Looking for Rebecca’s great-great-great grandfather, Jan Dych‘s grave at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Cemetery in the summer of 2010 was an amazing adventure! Cousin Jann provided assistance not only in finding the grave and several cemeteries, but was a joy to meet.  The caretaker of the cemetery, sexton Duane Anders, was incredibly generous with his time and talents. Could not have found great-great-great grampa without him.

Watching Duane clean Jan Dych’s grave (c) 2010 barefoot photos

After searching the old section of the cemetery (Mike remarked that the names on the headstones reminded him of the Dunkirk phonebook!) for well over an hour in the blazing hot sunshine, Duane noticed us and offered his help. He explained that in the first row of this area,  the headstones were buried years ago.

We proceeded to use an implement that he had, which looked something like my compost turner without the blades, to poke into the ground a couple of inches to figure out where the headstone might be buried. When we found a spot, we’d dig a bit to uncover the stone and read the inscription. We probably did this for ten or more sites before uncovering the correct one. It was hard work and did I mention how hot it was? We all grew thirsty and tired very quickly.

Turns out Jan lay in the very first grave in the cemetery: Row 1, No 1! — just behind the shed, beside the rough dirt road.

Once we were pretty sure that we had uncovered the correct grave, Duane dumped a bucket of water on it and washed it off, so that we could read the inscription.

Wayne planted a beautiful peach tree, now laden with shining peaches that graced the area nearby.