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Dear Roy,  I am sitting down to write to you on Mothers Day.  I have wanted to write to thank you for about a year now, but the words were not there.  Several days go, I visited my daughter's grave and somehow,  I drove up and looked at her across the grass and a peace came over me that I had not felt before.  I saw her smiling face as I walked cross the grass to talk to her. 

After going around the stone and reading every word, I realized just how beautiful and meaningful the message is.  I stood looking for a long time before leaving and as I drove away, I watched the stone, stopping several times to again to see her smiling face.

Thank you Roy, for helping us put together a most touching and unique tribute to my daughter's life.  Words are not adequate.

Jean Esbaum

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Dear Sirs,  I live about two blocks from the Pittsburg Iowa Cemetery and one of my projects has been to update burial records since 1973, so I walk over there often.

My purpose for writing to you is in regards to the beautiful monument created by your firm for Tony Doud and his little girl.  Although Tony grew up in this area, I hadn't seen him since he was in grade school.  But, when I viewed the scene on his monument, I was at a loss for words.  I doubt if you could ever create another monument that could surpass the detail, the choice of words, the style of lettering, the shape and design of the stone, and the choice of the stone. Everything seems to fit into place so well that the more I think of it, the more unbelievable it becomes!  I congratulate everyone who had a part in the creation of this wonderful work of art!

As I visit the cemetery, the sun sets low in the sky and each visit the memorial is even more impressive than before.

Maxine Hughes

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Dear Sirs,  Just a note to pass along our appreciation for the prompt nd professional attention your staff provided us in the preparation of a granite stone marker for our dear departed Mother, Vera K. Riley.  Challenges like these are difficult enough under normal circumstances, but to coordinate such a task over hundreds of miles and numerous phone calls ws truly something noteworthy.

We especially want to recognize the sensitivity and care displayed by Ms. Amy Laue to include her timely performance and beautiful workmanship.  Her attention to detil and follow-up were truly outstanding.  She is a credit to your company.

Ginger Vasquez

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Dear Mr. Sourwine,  I came to Keokuk over Thanksgiving and I was really pleased that you had the headstone done.  On Thanksgiving day,  I went out to the cemetery and it made me happy that the stone was done so well.  I appreciate the time and effort you have taken to help me follow through with the one thing my mom asked me to do for her.  I am thankful for your kindness and understanding in helping me with this matter.

Marie Chaknine

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Thank you to all your staff on Marian Krekel's monument.  I was able to visit the cemetery yesterday  and was so pleased with your work!  Marcia Lohmann

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Your company did an excellent job on the workmanship of the stones on the graves.  Raymond Moore

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Amy, Please tell the crew at Leyda, Burrus & Metz that we really appreciate the excellent job they did on the three monuments.  Everything looks wonderful!  Hopefully this finally lets Matt Rest In Peace, We pray!  Thank you for all your help - we appreciate your contribution to making everything so perfect!  Kim Moriarity

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Roy,  Just a quick note to thank you for doing such an incredibly beautiful job on Mark's stone.  I am very pleased with it!  Thank you also for your kindness and compassion throughout the entire process.  It made it alot easier for all of us!  Kim, Taylor & Lindsy Johnson

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Thank you for the kind and helpful service your company provided for me.  Not only did someone drive me out to the cemetery to make sure my mother's monument would match with the others in the family lot, but to also send me a picture of the completed job ws a thoughtfulness much appreciated effort.  This is always a very difficult time to go through, but the gentleman that helped me that day in August when I came to LBM for the monument made it just a little easier for me!  Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!  If I should ever need another monument for the cemetery... I would definately chose LBM to do the job!   Jacque VanderWerken

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I would like to thank you for the wonderful job you did on Chad's stone.  I have heard so many good things about the stone.  It is about the worst thing that can happen to you when you lose a child.  I would give my life in a second if it would bring Chad back.  I do have a little more peace of mind when I got to the cemetery and see what a beautiful tribute we now have for Chad.  You should be very proud of the work that you do.  Barb Nurre

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It was a pleasure to meet you last weekend.  We learned a lot of helpful information.  I now feel that the reason we have been waiting on the monument was so we could meet you.  Now we can finally proceed on the responsibility of starting Matt's memorial stone.  How do we represent someone so important to us, on just a piece of granite 3' tall?  His beautiful life must be summed up on that piece of stone.  It is a huge and monumental task.  That is why you were chosen because you are the BEST!

I have enclosed lots of information on Matt.  I would like back all that I have sent you especially original photos.  You will find a copy of Matt's book which I have been compiling since his death.  It includes letters and thoughts and poems by family and friends. You will find 3 poems written by me and also the poem on the back of the service pamphlet.  Enclosed are two pages of quotes which I researched and narrowed down to the ones which we liked.  The poem, "I'm Free" is also included plus the words to the song "Goodnight my Angel" written by Billy Joel which was played at the service.  The other songs were "On Eagles Wings" and "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton.  We love the words to these songs as well.  I didn't include the words to "Tears In Heaven" as I ran out of time and I wanted to get this into the mail today.  Any or all of these items could be included on Matt's stone, as they are all worthy of honor.  I would like your opinion as to the ones we might choose.  I would like the quotes to match the picture if possible.

You will also find enclosed a copy of snow boarder magazine.  I hope that gives you an idea of this sport.  There is a picture of Matt snow boarding as well.  He loved to glide down the mountain on a beautiful day in Colorado.  We took special pictures of Matt's red jeep.  His snow board is standing by the jeep as well as his dog "Allie" and his sister Sarah.  I hope that they are helpful to you.

Once we decide on an idea than you can go to work and I can send you any pictures which you might find helpful for that particular picture.  Like Mackintosh or our favority lake, etc.  I reaally liked your idea of a bulletin board for his information.  We would like for you to also pick out the stone which you think would best fit your design.  The price of this piece is not that important to me, only the quality.  I will be anxiously awaiting your ideas.

  Deb Colerick - Nebraska

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We just wanted to let you know how much we think of the stone you did for our son Todd.  It's more than we ever dreamed possible and we cherish it deeply!  Everyone truly is amazed at the quality, and life-like pictures you created.  We have received many comments from strangers and friends!  It is just unbelievable how rel Todd'x picture is.  It almost takes your breath away!

Everytime we go to the cemetery, Todd feels close to us and we can almost hear him laugh when we look at the stone!  We are very proud of what you were able to accomplish for us and you should be proud of your talent as well!

Mike & Diane Edmund

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I want you all to know how much I like the stone.  It is beautiful!  I have had many compliments.  It was set in the cemetery on Monday or Tuesday and my phone started ringing immediately with people telling me how beautiful it is!  Never in my life have I called ANYONE to say I liked their cemetery stone.  Neither had any of these people, until now! Thank you very much!

Eleanor Lindeman

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I really can't place into words how much this gift you have given us has meant to us!  Your work will allow Tanner's likeness & memories to live forever.  When God took that little boy away from us, it nearly broke my hert.  For months, I went about life aimlessly without the will to survive.  Your tribute to him has brought back a small piece of what I thought was forever lost!  I have no words but to thank you!

Thomas

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I can't thank you enough for Angie's beautiful butterfly monument.  The pictures on the stone are gorgeous!  It is a perfect likeness of Angie!  And the shading around her and on the butterfly wings is fabulous!  Thank you for making this anniversary of her death just a little bit easier!

Michele Westrope - Cedar Rapids, IA

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I find it difficult to express the awe and respect I have for your immense talent.  This lasting tribute to my mother you have so painstakingly perfected, is something that will be cherished nd enjoyed for many generations.  Hod do I say thank you for such as this?  It is a beautiful, thought-provoking, emotion-stirring work that I am aware of took mny, many creative hours.  You have turned our rather limited imaginations into a very vivid reality.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.  Our final gift to mom is everything we wanted.  You have successfully touched upon all the things she loved on this small piece of stone.

Janet Parmenter