Witthuhn's Web Weaves Generations Together Each Halloween
- Trinity Gruenberg
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
The holidays are a special time for families, but they can become quite hectic with so many family members to visit during Thanksgiving and Christmas. A grandmother from Verndale found a way for her family to celebrate together by creating an annual Halloween tradition.
“Family is always more important,” said Bonnie Witthuhn.
She holds faith and family close to her heart, so when her nephew Peter Resch suggested that the family should carve pumpkins together for Halloween and make a day of it, Bonnie was elated to host. The first family Halloween party took place in 2004.
“Aunt Bonnie fine-tuned it, and they were off and running. Now, you must keep in mind that when these two put their heads together, you never know what might happen. Invitations were made and sent out. The farmhouse was transformed into a spooky place. Peter brought the pumpkins, Bonnie prepared the food, and a fun day was enjoyed by all,” as stated in the event’s scrapbook.
Everyone scooped out the pumpkin guts and carved various designs, some even using handheld electric saws, turning it into a competition for the best pumpkin. The day of fun and family bonding became a cherished memory, and a new family tradition was born.
Sadly, it was the only party that Peter would attend. He was a Wadena Police Officer and suffered a fatal heart attack. The family was heartbroken, but ‘Aunt Bonnie’ continued the annual Halloween parties in Resch’s memory.
Each year, the party grew larger, adding more decorations and creative ideas. The driveway attracted attention from passersby; the fence line was covered in scarecrows, the cemetery expanded, and cornstalks were added as accessories. Bonnie could easily spend a week decorating. If she didn’t like what she saw, she would take it down and start over...
