a skateboard, snowboard, or when surﬁng, he was a pleasure to watch; so ﬂuid and graceful. He was a good soccer and baseball player and loved hiking in nature or being at the beach, especially on the annual family beach trips to Hatteras in North Carolina.

Ethan Augsburger - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Ethan Augsburger

Loyal, laid back, smart outdoorsman Ethan, the easy-going, intelligent man loved by many, belonged by the water. As a kid living on Lake Butte des Morts, a passion for fishing developed at an early age. He was graced with a photographic memory. Demonstrating ample dedication as an angler, he won fishing contests in the Fox Valley area, and it became clear that a future in environmental protection and resources was on the horizon. Generous, loyal, caring, and smart, he stood up for those who needed it and maintained lifelong friends. His younger brother Evan was close kin, as was his best friend Mike and his partner Samantha.

Adrianna Awes - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Adrianna Awes

Bubbly, warm, unforgettable best friend With a smile that lit up the room and irresistible, infectious laughter, Adri Awes was pure love in human form. Encouraging and welcoming, she befriended those around her with ease, coaxing out the best traits in them. The song of her soul often emerged on car rides with her best friend Angela or on nights full of live music, showing off her good energy and fun-loving spirit. Though busy from day to day, Adri prioritized quality time with those most important to her, whether it was on holidays, birthdays, or for a meal and catch-up chat. Angela’s children, Lilah and Oliver, became two of Adri’s favorite people, and she was overjoyed to become Lilah’s godmother. Adri’s sister Marina, her brother Aris, her parents, and her Pappou formed her closest bonds, along with chosen family in the form of friends and workmates.

Robert J. Barajas - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Robert J. Barajas

Loving, energetic, creative, protective prankster Bobby Barajas, remembered for his loving, kind, and humorous nature, was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. A sensitive heart coupled with a lively spirit made him a caring and compassionate friend, brother, and father. His passions included making everyone laugh, Milwaukee sports teams, carpentry, and most of all, his daughter Aneia. His siblings Mark and Natalia, as well as his mother Erica, recall Bobby being the life of the party, always at the center of the celebration, making lasting memories with his laughter and love.

Angelina M. Barson - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Angelina M. Barson

Smart, funny, caring, hard-working Angelina was a social butterfly. A kind and thoughtful person, she felt truly at peace when she brought joy into the lives of others. Throughout her life, she maintained strong relationships with friends and family and never missed an opportunity to show someone how much they meant to her. Her mother, Tina, remarks, "Angelina would see her friends or family and get so excited and always give them hugs and kisses. She also loved picking wildflowers and bringing them to me. She would run up to me yelling, 'Mom!' and would pull them out and give them to me and then give me hugs and kisses as well."

Travis Busse - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Travis Busse

Smart, funny, caring, hard-working Travis, otherwise known as Trav to his family and Busse to his friends, was born in California, raised in Wisconsin, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He was a cheerful kid from birth, smiling and spreading good energy everywhere he went. Growing up, he loved watching movies, playing video games, collecting Pokémon cards, and spending time with his friends in any way he could, notably biking, skateboarding, swimming, and sledding. In middle school, he said his goals for the future were, “to go to college and become a sportscaster or sportswriter. I want to have a good job, a family, and live life to the fullest.”

Allen Cadotte - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Allen Cadotte

Generous and influential, animal lover Allen, the outdoorsy, athletic family man, was loving, hard-working, and intelligent. He could often be found in nature, on walks with his dog, or playing sports of all kinds. Holidays and vacations with his family and closest kin Hailee, Mercedes, Amarie, Adrian, GiiGii, and Wyatt added happiness to his life. His mother, Dixie, recalls how contagious his laughter was and how his booming voice and guitar skills made him so unique. She was his biggest fan.

Kaylee James Colburn - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Kaylee James Colburn

The star that everyone was chasing Kaylee was a vibrant, magnetic soul. She had a contagious energy that made people gravitate to her and emulate her. Kaylee’s beauty was not only in her looks, with long blond hair and striking blue eyes, but in her spirit and kindness. “She made heads turn,” her mother, Maggie, stated. She was a natural people-person, giving her last dollar to buy food for others.

Jarren William DeHate - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Jarren William DeHate

Adventurous, happy, carefree, wild, loving Jarren never needed a compass. Whether he was solo camping in the woods or supporting a friend in a moment of turmoil, he moved with natural confidence, warmth, and intelligence. Jarren’s adept nature was clear from the start. As a child, he was industrious, bright, and quick beyond his years, learning to walk at seven and a half months, ride a bike (sans training wheels) at three, and soon devouring books by four. As an adult, his competent nature lent itself to many passions, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and hunting.

Cody Drewitz -Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Cody Drewitz

Hardworking, determined, family man Cody Drewitz was an unbelievably hard worker with an uncontested love for his family. From his time in the military to his concrete work, Cody took pride in his accomplishments. Cody cared deeply for his family and friends; he loved doing anything that let him spend time with them. He had big dreams of making a career and a family for himself.

James Ericson -Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

James Ericson

Naughty, daring, caring, loving From a young age, James was energetic and fearless. His mother remembers him as the “go-go kid.” He learned to ride a bicycle at four with no training wheels and often pushed the limits. A neighbor once called his mom to ask if she knew that James was sitting on the roof of their townhouse with his feet dangling over the edge! He also rode BMX bikes, skateboarded, and loved being outdoors. Fishing was one of his favorite activities.

Joshua Lee Fox - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Joshua Lee Fox

A treasure to this world Josh Fox, as intelligent as he was industrious, led a genuine, creative, and love-centric life. Defined as “xenodochial” by his youngest son, Alyster, he was never afraid to welcome those unlike himself and to help however he could. The quirky, minimalist, “Dead Head” loved music, fishing, cooking, bonfires, bread-baking, crafts, training his dogs, and learning. His children, Skyler, Abigail, and Alyster, as well as his two sisters, two brothers, his mother Malia, and his stepfather formed his close circle, though he had a broad network of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom he adored. Josh made his neighbors feel safe, his classmates feel welcome, and his family feel loved.

Xavier Jaczynski - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Xavier Jaczynski

Compassionate, genuine, loving, kind, funny Xavier and his mother, Rhiana, talked about everything, but mostly they made laughter filled memories, especially during high school drop-offs. Xavier hated riding the bus, so Rhiana drove him. It became a tradition that when they pulled up to school, Xavier would put his hand on the door and stare at his mother disapprovingly, knowing what was to follow. She’d wait patiently for the door to open, and when it finally did, she exclaimed for all to hear, “Have a great day full of sunshine, rainbows, glitter, and unicorns!” It embarrassed him, but left him smiling, and she said it to him until his last day.

Alan S. Kirt - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Alan S. Kirt

Not long enough for us Alan was kind, driven, and funny-a man you could always come to when you needed help or comfort. Though introverted by nature, once you truly knew him, you could see the beauty of his character. When he was 20, Alan’s daughter Isabella was born, and they immediately created a deep bond. He loved playing outside with Isabella on the backyard swing set, or on her big wheel, or doing outdoor chores like raking leaves or shoveling snow. Isabella, now 20, also has fond memories of time spent with her father at St. Pete’s Beach in Florida. She stated, “My dad was always there; he always had a way to help me or make things better.”

Erin Marie Kjellstrom - -Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Erin Marie Kjellstrom

Kind, generous, loving, empathetic, animal lover Erin was a generous and empathetic person. Her affection for her loved ones was evident in her commitment to helping those in need, often sacrificing her own needs to offer support, even when she was experiencing hardship. Animals were especially dear to her, and she dreamed of assisting with animal rescue. She was the proud owner of her rescue dog, Anya, and gave her the best life a dog could have. Erin loved fashion, shopping, and music. Any chance she got, she would go to music festivals to see her favorite artists and spend time with her friends.

Joseph Aleem LeNoir, a.k.a. ‘Joey’ -Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Joseph Aleem LeNoir, a.k.a. ‘Joey’

A bright shining light in a dark world, extinguished far too soon Joe was a light in the world's darkness. His unique sense of humor, resonant laugh, and contagious smile made him a joy to be around. Besides his charm, he was also a champion of the underdog, somebody who made others feel included and always held space for those who were struggling. He had a sixth sense for finding those who were hurting and helping them in the way they needed. Joe left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to know him in this life.

Kevin Fischer Maga - - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Kevin Fischer Maga

Musician, comedian, honest, contemplative, sensitive If someone needed a reality check, Kevin delivered it with his signature, and much appreciated, blunt candor, and afterwards he could lighten their mood with comedian-level humor and a contagious laugh.

Samantha Kelly Meyer - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Samantha Kelly Meyer

Friendly, loving, spunky, caring, adventurous Samantha was a bright, energetic, and loving soul whose presence lit up every room she entered. Known for her spunky personality and infectious happiness, she had a remarkable gift for making anyone around her smile or laugh. Born with one blonde eyebrow and one brown—and the same contrast in her eyelashes—Samantha embraced her uniqueness, allowing her to make friends with anyone, anywhere.

Steven Osowski Jr. - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Steven Osowski Jr.

Empathetic, laid back, funny, sarcastic, loving Steve Osowski was known for his cool, calm presence, sharp sarcasm, and an easy, loving warmth that made people feel at home around him. He didn’t say a lot, but when he did—especially about sports—he could talk for hours. His laugh was unforgettable and a favorite trait of his sister, Trina.

Logan A. Rachwal - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Logan A. Rachwal

Creative, charismatic, thoughtful, determined Logan Rachwal was creative, charismatic, and deeply compassionate. From an early age, he was a sensitive and thoughtful child who felt things deeply and cared deeply about others. People often felt comfortable around Logan; he had a quiet way of making others feel accepted and at ease. He experienced painful losses in his close community, and those experiences shaped him. Rather than hardening him, they deepened his empathy and ability to notice when others were hurting.

Spencer Radel - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Spencer Radel

Bonkers, fun-loving, kindhearted, Dad Warm, caring, hard-working, and ambitious to his core, Spencer enjoyed adventures and athletics. Hunting and fishing with family took place year-round, while track and field prowess earned him several medals. A tender heart and compassionate nature made him an excellent, thoughtful gift-giver, and he advocated for those pushed aside by others, making him an ally to many. His father, brother Eric, mother LaDonna, and his fur baby Bonkers formed a beloved family, giving him the love and opportunity he needed to shine and show how sweet a guy he was.

Cade Chandler Reddington - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Cade Chandler Reddington

Such a bright light Cade Reddington was a freshman at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, just a couple of weeks shy of his 19th birthday. He had big plans and dreams for his life—of having a family one day and traveling the world. Having recently changed his major to psychology, Cade hoped to channel his own struggles with substance use into a career in drug and alcohol counseling.

Mitchell John Rupena - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Mitchell John Rupena

Loving, smart, curious, big thinker, listener In college, Mitchell would often call his mom, Maria, for a recipe to whip up for all his friends. Not only did Mitchell love the act of cooking, but he loved sharing it, weaving community through food and connecting strangers over dishes. Later, he would recount these dinner parties to Maria, sending her photos and memories. That was the kind of person Mitchell was: a loving son, a giving friend, a community maker, and a talented chef.

Joslyn B Sladky - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Joslyn B Sladky

The spark in every room Joslyn, a beautiful soul inside and out, was silly, artistic, and talented. She never said no to adventure, loved all things furry, fuzzy, creepy, or crawly, and delighted in trying new menus, though music was her “soul food.” Music always surrounded her, whether it was Taylor Swift, rap, or classic rock. She was bold and funny in any situation, aiming for laughs, even if it meant seeming foolish in the process. Her high vibration spirit comforted and soothed anyone in her presence. Jos was the silly-putty between the sibling trio with her sister Carolyn and brother John, sharing their love through music, thrifting, and antics. Her neighbor, Miranda, along with her three friends Katie, Sydney, and Angela, formed a second sisterhood, their love indisputable and everlasting.

Michael Patrick Sloan - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Michael Patrick Sloan

Creative, energetic, intelligent, fun-loving, compassionate Michael was an “enthusiastic child and young adult with a real zest for life,” his mother, Debra, remembers. He moved through the world with energy, warmth, and compassion. His smile was a blast of sunshine.

Nicole Lee Sloan - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Nicole Lee Sloan

A shooting star extinguished prematurely Nikki’s mother, Debra, described her as a “shining star” delightful, compassionate, beautiful, and clever, with an outstanding sense of humor. She had a smile that lit up a room. She loved her children—Alexis, Madison, and Maxx—more than anything. They were her pride and joy. She also adored her grandparents and stayed close to them. During COVID, she visited their nursing home and stood outside their window so they could see her. That meant a great deal to them.

Daniel M. Sopa - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Daniel M. Sopa

Determination, strength, resilience, passion, loyalty Danny was a passionate and determined individual with striking baby-blue eyes and a deep love for sports, especially the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks. He could easily recall players’ names and statistics across baseball, football, and basketball. Danny also played baseball most of his life, primarily as a pitcher.

Rilee Ann Starkey - Wisconsin Into Light Exhibit

Rilee Ann Starkey

Loving, funny, intelligent, loyal — a star Rilee Ann Starkey was a beautiful soul who brought light and laughter to everyone she loved, despite the darkness that often surrounded her.

Evan Swiercz - Wisconsin Into Light Project

Evan Swiercz

Loving, caring, funny, and one of the most special people you would ever meet “Evan had the biggest heart. He was the person everyone came to for advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just a hug and a good conversation. He had a great sense of humor and a gift for lighting up a room simply by being in it,” his mother, Cherie, shared.

Jason Weinfurter - Wisconsin Exhibit

Jason Weinfurter

Adventurous, loving, funny, unforgettable son Jay had determination to live kindly, joyfully, and fully. He was the only one who looked forward to the brutal Wisconsin winters, thinking of snowmobiling and outdoor adventures instead of the cold and snow. When he saw someone stopped at the side of the road, or his customers struggling, he never questioned them. He simply extended his help.

Steven T. Welnetz - Wisconsin Exhibit

Steven T. Welnetz

Bold, loving, full of life Steven brought light into the world the moment he was born. With a stunning smile and impossible-to-ignore presence, he loved on a deeper level. A giving, protective, compassionate spirit made him a loyal friend and dedicated brother to his siblings Damian, Marcus, and Dominic. Smart humor and warm hugs welcomed all. Steven was his mother Iris’s pride and joy, her heartbeat and her purpose. Full of dreams and promise, he was an “old soul,” brave enough to dream and smart enough to plan for bigger, better things.