NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) -
The memorial garden for the five victims of the 2002 Norfolk bank slayings offers some insight on how those who loved them will remember them. It's a gathering place in their honor.
The bank building was torn down several years ago. In its place at 13th and Pasewalk, a park that features a star. Each point on the star pays tribute to one of the victims.
The markers reveal things like Evonne Tuttle was an energetic and vivacious mother of three.
Jo Ann Mausbach was a devoted wife and mother with a peaceful, calming spirit.
Samuel Sun was a kind and caring father.
Lola Elwood was viewed as a leader and inspiration.
And Lisa Bryant was not just a wife, mother and friend, but considered gifted and creative by those who knew her.
Sherri Kuk was the branch manager of the U.S. Bank but not in the building at the time of the shootings. She says she comes to the park often to remember and honor her co-workers.
We think of them often and remember our colleagues and friends that were lost that horrible day," said Kuk. "We're very glad that the memorial exists so that we can recall the lives that were lost that day and remember them for the wonderful people they were."
U-S Bank donated the land to the city of Norfolk. The city maintains the garden.
There were two people inside the bank that day that survived. Cheryl Cahoy and Susan Staehr were in Lola Elwood's office when she was shot three times by Jorge Galindo. They were sitting across from her desk.
According to Madison County Attorney Joe Smith it's unclear why they were left unharmed, saying it may be because Jorge Galindo was distracted by another customer that entered the bank building whom he fired two shots at and missed.
One thing's for certain, they're lucky to have survived. But, they also witnessed something most of us can't even imagine.
