"Almost four years... Days where it seems like yesterday, other days that I can't remember not having this empty place, this hole in my heart.
I love you my girlie, now and forever. I look forward to the day that I hold you again."
In loving memory of
Amber Brook Vinmans
December 23, 1981 - September 14, 2008
McFarland - Amber Brook Vinmans, beautiful daughter of Laurie and Tom Downs, left behind her earthly struggles and was wrapped in the arms arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 14th, 2008, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Born December 23rd, she was her Mom's greatest Christmas gift of 1981. Amber's challenges on earth included a progressive neurological disorder, leaving her to battle a lifetime of seizures. She is now running with the angels, seizure free, disease free, struggle free, just peace. She was an inspiration to many, freely gave an incredible amount of love and forgiveness, and was much loved in return. She was a member of West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, a longtime member of American Legion Auxiliary Post #534, and a member of the 'Chicken Hill Gang' of Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville. Amber loved her family, friends and caretakers, music, and kids. She will be missed everyday by her mama Laurie and papa Tom, wonderful brothers; Andy (sis-in-law Sherry) and Austin, and a fantastic sister; Allison, all of McFarland. She also leaves behind her loving and supportive grandparents, Lyle and Elsie Larson of Cottage Grove, five caring nieces, Jasmine, Jayden, Kierra, Allexia, and the very special Ashlee, (who has taught us all what unconditional love is truely about) and a sweet nephew, Andrew Thomas. Amber was also fortunate to have the Downs brothers join her family, Casey, (sis-in-law Tori) of Stoughton, Joe (sis-in-law Marcie) and Bill, all of McFarland. Her presence on earth has touched the lives of uncles and aunts, Kim and Karen Larson, Jim Larson, Bev Larson, and Mike Esch, as well as a host of cousins and extended family members. She is further survived by an amazing group of friends, her dog Jagger, Steven Vinmans, and Nona and Pat Harrington.
Amber and her mama would like to thank papa Tom, who became the daddy she never had, her Grandpa and Grandma Larson, for always being so supportive, her brothers and sister, for their love and understanding, all of her outstanding home care nurses, Luanne, Michelle, Dayna, Juanita, Deb, for everything they have done for the whole family, the countless Doctors and Nurses who have so touched our lives, especially Dr. Stan Livingston and Nurse Jane Berg, SCTU staff of Central Wisconsin Center, Meriter 7 Tower ICU, Pastor Richard Dowling, the countless and amazing group of friends and family who have made this past 5 weeks so much easier to bear, and the incredible, compassionate staff of the HospiceCare Center of Fitchburg.
The family will greet friends at Cress Funeral Home in McFarland, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17th. Funeral services will be held at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Pastor Richard Dowling officiating, on Thursday, September 18th, at 5:00 p.m. Friends may also call from 4 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow in upper McFarland Cemetary, with a luncheon following at American Legion Post #534.
Amber's family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to her family, which will be shared amongst the organizations that have helped Amber over the bumps in life's twisty road.
"Night, Dolly. Love you always and forever."
Tributes
"I miss you Amby! Always on my mind, forever in my heart."
"Laurie & Tom - You don't know how much I have been thinking of you. You have a really tough road to travel now. It won't be easy - but the memories of Amber will see you through. I hope that Larry will welcome her with open arms and she is free to be a child again. We were always going to get together, but that time was taken away from us ...... way too soon !!! I love you....."
"Dear Laurie and Tom, We are thinking and praying for you. God tells us that all His people will be together again in Heaven. How truly wonderful that is. May God bless you and give you strength during this time. Love Hummer "
"Laurie -- from one mother to another, I can totally understand and grieve with you for the loss of a daughter. There can be no greater loss in life that I can think of than the death of one's child. It's a pain and loss that has no comparison. But, I need to tell you how I respect and admire the unselfish care you gave Amber all of these years. She would not have lived the long life that she did if it weren't for you giving of yourself. She experienced and thrived beyond expectation because of you. You will feel a void of no comparison during these long days. But, may you find peace in knowing she is resting peacefully in a very happy place without pain and strife. And, she is in very good company. Filled with tears and love, Deb "