WINONA, Minn. – A memorial to war veterans is taking shape at the entrance to Woodlawn cemetery nestled in the Winona bluffs. Dedication ceremonies are scheduled for June 18, from 1 p.m. In the meantime, flags already greet Woodlawn visitors. The memorial was inspired by Ashley Furniture founder Ron Wanek, a Winona County native who has a family mausoleum at Woodlawn. Wanek said the new memorial honors all veterans — not just those buried at Woodlawn. The concept, he said, was to create a place to learn and reflect. At the June 18 commemoration, the 34th Infantry Red Bull Division Band will perform.
Memorial Day. With enduring messages for visitors about veterans of American wars since the republic’s beginning. Image: Steve Lunde
Wanek. His causes include honoring war veterans.
Patriotic legacy. At 81, Ron Wanek’s greatest footprint is the 51-acre Soldiers Walk memorial park in Arcadia. The park is site of the annual Ashley for the Arts concerts. Ashley, a global furniture manufacturer, has its largest plant in Arcadia. Although Wanek lives in LaCrosse, he values growing up on a dairy farm near Utica in Winona County. He has built a family mausoleum high up in Woodlawn cemetery in Winona.