There are all kinds of art and there's all kinds of artists, but at its best art can represent what we collectively value and care about. And it can celebrate important moments in our lives and memorialize them.”

Ray Strong

The dedication ceremony for a mural commissioned by the family and friends of Diane Herington was held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Owen-Withee School Forward Center building. The ceremony began as Phil Greschner and Jeff Greschner sang while a troop of Owen-Withee veterans marched in with Larry Herington among the ranks. The mural depicting a Blackhawk flying over the backdrop of the American flag and the bright blue sky brought the community together while speakers shared their thoughts on the mural highlighting the Herington family's generosity in donating the mural to the school district.

Kris Karaba was first to speak and shared how she helped organize the mural project including finding the artist, Ray Strong, whose murals can be seen at the Marshfield Clinic. Kris and the family collaborated with Ray to create a design that reflected both Diane and Larry’s patriotism and school spirit.

After the introduction, Larry Herington stepped up to speak from his heart. “Ray and his wife stayed at my place during the painting. There are thousands of artists out there, and I feel we got one of the best. One day Evan Devine, grandson to Carol Devine, came by with a feather? Ray looked at it and seeing so much in detail, he grabbed the feather and that's what you see,” said Larry motioning to the Blackhawk hovering overhead. “Plus, Evan got a ride on the lift as his price…What a memory of my wife, Diane, for years to come. She left a huge imprint on this community and in our lives. She would cheer ‘go Blackhawks!’ Thank you to all the people here tonight. Diane would be honored to see all the faces now and the future of Owen-Withee.”

Larry then introduced Ray Strong and his wife Heidi. Ray shared words of gratitude and appreciation. “Artwork is an interesting thing,” Ray began. “There are all kinds of art and there's all kinds of artists, but at its best art can represent what we collectively value and care about. And it can celebrate important moments in our lives and memorialize them. And for the artists, they hope that their work inspires and sparks the love that they hold so dear. Now, I'm a muralist. But my murals are usually done on canvas and indoors, standing safely on the ground, free from mosquitoes and thunderstorms and varying temperatures and questioning eyes. This was a stretch for me for sure. It felt like special forces training for artists. There were so many times I had to tell myself to just suck it up, buttercup, keep going and then persevere through the rain, through the winter clothes. I can tell you honestly that I am grateful for this experience. I couldn't have painted something for a better donor, Larry, who has honored his wife Diane. For Kris Karaba who coordinated this whole effort as a great friend would and for my wife Heidi who never really helps on job sites but on this project, I could not have done this without her.”

Heidi presented a framed keepsake containing the paint brush used to create 80% of the mural to Owen-Withee School Board President Julie Wendler. She graciously accepted the token of appreciation. “When Ray said thanks to the school board for allowing this to be put up without having an idea what it would look like…” said Wendler. “We had an idea, and we had a lot of trust, and we had a lot of faith, and we had a lot of love for Diane Herington. And that's why this is here today. Because of Larry and his love for his wife and his wonderful family. And it was easy. It was very easy to say yes to this. I never heard an ill word about this project. And you know, I've been on the school board a long time, and nothing happens without an ill word about anything that goes on in this building. I told Larry and I told Kris that this is amazing. And we are honored to have this gracing the outside of our storm shelter. It turned out wonderfully. On a personal note, I met Diane Herington across the road there on that golf course. I hear women constantly saying I just can't believe what a wonderful tribute this is to Diane and her family. The golfers have really appreciated this new improvement on this wall…And you know, and this was truly a labor of love to put this this mural on this wall because her imprint lives on in our hearts and it lives on in this school. And like I say  when I see Larry in the stands, I still see Diane in the stands. She's with us. So again, we are honored to have this on the wall, this school building. And thank you so much to the Heringtons for blessing the school district with this gift.”

Owen Mayor Scott Jalling was next to speak to those who gathered for this special dedication. “On behalf of the City of Owen, it's my pleasure to thank the school board for approving the mural to be done, also thank you to the artist for the stunning mural. Awesome. And of course, a huge thank you to Larry and his family. The mural touches on Larry's persona, Larry and Diane's persona. They had a deep affection for our school and community, and he is also a proud veteran. The mural captures all those aspects. Most of all, it represents his love for Diane. I hope as we observe this mural, we all remember Diane in our hearts. And with that, thanks again to Larry and his family, it is a great asset to the city. It's great to drive into the city and see it. It's awesome.”

In conclusion, Kris gave another round of thank yous, “We just wanted to thank everybody for coming out this afternoon and showing your tribute to the Herington family for this wonderful donation. Just as a side note, 100% of this was donated by the Herington family. We just want to make sure that the community is aware that this all came from them and obviously Ray’s talents as well.”

The dedication closed as the Greschner brothers once again leading those gathered in song, singing “America the Beautiful.”