Messages

Please use the comment form below to send a message or to write a story about Sarah Bowman. The comments below are listed newest first.

70 Comments

  1. Nan Roberts on January 24, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    Sarah, I wish you knew how often we think of you and miss you. It still seems unreal. You still live in our love for you.

  2. Riley Reed on November 29, 2017 at 12:51 am

    I have been out of the country for the last 16 months,
    I haven’t spied Sarah around at any shows the last couple weeks
    I finally asked my friend Ricky, he said don’t you know do you?.
    I so hoped he was wrong
    it will always bother me that i missed the celebration and i will always miss her
    What the hell

  3. Perri Luckes on November 3, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Remembering you with love today.

  4. Tracy Jennings on December 23, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    Rave on Sarah!
    You are so missed this holiday season.
    I see you every time I look at the cold, sparkling night sky. I feel you in the fleeting warmth of the winter sun on my face. I think of you when I look into the eyes of my beloved animals and smell the sweet breath of my horses.
    It doesn’t seem right celebrating the Solstice without you, putting lights up and going through the motions of Christmas without you. It’s like having a missing bulb that causes the whole string to be out.
    Sweet Sarah Stardust, shine your twinkling light upon us…

  5. John Sonofmel on December 11, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Here’s my weekly column written for Sarah and her gathered galaxy at the Cedar Center…

    Her name was Sarah Bowman. We met around three years ago at a house party I played. We talked for about 10 minutes. I never saw her again. She’s dead.
    A whopper of a fan of the arts, the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis held a memorial. For her. Her best friends had no idea she had saved the Cedar from going under. On more than one occasion.
    And people came. In ones and twos at first, like a trickle of drops, or like the first stars of dusk. Then they streamed in droves. Lots of them, from all over. Like shooting stars.
    Bright eyed. Of all ages. Dressed in all manner. Gothic black. Bright colors. Mismatched misfits and haves and nots. The lights dimmed. They weren’t needed, people glowed. Someone called it a harmonic convergence. Everyone had stories of her. They carried them in and delivered them like presents.
    NPR commentator and storyteller Kevin Kling took the stage at one point. He told everyone there wasn’t enough minerals on the earth to create life. He said much of our make up comes from stars, that we are stars.
    He called the collective assemblage gathered “the constellation of Sarah.” People cried. People laughed. We danced. We were told to sing. None needed to be told.
    Around us the whole evening of time slowly turned, the hardwood dance floor a galaxy. Throughout the theater, lobby, foyer, and coat room stood displays of her life. Appendages no longer needed.
    Pictures of all the horses she cared for, their names. Art work made from kindergarten. School pictures to match.
    More pictures. Keepsakes like childhood toys lay with mementos collected by a full-grown woman. Memories of her couldn’t be contained but spilled out of mouths and floated into thin air. I met someone who babysat her as a child. Right afterward, I met some she babysat.
    “We called her ‘bags’ because she loved bagpipes,” I heard.
    One friend had bought every last bolt and yard of Sarah’s favorite plaid in the metro area and sewed 300 mourning bands.
    She tied them on left arms as people entered.
    “It’s the side your heart is on,” she said. The bands ran out before the evening ended. One got tied to one of the twin giant antique lamps on either side of the stage. Sentries of light, Sarah had given them to the Cedar in years prior.
    The stories kept floating out and around. Like stars and snowflakes, no two were alike.
    Poets and musicians came to speak and play. Dakota Dave Hull, Pop Wagner, Boiled in Lead, Phil Heywood, Daithi Sproule, Cafe Accordion Orchestra.
    They called her ‘Second Set Sarah.’ She just couldn’t get somewhere on time.
    “She was never late,” someone said, “she just couldn’t leave prior engagements early.”
    Halfway through the six hours of song and story, a New Orleans style brass band with golden tuba, trombone, trumpet, and snare led a parade blocks long around the West Bank.
    From a dirge to funky dance jazz and back, the stories followed, costumed in exotic dress and prop, just like the people parading.
    Some carried large lights of transparent bees bolstered 10 feet in the air with invisible wire. Others carried fashioned trees and giant blades of grass, also lit from the inside.
    White horses standing well over 40 hands in height towered over the spectacle, sculpted and lit horse heads and tails manned by stilt walkers. White netting draped between them marked the body.
    The rain that came stopped for the parade, then poured down as soon as everyone got back inside.
    Compliments of dress and manners gushed like wine from a spilled barrel.
    Tens of thousands of dollars of instruments were left with purses and coats in an all but empty theater for the parade. Nothing was missing upon the return.
    The bar charged nothing for drinks throughout the afternoon and evening. No one over drank. The tip jars overflowed. They had to use pitchers.
    I met brothers of friends I hadn’t seen since boyhood; met others I had just met a month prior up in Wayward and thought we’d never meet again. We did. If that night was any sign, we all will. And do. Again and again.
    I drank club soda only. Everyone bubbled. Stories turned into friend ships that cruised the whispered winds of space around the hall.
    Everyone rode them. For free.
    Looking closely, everyone became someone I knew at one time. From a distance, I could see her outlined on everyone’s face.
    But I only met her once. And told it from the stage and played a few songs.
    Words came like waltzes to those gathered. Every syllable slid off in poetic motion picture.
    “I rode with her late one night, going home after a show,” one woman said. “We were so tired. Sarah rolled down her window. She pushed her long hair out the window and rolled it up. ‘If I nod off, my hair being pulled will wake me up’ she explained.”
    A brother and sister got up and sang. Others did. For six hours. More people came. Almost no one left.
    I met her once. At a house party. We talked for a few minutes. She suggested I do more with music. Within three months I was back in Minneapolis at Flowers Studio to record an album. It’s almost done.
    We never know what may come from the smallest kindnesses we say or do for one another. I only met her once, but I think she knew.
    At the end of the night, they played it again. Someone had found it. No one knew. A recording of her singing. It was a late night of music-playing friends years ago. They asked her to sing. Someone in that living room rolled a tape. Mimi, the woman I foundd standing next to me, sits next to Sarah in that far-a-way-when living room.
    Mimi’s voice is heard at the beginning of the recording. Then absolute silence but for the hiss of the tape head.
    Before the song ended every arm was draped around another. Every hand held by another. Total silence, but for her voice singing a Scottish traditional, a Capella.
    We all heard it. Perfect pitch in haunting clarity. A voice of turbulent hope in early Winter: “…Oh, are ye sleepin’ Maggie/ Oh are ye sleepin’ Maggie/ Let me in for loud the linn/ Is roarin’ o’er the warlock craigie…”
    No one but a few knew. She never sang. Except then, in the far-a-way-when of a friend’s living room.
    There’s a real heft to hearing a voice you once knew, one you’ll never hear again live. Even if you only meet once. I hope to carry it the rest of my days.

    Sonofmel

    • Andrea Wenz on December 28, 2016 at 7:13 am

      What an incredible writing John….no words

    • Kristen amanda on January 20, 2017 at 10:45 pm

      Our joyous celebration of Sarah so beautifully captured in your humble words.
      thank you, thank you

    • Liz Welch on January 27, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Thank you, thank you, this is beautiful and captures the evening so perfectly.

  6. Laurie Drill-Mellum on December 3, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Being at the Cedar Cultural Center, both mourning her death and celebrating so much about her, with so many of Sarah’s very deep and wide community of friends was deeply moving. I am grateful to all who planned, participated, and attended this very important recognition of Sarah and what she meant to so many people and animals. This is a memory I will hold dear, in addition to the many wonderful times I spent with Sarah. Rest In Peace, you amazing woman.

  7. Duncan Bowman on December 1, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    What a great way to learn more about Sarah. I wish I could have been there to see and hear from her friends.
    Sarah, enjoy Heaven and all the things you wanted while here. Say hello to family, BB King, Prince and Memo, please!!!!

  8. Jerry Werle on December 1, 2016 at 10:22 am

    Wow! I knew what a friend and support dear Sarah was to our amazing music community. But OH MY GOD THAT BEAUTIFUL VOICE!
    I knew what a friend and supporter Sarah was to our arts community. But on November twenty-seventh I realized what a gifted, whole-hearted artist Sarah was.
    Her medium was people.
    Love,
    Jerry

  9. charlie on November 27, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    Out All Night Gone All Morning CK

  10. Michael Bruns on November 14, 2016 at 9:21 am

    I knew Sarah first from being in a couple of bands that she’d occasionally see, and later, from seeing her at many of the great live music shows we’d both attend. Before I knew who she was I remember one of my bandmates talking about “second set Sarah.” Inevitably at the end of the show we attended, I’d end up talking to Sarah until somebody was starting to sweep by our feet or we’d hear the clanking of bottles being tossed in a bin. She was endlessly enthusiastic about great music, had wide-ranging taste and knowledge, and loved to talk about it all as much as I did. She was filled with love and zest for music, her animals, her friends and family and the communities she helped build. It’s so hard to imagine that she won’t be dancing at the next great African show at the Cedar and later talking in the back to a stream of people who knew and loved her.

  11. Sheila Smith on October 29, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Thank you all, so very much for creating this site and event, to honor the memory of our dear friend, Sarah!
    With the passing of Sarah, I, (“we”) have truly lost one of our worlds most beloved, kind, generous, genuine, fun and beautiful people, I have ever known! It has taken time since hearing of Sarah’s death, for me to temper my deep emotional shock, in getting used to acknowleding that I will never see or share this world with her in it, again!
    I feel moved to plan on some way, honoring her memory, by creating a scholarship fund or something else, within the non-profit horse and cat rescue, “Tory’s Peace”; dedicated to rescuing the animals of victims of domestic violence.
    Sarah was indeed an angel who cared deeply for all animals and people. Sarah shared the comitted interest of becoming active in our project to help victims of domestic violence, concentrating on the rescue of one’s horses and cats, to a secure refuge of safety, therefore allowing the victim to leave their abuser and know their animals will not be left behind!
    Sarah understood why over 70% of victims will not leave domestic violence (farm) homes because they feared for the well being of their horse(s) and cat(s) if they left them behind, just to save themselves! Too many people remain “stuck” in abusive relationships and suffer in silence because they are at odds with distress of shame, guilt, financial dificulties etc., but more often so, remain for the concern and worry of the well being for their beloved animals! Sarah’s interest and enthusiasm to help others and their animals will live on in this rescue mission, “Tory’s Peace”. Future plans for adding a dog rescue, is also a concern we shared with Sarah in “Torey’s Peace” mission. All suggestions, concerns and help in assisting in this mission and getting the word out to help, is much appreciated!
    Sarah, was a great hope in helping to promote and spread the word for the need to help this mission. We hope to create a model for other rescue missions, specifically to raise awareness and help victims of domestic violence and their animals, to remove themselves from the stigma of violence and restore peace in their lives!
    I will forever, deeply mourn and miss Sarah Bowman’s beautiful nature and concerned help, as a best friend and mission activist! I will miss helping you with your health, horses, dogs, cats and farm! I will surely miss talking and sharing all the great times we had enjoying each other & nature!
    I will love you forever, Sarah! Your gentle, kind, sweet and generous spirit will always be remembered and live on!
    Blessings!

  12. Lynn on October 26, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Sarah, you exhibited such a generous and loving spirit, offering your services with devotion and resolve. I loved you fiercely, and felt a connection to you that transcended time. The principles you lived by were what separates a warrior from the masses, the shepherd from the sheep. A kinder, more edifying woman I have never known. May your spirt inhabit the earth again, and may I recognize you when it does.
    I’m reminded of a line from The Pines’ “Time Dreams”:
    Our memories
    Comes from the earth
    And return to the earth
    In the reunion
    Our pulse comes from the sky
    And returns to the sky

    Infinite love and gratitude, Lynn

  13. Louise Wahl on October 26, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Sarah, softspoken,
    kindness, compassion, conviction.
    She made the world a better place.
    Hearts weep.
    Solace is to look to the stars .
    and see her bright lights.

  14. Terry McDaniel on October 25, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    The day after we all found out about Sarah’s passing I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was so surreal; I was in shock! I went for a bike ride and ended up at the Longfellow Garden and laid on one of the benches there. It was a chilly quiet morning. I was starring up at the sky watching the clouds and birds passing by this way and that. I was trying to make sense of it all. Tall grasses were blowing over the back of the bench in the wind obstructing my view, they were the color of Sarah’s hair. I sensed her presents blowing in the wind so gracefully. She was saying I will miss you too. Thanks for being a good friend. Keep on being a good friend to others and share your art and creativity with the community and always remember to have music and animals in your life.

    I will miss her sweet smile, loving spirit and warmth she had for her me and all her friends. She brought people together in so many ways. She will be genuinely missed.

    Ride like the wind Sarah!

  15. Lindsay Blattner on October 25, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Everyone has shared so beautifully the Sarah that we appreciated so very much. When I think about Sarah, I too remember her as that far too uncommon person in this world who shared her heart unselfishly, with great grace and kindness, wit, and warmth. She seemed to be always arriving to see just “you”. She had the most melodious voice and such a great laugh – captured so well on the piano video! She could turn frustrating events (iced up car locks in January at 1 am) into hilarious adventures. We will miss you terribly, but you live on forever in the memories of friends and acquaintances all, which keep you ever close. I have no doubt you are being welcomed wherever with one fantastic party !! XXOO Sarah.

  16. Jennifer Dart on October 25, 2016 at 12:34 am

    I will hold dear memories of a special person. Our beloved friend, my campmate, and riding buddy, roommate, and Stoneleigh-Burnham companion. Her amazing smile Sparkled for all to see. A story I share was at the farm that Leatherdale’s owned in Medina. A neighbor heard a scream so loud, he investigated thinking someone was injured! Sarah had been barefoot in the barn and had stepped on a frog! (what an image!) My other funny story was at the farm in MInnetrista, Painters Creek. Even though the barn closed at 10:00 pm Sarah felt the need to take her horse out pull his mane and give him a good brushing. But that day the grooms had accidentally switched our 2 horses! I didn’t mind my horse was pampered! ( I laughed with Sarah not at her) Sarah claimed she had been painting all day and the fumes had gotten to her. We all have our idiosyncrasies, my memories of our fun times together will always put a smile on my face!
    Sarah I know you Loved with all your HEART.
    Your Spirit will stay forever with those who knew you!
    MISS YOU!!!

  17. Hana & Sky on October 17, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    Sarah was a beautiful gift to all she touched, and shines on in my heart and in all beings who love her.
    I will remember her warm smile, twinkling eyes, and laugh, and dancing to the music together at the Cedar Cultural Center, music events and festivals. Thank you for sharing your wisdom at my Law of Attraction Playshops. Hana P & Sky D

  18. Sandy Ulrich Kretsinger on October 15, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    I have never forgotten precious Sarah, although I have not seen her since she was 3 and I was 16. I was her babysitter for three wonderful years. She was a beautiful child with a loving disposition and a very sweet smile. I would always rock and sing her to sleep, holding her in my arms in the moon light, never wanting to place her
    into her crib. After all these years, I can yet sense her presence in my arms. My prayer for you, dear Sarah, is that you are now resting in the loving arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I have always loved you and I always will.

  19. Bobby and Pamela Searles on October 15, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    For us, Sarah’s late arrivals were almost always a blessing. When others had left and our duties as hosts were over, we could spend time hearing about her animals, old barns, Irish music or family stories. It was always a joy to see Sarah’s bright eyes and winning smile at our doorstep.

    Sarah had a love of life and nature seldom seen in others. Her free spirit and self-deprecating charm were a delight to experience. Sarah lived her life on her terms which was the envy of some (us included), a joy for many to see and a curiosity for still others. She could brighten a room just by entering, and we always treasured the times we spent with her, especially because they were often far between.

    We will miss her often and pray that she has found more of the peace and joy she created for herself in Greenfield.

  20. Tara Williams on October 14, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    Sarah,
    I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing you very well or long, however, you left a lasting impression.
    I will learn from your kindness, your spirit and peaceful ways.
    Thank you.

  21. Howard McMillan on October 14, 2016 at 2:15 am

    Sarah,

    Words, voice and emotions need congruence. I’ll return when I find them. Howard

    In the meantime…

    Do the leaves of green stay greener through the autumn
    Does the colour of the sun turn crimson white
    Does a shadow come between us in the winter
    Is the movement really light

    And I heard a million voices singing
    Acting to the story that they had heard about
    Does one child know the secret and can say it
    Or does it all come out along without you
    Along without you
    Along without you
    ~ ~
    Closing verses from Side 3
    The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)
    Tales From Topographic Oceans

  22. Lynn Zecca on October 13, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    Rest in Peace, Sarah. Such a tragic loss to us all, her wide and wonderful ocean of friends. I met Sarah through Winnie Griffith, I think in 1984 or ’85. Their grandmothers had been best friends. I’ll miss my Aquarian sister-girl so much. We had so many raucous good times, for which I am eternally grateful. She taught me to Cajun Dance to the Bone Tones, brought me groceries when I had the flu, and tied tin cans on the back of my car when I got married. A true blue friend who was always on my side, always thought whatever I got up to creatively was fantastic. She was a ray of light, and so much more. My heart goes out to all who loved her and are missing her now too. Peace to all.

  23. Brad Bergslien on October 13, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    I met Sarah through my dad, Myron Bergslien, in the summer of 2004 when I’d started helping her out with her lawn care. Over the years, through approximately the summer of 2010, I’d continued working with her in her pursuits to make Windswept Farm her dream come true. I remember Sarah as one of the most genuine, kind souls, with so much love for her animals (Sport, Ferrari, Monka and Watuzi) and all walks of life on her farm. While I’m beyond saddened to hear of her loss, I am so glad to have known her, and have great sympathy for her family and friends. She was a true gift to this world. You will be remembered Sarah. RIP.

  24. Jean Peterson on October 13, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    Sarah, you made us all feel pretty darn special. Well done. Thank you. We love you. Jean Peterson, Al Sterner

  25. Kelli May-Krenz on October 13, 2016 at 12:27 am

    Dear Sarah,
    You were one of my friends who always filled me up! Your grace and beauty (that you were completely unaware of) touched the lives of everyone you met! I have so many memories of you! Some of my most favorite was after going to music venues together we would sit in the car and talk with the heater blowing for at least an hour! We have our little dog Pearl Button daughter of your baby girl Merri! She will forever be our connection to you as we feel like family. I’m not making sense of your being gone! I just might continue to write you in my journal! I love you! So many many souls love you! Kelli

    • Heidi Erickson on October 20, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      Hi. I am Sarahs neighbor & friend, Heidi. We have your Pearl Buttons brother; Peter aka; Iron) whom we are also crazy in love with. a true gift from Sarah. She shed her light on all our lives & gave us the gift of our precious “Jacks” I hope to meet you at the Memorial & or funeral. I am so sad. I miss her deeply. Sincerely, Heidi

  26. Babs Pilling on October 12, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    Wow! What a shock to hear this news -Sarah always arrived with a huge smile and a great story -she knew everyone -our circles crossed many times between dance and music and international communities and St Martin’s Table folks. Her loss will be felt far and wide -she was such a kind and generous soul. My heart goes out to her siblings, the many friends she had, and the numerous lives she touched with her spark and her positive energy. It will be good to be together with others whom she loved and who loved her.

  27. Carrie Wirth on October 12, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    I met Sarah at River Bend. We were always the late ones. Try as we may, we could never seem to finish our riding and horse care before Gaylord came down from the house to do night check – probably because we always had something to chat about. We’d always get a scolding. “The barn is closed! Go home!” he’d say.

    She was an incredible person. She rescued horses that no one else could ride. Sarah always got along with them. She knew how to manage their fears with confidence and love.

    I recently saw Sarah when I visited this past summer. I thought to myself how warm and wonderful she is– a bright light. It was so great to reconnect. When I got home we wrote each other on Facebook. When I heard the news I was shocked. I just couldn’t believe it. We had just spoken.

    She was such a free spirit and a lovely soul. We will miss her.

  28. Heidi Erickson on October 12, 2016 at 10:48 am

    My neighbor Leann Bacon & I went to Sarah’s today & placed flowers under a tree near the area where Sarah passed on. (I tried to post a photo on this website; but not sure if it worked) We visited with some of her cats. Many of them are very friendly & healthy. The family is looking for homes for them & I offered to “put the word out” to her friends. If anyone is interested in helping give one of Sarahs “Babys” a home; please contact me at [email protected]. I will communicate with Sarah’s brother & or sister. It would make Sarah so happy to know they are getting a good home.

  29. Nan Roberts on October 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    Sarah was well-known for showing up late to all the Irish events and parties. I remember seeing her one night and thinking, “Is it that late already?” But it was Sarah coming early for once and surprising us all! She always had a hilarious or touching story to tell about the horses she was caring for. Many a time she was on foal watch and would have to race out the door to help with a delivery. I am so glad she was finally able to get her own farm. It was a life-long dream come true. We shared that dream, and I loved talking to her about farm life. I’m heart-broken to hear that she is gone from us. What a dear, sweet soul. We were lucky to have known her.

  30. Zena von Lindstrom on October 11, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    My heart goes out to Sarah’s family at their loss; I hope they can find comfort in knowing that Sarah’s sweet smile and gentle words and voice are known by so many.

    I hold her warm smile in my heart and can hear her laugh. They inspire me to be a better person. I hope her animals are all in good hands and good homes; my heart goes out to their loss as well.

  31. katherine dunn on October 11, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Dear Sarah, I am glad we could reconnect in our adult years and as you said, share a kindred spirit for our farms and animals. You were so kind and I have a gracious note you wrote me on Mother’s Day, a year after my mom died [and she knew your mom] and you understood that was a hard day. I know you loved your life with your animals and understood my farm and animal life too. I know one thing, you were in a place you loved at the end. And there were so many people reaching out to each other today, which is what you would have done. My heart goes to your entire family, your friends…and I know your animals will be taken care of.

  32. Tamara Loewenthal on October 11, 2016 at 11:19 am

    Every time we came to the Twin Cities to play a dance, Sarah would show up. Always late. We always chatted and enjoyed each other, and I especially identified with her love of horses and farm work, because I grew up in such an environment. Her smiling, welcoming face warmed us, and I’m so sad that we will no longer see her beautiful face. May her spirit shine on.

  33. Carolyn Gergen on October 11, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Always loved her smiling face, love for life, and giving spirit. She was a sweetheart.

  34. Diane Przymus on October 10, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    I had the honor of knowing Sarah in a special way as her Shiatsu Practitioner and friend. I can tell you that no matter how much stress or pain she was enduring, I saw her bring forward her best when she encountered another person. She was truly a giver, a bringer of light and love, a special soul. When I’d see her interact at the Three Crows, it was clear that she took the time to fully appreciate and see each person she was talking with. She lived a very authentic and intentional life. I loved hearing about her life – the adventures in her youth, her multitudes of friends and her love of beauty, art and music. She was truly a steward of the earth caring for animals with such compassion. She worked so hard to maintain her farm and fiercely loved her horses.

    Sarah, I will miss you. I have learned so much from you. You are someone with such integrity. May you know how beautiful and beloved you are. You are loved. You are loved. You are loved!

    • Stephanie Etzel on October 11, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Ditto, Diane. Oh Sarah, you will be so missed.

    • Mitch kezar on October 11, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      Dianne, I can’t possibly out write you but I’m certainly going to agree with all your lovely heartfelt words. She was a bright light on any day!

  35. Nancy "Jimmy" Colburn on October 10, 2016 at 10:09 pm

    Peace dear Sarah.

  36. Elzabeth Lampert on October 10, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    Sarah, My heart aches for you tonight. I’m not sure how I’ll explain this to Laureate, but I’ll be sure to remind him how dearly loved he was by you! I’m so glad we had our last visit on the Theraplate a week ago, and I will see you again the next time I am on there! Your kind spirit, great horsemanship, and incredible gentle soul will he do dearly missed!! RIP sweet friend!

  37. Cricket Huss on October 10, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    Sarah ~ Your soul is a breath of fresh air that will always fly and blow free to your own wind. You will be forever Wind Swept

  38. Nicole on October 10, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    I met Sarah several years ago and instantly liked her. I’m sorry that I drifted away and never got to know her well. She was a bright being…I’m sure her star shines through heavens floor on us all. Rest In Peace.

  39. Cricket Huss on October 10, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    I now have figured out the meaning behind this….”secondset…” God Bless you Sarah….you won’t be late for Heaven.

  40. Jan Funke on October 10, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Tony and I would often stop at Three Crows for a coffee early in the afternoon. More often than not, Sarah would be there and join us for such good conversation. She was usually taking a break from her chores and having a late lunch. We know she truly loved her farm and horses and really, life in general. A bright star has dimmed. Such a lovely soul.

  41. Elllen Becker on October 10, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Will miss our conversations about music and the way you laughed at virtually anything. Don’t recall you ever being in a bad mood. Loved running into you in Delano. Rest well. Hope wherever you’re at there’s a hell of a horn section.

  42. Renee Lenkart on October 10, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    God bless you Sarah. You were a truly kind, nice, real person. I am so sorry you are not with us. Heaven got another good angel.

  43. Sarah Donnell on October 10, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    I can not believe that you are gone! Sarah, you have been a beautiful light of joy and warmth, and graced us all with your love of life – animal and human. I loved your smile, laugh and compassion. I loved talking with you about horses and riding with you. Rest in peace.

  44. Pete Tritz on October 10, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Sad to think that I won’t again see that quick smile, hear that ready laugh, or enjoy that gentle wit. She brought joy to our lives for many years, and I can only hope that at least once in a while I helped bring a little joy to hers.

  45. Emily Lynch Victory on October 10, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Sarah always came in just before closing at the 3 crows. Would get soup and warm foods to go – after long days outside on her farm. So you would clean up the shop and chat with Sarah. Lovely. I think I will mostly remember the sweetness of her voice. It seemed she could never get upset or mad. Her voice was too calm, happy, lovely.

  46. Zoe Eckblad on October 10, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    Oh my, sweet Sarah. You were always so kind with smiles and loving interest in me. You had a way of making everyone feel special. I love you and will miss you dearly. ~Zoe

  47. Kerri Penke on October 10, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    I met Sarah at 3 Crows, which I know isnt surprising considering how often she frequented when it was still in business. From the moment I met her I knew I was in the prescence of someone truly special. We would share a laugh over her habitual coffee habits and trade stories over an iced vanilla latte with caramel drizzle until long after close. She was one of those unique and treasured souls whose life and sense of adventure dazzled and delighted all who knew her. I miss her terribly, but her sweet smile will live on in all those who’s lives she graced with her light and love.

  48. Emily Adickes (Johnson) on October 10, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    I will always cherish my memories of Sarah coming in to Three Crows while I worked there (and afterwards) enjoying all of the wonderful conversations, big hugs we shared, as well as the dancing. Much love to you my dear friend. ❤

  49. David Dennison on October 10, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Thank you for your passion and help when we started doing music at the Rieder “barn of knowledge” as you called it. My heart breaks that you won’t be there anymore, but I hope your spirit watches over us as we go on.

  50. Peter Maguire on October 10, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    So sad to hear of Sarah’s passing. I met Sarah only a few times many yrs ago and was able to pass on to her a flute which she loved. She was passionate about the music and a truly generous, loving and kind person. Rest in Peace Sarah.

  51. Luci Chorley on October 10, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    Oh Sarah, my heart aches for this world without you in it. We have been friends since we were barely out of diapers. Your kind heart has brought so much light to others even when your own world had darkness and pain. I hope you have been reunited with the man of your heart and you are casting rainbows everywhere. Thanks for being my friend.

  52. Jane Lundberg on October 10, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    I too am deeply saddened by this news, despite not knowing her for very long. She truly lit up a room and I was always excited to run into her at a live music show.
    First Wednesdays will loose some sparkle now that she is gone.
    There is no question that she loved her land, her horses and her dogs. She loved music and people and was generous with her talents.
    I will miss you Sarah, I hope your friends find comfort.

  53. Tamie on October 10, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    There are so many memories to share in such a short while. Music, music and more music. Sailing with you and Steve. You were my confidant here, someone who got my place. I will miss you.

  54. Dan Krenz on October 10, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    We should all learn from Sarah! To live our lives as we want to and to “do” the things we feel passionate about and to be an active participant in the lives of our friends. She always made time for her friends, listening to and attending live music venues, and always supported those she cared about in so many different ways. She always cast a positive spirit and a bright smile over everything and everyone around her and saw the best in everyone. I will deeply miss her, her sincere concern for others, kind spirit, her never ending bright smile and great conversations. I am grateful she passed at a place she cared for and loved so deeply. There is a special seat in Heaven just waiting for you Sarah!! We love you!

  55. Brian Miller on October 10, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    What a shocking, tragic loss. Sarah has always been such a warm, welcoming friendly person to me. Even though we didn’t know each other well, she is someone I feel like I’ve known forever. She would always light up when we’d run into each other at music events. Always asking thoughtful questions and always a good listener. So, so sad to hear of her untimely passing.

  56. Valerie O'Conor on October 10, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Our country horsey family, where everybody knows everybody, is utterly bereft. I’m a Johnny Come Lately to Minnesota, it being 1983 when I arrived. Sarah was one of my first friends, way back then. She is forever part of the elemental fabric of this place for me and so many others, and forever in my heart. I miss you, Sarah. Dear sweet Sarah.

  57. Chris Geller on October 10, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    Sarah was such a lovely person to be around. So sorry that she is gone. The comments about her arriving late towards the end of dances made me smile remembering the same thing. May her memory be a blessing to all that knew her.

  58. Heidi Erickson on October 10, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    Dear Sarah- my neighbor & friend. You were the bright light for me in this neighborhood. Our “visits” outside on your property while our dogs playing together, walks along the Crow, going to a local barn dance, your visits to my store… This community will miss you. I am happy that you were in your “happy place”on your property when you passed…but we are all sad that we will not see your smiling face.
    Your spirit will live on…

  59. Linda Breitag on October 10, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Wow. What a shock and loss. Sarah seemed to thoroughly enjoy life and spread positive energy with ease – a rare gift. I didn’t know her well but always felt warmly welcomed by Sarah in any situation. That smile.

  60. Mike Muehlbach on October 10, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    I’ll always remember Sarah showing up late for that last waltz. RIP

  61. Doug Lohman on October 10, 2016 at 11:28 am

    The news is so sad, to know that Sarah, who was always sunshine at an event, is no longer on this earth. Her smile was so infectious. She brought light when she entered a room. I remember her always coming late to our gigs with the Bone Tones and New Riverside Ramblers. Such a giving person, too. My memories of her will always be fond ones.

  62. Lucinda Plaisance on October 10, 2016 at 11:14 am

    I’m so very sorry to hear this. A small group of friends were scheduled to have dinner with her Sept. 28 and were disappointed when she didn’t join us. I loved seeing her at music shows and community events. She was interesting, engaged, and always kind, gentle and positive — a bright light. She will be missed.

    • Sally Hauser on October 12, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Although Sarah danced to a different tune, she made music everywhere she went. Such a kind and gentle woman who was taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to her family and all her friends for whom she would do anything to brighten their day.

      • Richard Parnell on October 14, 2016 at 11:49 am

        And a lovely tune it was…embodying the love that is possible in this noisy, fearful world…she danced to it with a grace that inspired others to join in and become more fully human, more fully alive…she invited us into her dance and warmed our souls with her earthy music. I am so sad, but so grateful. May all remember and celebrate her grace, and honor it by sharing such love with others as she did…peace…(fitting visual for the mast of this memorial message board: the dancing Northern Lights…maybe just above the trees of a beloved farm…shuffling to the rhythm of horses’ hooves)

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