Friends of the Angel To Host Final Walk To Remember in Maple Grove

This Saturday will mark an emotional time for parents who have lost a child.

For the past 13 years, a group of bereaved parents with the nonprofit Friends of the Angel has hosted a walk to comfort others.

Angel of Hope statue in Maple Grove.

“I feel good that we bring people together and sometimes they form friendships which is a very nice thing too,” said Sue Drag, president of Friends of the Angel. “They have people that do understand what it’s like to lose someone they love so much.”

This Saturday will be the group’s last time hosting the walk.

Group members say it was a very difficult decision, but was necessary due to a lack of volunteers.

The final walk will take place around Rice Lake in Maple Grove. 

“Rice Lake is about 4.5 miles. So we share mile markers along the way, so individuals would not have to walk the entire distance. They can turn around,” said Sarah Kerbeshian, vice president of Friends of the Angel. “Along the walk we will have photo remembrance signs that individuals have created in honor of their loved one.” 

A Walk to Remember will be held this Saturday, rain or shine.

Friends of the Angel say there will be other ways to help families grieve. That includes two annual brick dedications ceremonies and a candlelight vigil.

This Saturday’s Walk to Remember begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine. A small ceremony will take place before the walk that includes reading the names of loved ones lost.

About 300 people are expected at Saturday’s Walk to Remember. Registration is closed, but some tickets will be available at the event beforehand. 

Maple Grove