Trial News Article

A Marinette County judge denied two defense motions for accused killer Scott J. Johnson Tuesday.
Johnson, 38, of Kingsford, is charged with three first degree intentional homicides in a July 31 shooting rampage that killed three Michigan teens at the East Kingsford train bridge that spans the Menominee River.
Following three hours of testimony from law enforcement officials, Marinette County Circuit Court Judge Tim Duket ruled Johnson's two statements made to the police without an attorney present will be allowed as evidence. Duket also denied a change of venue request.
Public defenders Shannon Viel and Carrie Laplant of Green Bay, Wis., are representing Johnson. The attorneys did not have any predictions going into the motion hearing Tuesday. They said they just wanted to present the issues.
"Decisions are what they are. We'll go from here," Viel said afterwards. "We're just going to move forward. We didn't bank on it."
Viel said opting for a change of venue was the first and foremost issue to settle, along with making sure every option was fully explored.
Marinette County District Attorney Brent DeBord, who was defeated by his assistant Allen Brey in the November election, asked the Attorney General's Office in Madison, Wis., to take over the case. Roy Korty, assistant attorney general, said the office is glad to assist in these kinds of cases. Assistant Attorney General Gary Freyberg said Johnson's statements are important in this case. He said he was not surprised at the judge's ruling.
Johnson was interviewed by police twice on the morning of Aug. 1 after being apprehended in a wooded area near Bennett Road and County N in the town of Niagara. He was interviewed at a Command Center for about 30 minutes and then again at the Marinette County Jail for about two hours.
Both these interviews were without an attorney present and after the defendant was read his Miranda rights.
The defense said law enforcement chose to interview Johnson immediately after being arrested with a dozen officers around with guns drawn. They argued that he was at his weakest point at that time. Johnson's attorneys also argued the length of the questioning should be considered and weighed against the emotional aspect of the defendant.
Freyberg said Johnson was moved and provided with water. He also said officers were asked to move away from the Command Center's trailer, and some did.
"He was able to read and write, and there was no indication he didn't understand his rights," Freyberg said. "He appeared not upset, normal, no evidence of intoxicants. Yes, he was out all night. There was no evidence he was sleepless. He planned to do this."
Freyberg said there was minimal amount of force used at Johnson's arrest. And he was not made any threats, promises or inducements. He was informed of counsel twice.
Duket said what strikes him when he listens to the tapes is that Johnson is talkative and seems to want to talk about what happened.
"I found it striking how conversational he was - like he was at a coffee shop having coffee. It was really striking. It was conversational," Duket said. "He chose to talk. He was aware. He waived his right to silence and to have an attorney," Judge Duket said.
Defense attorneys continued to argue that articles in The Daily News and online blogs do not help their case.
"They are still readily available to any potential juror who wants to find information," Laplant said of the on-line information.
She added the blogs went into inflammatory detail, and that a particular article in The Daily News interviewed the defendant's mother. Laplant said a quote in that article appears to presume guilt. She said the public's access to this information affects Johnson's ability to have a fair trial. Laplant also said a letter Michigan U.S. Bart Stupak wrote in October indicates Johnson deserves federal charges. She said that is an example of the general feeling of the Wisconsin Justice System. "That feeling that has been put out there violates our client's rights," she said.
The defense said these reasons alone require a change of venue.
"Certainly this case has generated publicity. The defense gave 12 examples," Freyberg said. "At most, we have a quote from the defendant's mother and the second is no more than the DA disclosing the information of the criminal complaints." Freyberg said it is dangerous to go too far with the defense argument. "These are not published by newspaper editors. They are comments only online," he said, adding that the media reports were factual, objective reporting. "I understand the state's relatively small county, and the level of publicity increases the chances of any potential juror who will have read the case; therefore the state is not opposed to selecting a jury from another county," he said.
Judge Duket said the newspaper articles and online blogs are not rebel rousing or inflammatory. He added the TV, radio and newspaper reports are pretty straight-forward reporting. "It doesn't mean he can't get a fair trial in Marinette County. We can deal with the problem that may have been corrupted by blogs and a congressman," Duket said. Duket said the fact that the trial is not scheduled until March, more than seven months after the shooting, is a benefit for a jury from Marinette County. "I am confident we can draw a jury. As far as those blogs, prejudicial blogging is limited to Upper Michigan. It's been my rough knowledge that two-thirds of the county live in one-third of the county," he said.
Freyberg said court cases are obviously something that is extremely difficult for family members and to them it is like re-living the crime.
"They are strong people and are doing as well as expected," Korty said.
Johnson has pleaded insanity to the 10 felonies, which also includes six counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon and one count of second degree sexual assault.
A pre-trial conference will be held March 9. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, is set to start March 16 in Marinette County Circuit Court.
Attorneys on each side are to come up with a list of questions for the potential jurors. The jury will be sequestered.

We're At The Top Of The World.

Scott Johnson was in court today. The defense attorneys for Scott J. Johnson were not granted what they requested during a motion hearing in Marinette County Circuit Court Tuesday.

Johnson, 38, of Kingsford, is charged with three first degree intentional homicides in a July 31st shooting rampage that killed three Michigan teens.

Following three hours of the state of Wisconsin calling law enforcement to the witness stand for questioning, Judge Tim Duket decided Johnson's two statements made to the police without an attorney present will not be suppressed.

In addition a change of venue was not granted.

I am really happy about this. Johnson better not get off easy in any way, shape or form. The fact that he is even trying to get insanity boils my blood. Although, if he did get it, he would eventually be able to discharged from the mental hospital.... then revenge would be ours. That spineless, cold-blooded killer. I loath him.

Grateful #9:

I am grateful that it is finals week this week. I worked as hard as I could this semester, and really liked all of my classes. I just am looking forward to being able to relax and cope some more, without all the other pressures of life.

When You Get Knocked Down, You Gotta Get Back Up

I live life with a lot of confusion and anger lately. I must say, the Lexapro does help with my everyday, little annoyances and anger. It does not help or change my anger for Scott Johnson or Ian Spencer at this point.

Scott Johnson is the most despicable man I have ever known. He absolutely disgusts me down to my very core. He took away the closest & most special person to me, my cousin Tony, as well as two other lives. He has ruined a countless number of lives through his actions. He is heartless and did not have any remorse for what he did that day. He fucking planned it for 5 years! He is a sick, sick, sick human being, who needs to be punished to the full extent of the law & then worse. When he gets sent to prison, I hope the prisoners let him know what they think of a child killer, and make him pay for what he did. Tony, you will always be my everything. I love & miss you more than I could ever describe.

Ian was my stepfather. I thought he was an amazing person, and I do still love him in a way. Unfortunately, he did kill Jeff, my mother's boyfriend, through a senseless act of violence. He also punched my mother so hard, he broke her nose, & gave her a concussion. I have noticed after all of this, that Ian really is a liar, and not quite the person I always had thought he was. It still really bothers me that he gets treated so much worse that Scott Johnson, who is obviously a cold blooded killer. I know Ian will get punished more harshly for this than a white man in this area would, but I really hope that he knows how much he hurt my mother, my sister and me. He took away the only person that made us feel any sort of safety and security after Tony died. Jeff loved us, treated Karly & me like daughters, and he truly loved my mother. It was three months since Jeff passed on Saturday. I miss & love you, Jeff.

I just don't know what to do. The justice system is inefficient, corrupt & unfair. I am studying Pre-Law and do not want to become a part of such a messed up system. Also, I question motives and sincerity often. I trust very few people. It just sucks. These things have forever changed my life, my outlook on life, and my functioning from day-to-day. I just hope that justice stands strong. I hope that I stand strong.

Grateful #8:

I am grateful for living in a place that has all four seasons. I love nature and the outdoors. Nothing is more beautiful than fresh snowfall, leaves changing, warm rain or a beautiful summer day. I thought I wasn't ready for the snow, but now that it is here, I am extremely glad. I can't wait to go snowboarding. Hopefully Tony will give me some of his skills.

Little Boy.

great grandma & carsyn


baby feet

first day home & mommy&carsyn

karly & carsyn

me & carsyn

well, here are the pictures of carsyn anthony i promised. isn't he just perfection?

Grateful #7:

I am extremely grateful for Carsyn Anothony. He is such an amazing little bundle of joy, and the family kind of needed him right now. He was like a blessing in disguise, I guess. Whenever I am around him, I can't get the smile off my face. Also, he looks just like Tony when he was a baby, and I am looking forward to seeing him grow up, teaching him things & just being there for him.

Memorial & Headstone.

Tony's headstone was put in place yesterday. Isn't it beautiful? Makes it sink in a little bit more, and I don't like that.... It is going to have to sink in eventually though. I love you, Tony... with every ounce of me.

Grateful #6:

I am grateful for how beautiful Tony's headstone & bench are. They are fit for a King, which is good enough for Tone. I am glad he can be remembered in such a perfect way.. with his beautiful smile, the forest behind him, his quote & his favorite thing, his car.

love is watching someone die.

the title of this blog is from a song by death cab for cutie called "what Sarah said." i listen to this song a lot and have before any of these things happened (just more-so since.) i think about that "love is watching someone die."

the night of July 31, we were all looking frantically for tony. uncle David, Tiffany, Matt, Ashley, bobby & i all went to the bridge since we knew he had been there. the police assured us that tony was okay and filing a police report. then came checking all the police stations, and no sign of tony. then came waiting at the hospital. people had already known about tony being dead before we did.. even though we didn't really want to believe what anyone else had to say to us, because we had talked to the police.

around 11 or so, a hospital employee came and told us the news -- then there was pandemonium. running around, crying.. i personally collapsed to the ground. then we were waiting, hoping they'd at least bring his body back. around 2 am or so, they told us he was staying in the woods until the shooter was caught (which ended up being 16 hours.)

when i heard this news, i was in the car with a blanket, wanting to go and lay by tony in the woods, even if i knew he was already dead. i didn't want tony to have to sit out there... alone... cold... bleeding. if i wouldn't have been stopped by police, i definitely would have. it kills me that i didn't get to be with him -- even if it shouldn't. i know i probably wouldn't have wanted to see him like that -- with a hole in the face -- but i did NOT want him to be alone.

i hate to feel alone.
i know he wasn't scared and it was painless and instant death, but he still was alone. his soul knew he was alone. my poor tony.

i love you, tony.

grateful #5
i am grateful for the beautiful town of Houghton. it is my home away from home. i am happy here. everything here doesn't remind me of what i have lost. it reminds me of a new beginning

not the plan.

It isn't right that Tony isn't here. That was not the plan. We were all supposed to grow old together -- the four musketeers (Tony, Ashley, Karly, Me.) We can't do that anymore. I just don't get it.. This is not what is supposed to be happening.

I miss Tony.

I love Tony.

I need Tony.

.....what am I supposed to do?

Grateful #4

I am extremely grateful I voted yesterday in the 2008 elections, and my candidate, Barack Obama, came out victoriously. I believe he will make at least some of the changes America needs. I also am grateful the Proposal 1 in Michigan, Medicinal Marijuana, won with over 60% of the votes. I helped to pass around petitions for that my senior year in high school, so I am glad that it all paid off for the best. Yay for democracy! Yay for change! Yay for some sort of hope instilled in my state & this country.

Stuck.

That is how I kind of feel. Like I am stuck here. I am stuck in a state of mind that is rejecting what has happened to me in the past couple months.

My mother just gave me a beautiful senior picture of Tony's. It is not like I hadn't seen this picture before; I have actually seen it many time, but today I really looked it at. All of a sudden I screamed "I still can't fucking believe it." It is true, I still can't believe that Tony is gone. I look at his beautiful face, his honest eyes and his perfect gap in his smile. I can't come to terms with the fact that I will not get to see that anymore. That I will not get to tell him all of my secrets anymore, hear him laugh anymore, or just sing stupid songs.

What do you do when you lose the closest person to you?

Then what do you do when you lose the other people closest to you?

You get stuck. Stuck under emotions, and feelings you are not exactly sure how to deal with. Stuck with a bitterness in this situation, because they were all thoughtless acts of violence.

Tony should still be with me.
Jeff should still be with me.

Fuck.
I just am stuck.

Grateful #3:

I am grateful for my best friend, Tiffany Hendricks. I know I included her in my family discussion yesterday, but she needs her own section. Tiffany & I have been friends since the 7th grade, though we have had our ups & downs, we have a friendship unlike the majority of people. We have always been there for each other, and she has been there for me through all of this. I really do not know what I would have done without her over the past couple months. I would be in a lot worse of a place mentally right now, that is for sure. Tiffany is honest, caring, funny and just one-of-a-kind. I couldn't/wouldn't trade her for anything. If two people were destined to be friends, I would tell you it was her & me. We can spend all the time in the world together and not really get annoyed with or sick of each other. Tiffany, just know that you are amazing, & I love you unconditionally. You mean the world to me, darling. :)

lexapro.

Also, just wanted to say that I started my anti-depressant & anti-anxiety medication, Lexapro. I have been on it for a week now, and have noticed some subtle changes, but it usually takes up to a month to feel the full effects. I am hoping for the best.

Grateful #2:

I am extremely lucky to have the family that I have. When I think of family, it isn't mom, dad, sister, it is mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents & close friends (Tiff, Chris.) I have an extremely large family & an extremely close family. We all live in the same town & see each other frequently. I don't know what I would do without them as such as great support system for me. I can't imagine losing somebody else right now. They are all so special to me, & I would do anything for any of them. Tiff & Chris, I would also call you guys family. You have been there with me through so much, and you both know me so well. No one can make me smile or laugh they way you guys can. Thank you for just being you. I love you guys! :D

katie vs. the headwrap

Just got surgery on my ear yesterday.

I had an industrial piercing, and my ear ended up rejecting it creating more scar tissues & such. It was a lengthy procedure. I was there from 6am until 3pm. I had to go back to the doctor today and again tomorrow morning. My head has been throbbing since the initial drugs at the hospital wore off, because they only gave me Tylenol 3 (like that is going to cure any pain.) When I woke up in the hospital and felt my head there was this enormous head wrap. My mother said I looked like a half amputated mickey mouse. Anyway, I was too sore and groggy to go to class or counseling today. I am really upset about this. I had thought it was going to be a simple in-office procedure like earlier visits, but this was full-blown surgery. I just have enough other things going on in my life that are distracting me from school. I don't need anymore. There is too much for my to deal with right now.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH PROBLEMS!!

I have also decided I want to write one thing I am grateful for every post.

Grateful #1:
I am extremely grateful for all of the time I got to share with my cousin,
Tony, before the tragedy. He honestly was the person I knew better than
anybody, and there is definitely no one I had spent more time with. He
will always be my brother & my best friend,

but I know some people aren't as
lucky as I was when it come to sharing Tony's life with him. I am thankful
for Tony's life every day,

and I am grateful for everything he has taught me
over the years & continues to teach me after he has left us.
I love you with all of my heart, Tony, &
I miss you more than I could ever express.
You are my rock & my hero.
Thank-you for
everything.

prozac nation

I made an appointment today with my physician to see if I could go on anti-depressants. I always said I wouldn't need to go on them, and that I wasn't depressed. After looking at the symptoms and talking to a counselor, I think I may actually be depressed.

Depression can be caused genetically, through personality traits (pessimist, worry, low self-esteem, etc.) and after tragedies. My mother has had depression since I was born. I have low self-esteem, anxiety, worry, stress. I have lost my brother, fathers, & friends. I think it is all a bit too much too handle, especially right now with school, court proceedings and just the regular stresses of life.

Symptoms of depression that I have: (all of them)

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Insomnia
• Appetite and/or weight loss
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, and chronic pain

I have always been very apprehensive to use an anti-depressant, because people age 18-25 have the highest risk of suicide while on this medication. I need to do some research.

happy birthday tu-tu tony.

October 5, 1989.

The day Tony was born. The longest nine weeks we spent apart were the first nine weeks of my life, until now. Now, everyday gets harder without him. His birthday being here, and Jeff's being tomorrow (October 9,) makes everything harder. It makes things sink in a little bit more, when all I want is to celebrate with Tony. I can see us having another fire, even if it is a little chilly. Bubba Kegs, Pictures, Dancing.... My Tony. My special boy.

It just isn't right. He should be 19 years old. To die at 18, in such a tragic horrible way, will always be too much for me to accept and handle. I will never be able to fully cope with the fact that I lost him; I lost my best friend & my brother to an asshole with a gun who didn't like the police. He never even met Tony, never said a word to him. Just hopped up in the woods and chose to shoot these kids... and he regrets only killing three people.

Tony had so much more to live for. So much more to give. He didn't even get to go to his first college class. He never got to be married, although he did find love.. and lots of lust... He never got to be the great Uncle we knew he would be for Carsyn & our furture children, or the great dad he would have eventually been. All of these thoughts keep me awake at night. His face is always in my head. His voice and thoughts are always in my heart. Tony is always and will always be with me, through and through. I can't imagine a day where he's not always on my mind, not always keeping me strong.

On his birthday, which was Sunday, Tiffany and I got a balloon in Houghton, "Happy Birthday Tu-Tu Tony," and drove to the top of Mount Ripley. We then wrote letters to him, attached them, and sent it on it's way. Tony loved to snowboard, so I figured that would be the best option for him, even though I'm sure he's upset to see that no snow is being made yet.

The next day, when I got home, Ashley and I got two more balloons and some little thing of balloons to put at Tony's grave. Ash and I tied the "We Love You" balloon to the lantern at the cemetary, we then took the happy birthday balloon to the East Kingsford Bridge and let it go at the Memorial they just finished for the shooting with a note from Auntie Terri, Ashley & myself.

I know he got them all, and I know he knows how much we love and miss him, even though those words are like understatements to us. We could never even begin to disclose the type of love, adoration, affection and appreiciation we have for Tony and his life. The things he has taught me, and will continue to teach me, will always be the brightest light shining in my soul.

I LOVE YOU, TONY!
I hope you and Jeffy are having good birthday's up there, and that you keep on visiting us in our dreams. Keep letting us feel you there.. We know when you are there.. and we never want that to stop. I can't wait for the day to see you guys again.. and to especially see you Tony, with that huge smile and your face and your hands in the air ready to slap mine so hard my palms turn red, and I whine about it. I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you.

to love beauty is to see light

Had my first appointment with a grief counselor today. I think it went pretty well. She gave me some exercises to work on when I start having panic attacks, as well as ways to just feeling better/coping everyday.

I still feel lost, confused, scared, lonely, angry, guilty.... so many feelings. I don't know how to process or deal with all of them; I just can't deal with all of this mess which is my life. I know someday it must get better... that is just something I am finding hard to believe right now.

I wish I could sleep at night, and when I do sleep, I wish I didn't have nightmares.

I wish my back didn't hurt all the time.... I wish my everything didn't hurt all the time.

I wish I didn't feel the way I do most of the time, and could really mean it when I'm smiling; I don't want to have to pretend everything is okay, because it isn't and I don't really have a clue when it will be again.

I need to move. On top of everything else, family life is not what it should be right now. Too much stress, too much stubbornness; I need to get away. I'm thinking online classes from Bay next semester and living in Houghton with Tiffy money. Feeling alone right now sucks, and I only feel alone at home. I wish it wasn't the truth, but it is.

I just want to fucking wake up already.
I wish it was Katie's terrible, horrible, no-good, very-bad dream.

I miss you, boys.
Everything is nothing without you.

don't be too amazing, or we'll miss you too much

Lee & Wills

Sorry I haven't written, but I have been having more bad things going on. Lee & Wills got in an accident, and Lee is dead. Tiffany and I went to the funeral downstate to say good-bye. I do not know what to do. More of my boys. I hope Wills is okay. I hope their families and friends are okay.

I love you, boys.

Rest in Peace Lee Bholm Drelles

August 22, 1989 - September 21, 2008

the baby.

Tony's sister, Ashley, had her baby this morning.

There were some complications, and it was very intense for a while (baby not breathing, etc.)

Ashley needs a blood transfusion, but now the baby's vitals are good.

Ashley & Bobby may be young to have a child, but this little baby boy is going to help give us all something to love and care for. It won't make us forget Tony, or replace him in anyway, it will just help heal the sadness.

I am not sure about much concerning the infant right now. Visiting hours are from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. So, I will go to visit Ashley, and then I will meet Tiffany in Covington.

I didn't really explain much about Tiffany, but she is my best friend in the whole world, my other half. I don't know if I could handle all of this without her. She keeps me strong & keeps me smiling.

Hopefully, I can post a picture of the baby later.

please, come back home

School. It has been one of the hardest things I have had to do since all of this. I no longer enjoy being there. It is the only time I am away from the comfort of my close friends and family.

I have panic attacks. I fight back tears. I clench my jaw. I feel alone and scared. I previously had trust issues, but now I do not trust anyone.

Tony should be attending Bay College with me. I should see him in the halls or even in my class. Instead, I sit next to an empty chair and walk down a quiet, empty hallway.

That's how I feel... Empty.

I feel so alone; sympathy doesn't mean you genuinely care for me.

I miss Tiffany; weeks are long and lonely without her.

Formal Charges for Ian

Today at 1:00 in Florence County, Ian had his formal charges brought against him.

• He is being charged with First Degree Reckless Homicide
• Maximum 60 year sentence
• Bail was reduced from $500,000 to $300,000

Seeing Ian today broke my heart. As soon as I saw him in his striped jumpsuit and shackled, hands and feet. While Scott Johnson, the shooter who killed my cousin along with two others, can wear street clothes, no cuffs, and even be broadcast over a television because he doesn't want to see us. Scott Johnson is a sick man, and I know Ian is a good man with a good heart, who feels terrible about what he has done. I wish he didn't have to go through this; I wish we didn't have to go through this.

I am stuck between a rock and a hard spot.

I love Ian. I love Jeff. Should I still love Ian? I know he has done something terribly terribly wrong, but I have known him for 8 years (during which he loved me like a daughter.) I have never met anyone who would get a bigger smile on their face every time they saw me. I am just so incredibly confused by everything. I am losing all of my boys: Tony, Jeff & Ian. My protectors. I feel so scared and alone. It is no way to live your life, but I don't know what else to do at this point.

I am allowed to visit Ian tomorrow, but class is preventing me from doing that. Luckily, Sunday is also visiting day. I need to see him and see what he has to say about everything. I know he feels terrible, and didn't intend to kill him or hurt my family like this. He loves us, and I am the only one who can still say I love him.

There are more rough days to come. I need to find the strength to get through them.

tony's graduation party

Tony, Eric & Jason Dancing at Tony's Graduation Party.

a letter home

My Uncle Dan is a very religous man. The morning of the funeral he woke up and felt he had to write something down. This is what that was:

A Letter Home

Dear Mom & Dad,

Remember, Mom and Dad, the day I was born. Boy was I scared! All I knew for 9 months Mom was your tummy. To leave the only world I knew seemed like some kind of death. But immediately I was in your loving arms and showered by affection, by Dad, who was so proud of me. I thought to myself, “How foolish I was to doubt God’s plan for me. This is a beautiful life.”

My time on earth was short but I knew all along it would be as God did have a plan for me. I was to bring happiness to you, Mom and Dad, to teach you about honest and open relationships, and to care for my little sister Ashley.

God said I had accomplished my mission and he called me home. He said I did a great job. Just like you Mom and Dad, he said he was proud of me.

God told me so much when I saw him. He told me to tell you not to worry but to trust in him, now more than ever. He said that my young spirit had to leave to make your spirits stronger. He said I can walk with you every day and leave no doubt; I will never leave your side. He said to hear my voice in the whisper of the wind and feel my touch with every raindrop.

Well I must go now. Uncle Gary and Uncle Todd are bugging me to play smear. It is really good to see those two again. God tells me we will be together again some day and we will party like we did down in Mexico.

Oh, just one more thing. Be sure to tell Ashley that if she sees some of me in my nephew, don’t be surprised. God said he will be good looking like me. That’s not all. He said get ready because he will have some of my piss and vinegar. I didn’t think God spoke like that!

Love,

Tony

eulogy.

I am sitting here trying to write down my feelings about my cousin…my best friend…my brother, Tony, and they are beyond words. Tony is not a person you can sum up in just a few minutes. I could write ten pages just about the brightness in his eyes when he smiles, and another ten on the impact he had when he entered a room. Just the sound of his voice or the smile on his face has been able to put a smile on mine. I know he had this effect on people.

Having only a nine-week age difference and a close knit family aided in creating a love and bond between us that is unmatched. I mean, we experienced everything together: Our first words, first steps, first fears, our first business ventures selling lemonade, our first losses, first loves, first heartaches, everything. We have been together through it all, and has always been the person I could confide in, especially over the past few years. We both have grown up and matured. I found us having conversations about life, goals, beliefs and dreams. Tony was always ready to give advice, and never ready to judge. I respected his words. Whatever he had to say was thought out and from the heart. Even his dad found himself just listening and learning a lot from him.

Tony was fearless. He was even brave enough to wax his armpits regularly. Throughout my life, he has been the one pushing me to do things I would never dream of doing. Weather it was conquering my fear of heights by making me climb the ski-jump or jump off the EK bridge, or just something like doing a front-flip on the trampoline. He believed in himself and everybody else, that is why he pushed me. He knew I was just being a wimp. His confidence was contagious, and he really could do anything he set his mind to.

Tony’s enthusiasm was infectious and his love for life unparalleled. When he walked into a room, he lit it up. There was never a dull moment with him around… He always had to be doing something, always had to be living.

I love everything about Tony: his honesty, confidence, sense of humor, his spirit. He really was one-of-a-kind, and I’m sure all of you know that. I know Tony left lots of things undone and others that he never had a chance to start, but I promise I will let Tony live through me. It is a way of showing my thanks for everything he has given and done for me. Let us not say Good-bye to Tony today, but that we will see him later, and he can live on in our hearts and memories until then. Tony said it best “Good-byes are inevitable, but I will see you again, and never forget the simple fact that I will always love you.”

Obituaries.

Jeffery Youren

Tony Spigarelli

Tony Spigarelli

October 5, 1989 - July 31, 2008

Anthony "Tony" David Spigarelli, 18, of Iron Mountain, Mich. died unexpectedly Thursday, July 31, 2008, in Aurora, Wis.

Tony Spigarelli was born, October, 5, 1989, at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain son of David and Terri (Bianco) Spigarelli. He was a 2008 graduate of Kingsford High School at the top of his class, and was employed for the summer at Spigarelli Excavating, the family business. Tony was to attend Bay-de-Noc College in the fall.

He enjoyed working with his father in the summers and he loved to do all the things a young man enjoys doing. Tony was an outstanding soccer player. He played for Northern Stars and Kingsford High School. After high school he played on Bianco's Adult Team. Tony had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved riding around in his new car and blaring his music. Most of all he enjoyed the company of his family, keeping himself in good shape and spending many hours just hanging around his Auntie Tina's house with his cousins, sister and friends.

In Tony's younger years, he was raised with his sister Ashley and his cousins Katie and Karly Verley. They were known to the family as the "four musketeers" -- they were inseparable. He loved his sister and cousins unconditionally.Tony had many dreams. Tony was to enroll in Bay De Noc this fall and go on to be an Engineer. He was full of drive and determination - Tony could do anything he set his mind to.

Tony enjoyed vacations with his family in Mexico ... he loved to snowboard and was exceptional at it. Tony was a giving, loving, and responsible young man, the kind of guy that was a joy to be around. He could put a smile on anyone's face.

He is survived by his parents, David and Terri (Bianco) Spigarelli, Breitung Township; one sister, Ashley Spigarelli; grandparents, Eve and Bruce Bianco, Iron Mountain, Donna and Al Spigarelli, Iron Mountain; aunts and uncles, Teresa Spigarelli, Niagara, Wis., Cathy Spigarelli and Steve Rouze, DePere, Wis., Barbara (Spigarelli) and Steve Roman, Menominee, Mich., Brian and Shannon Spigarelli, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Danny and Kelly Bianco, Iron Mountain, Donny and Patty Bianco, Iron Mountain, Tina Bianco and Keith Verley, Iron Mountain, Tammy Willman and Todd Willman, Iron Mountain, Shari and Ron Schabo, Black Creek, Wis., Jeffrey and Becky Bianco, Hardwood, Mich., Shelly Bianco, Loretto, Mich.; many cousins, Courtnee Marquardt and Bryan Bargender, Niagara, Brandon, Ciara, and Tyler Rouze, De Pere, Jake, Taylor, and Morgan Roman, Menominee, Dominic, Casey, Brittani, and Miranda Spigarelli, Wisconsin Rapids, Santina, Geno, and Mariana Bianco, Iron Mountain, Chloe and Callie Bianco, Iron Mountain, Katie and Karlie Verley, Iron Mountain, and Matthew and Daniel Willman, Iron Mountain, Marie and Michael Santini, Black Creek, Amanda, Andrea and Amber Bianco, Hardwood; special friends, Bill Rodman, Derek Barnes, and Matt Erickson.
Tony was preceded in death by two uncles, Todd Bianco and Gary Spigarelli.

Jeffery Youren
October 9, 1966 - September 6, 2008

Jeffery A. Youren, 41, of Iron Mountain, passed Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Spread Eagle, Wis.

Jeff was born Oct. 9, 1966, in Iron Mountain, the son of Duane and Nancy (Edwards) Youren. After graduating in 1985 from Florence High School, he lived in Iron Mountain for most of his life to be near family and friends. Jeff was a member of the local union tradesman group working on various construction jobs. His passion was riding his motorcycle and being a member of the Rebel Motorcycle Club. Jeff was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, golfing and downhill skiing.

He is survived by his parents, Duane and Nancy Youren of Quinnesec; two sisters, Cheryl Spencer of Novi, Mich. and Michelle (Don) Green of Port Lions, Ark.; a niece, Dorian Saunders and nephew, Douglas Saunders, both of Millersville, Md.; aunts and uncles, Char (Don) Schultz, Joyce (Al) Wahoviak, Helen (Wilfred) Sauld, Judy Edwards, Pat Metrie, Christine (Mike) Terry, Marie Edwards (Brian Rutter), Lincoln (Mary Beth) Edwards and Terry (Liz) Youren; numerous cousins that deeply love him along with his special friend, Tina Spencer and her daughters, Katie and Karly Verley.

Jeff never missed a family engagement and his smile uplifted everyone's spirits. His most memorable experience was his trip to Alaska visiting his sister, Michelle. Jeff's mother was his greatest treasure. We will miss his compassion for others and his gentle soul.

rest in peace.

Lately, my life has been unreal to my, like something out of some terrible movie. First, my cousin & best friend, Tony Spigarelli, was killed in a shooting, along with two others. Now, just last weekend, September 6, my mother's boyfriend, Jeff Youren, was stabbed to death in a local bar by my mother's ex-husband, Ian Spencer. I am going to use this blog to hopefully cope with these tragedies, because I have yet to start.

Rest In Peace

Tony David Spigarelli

October 5, 1989 - July 31, 2008

Jeffery "Jeffro" Youren

October 9, 1966 - September 6, 2008

I love & miss you both.