Appleton Community remembers Mitch Lundgaard on the anniversary of his death

Appleton, Wis. (Wbay) – husband, father, son and brother.

The death of the firefighter Mitch Lundgaard influenced so many in the Appleton community.

On Thursday, six years ago, Lundgaard was shot on duty. He left a woman and three boys.

Lundgaard's courage and passion to protect this community still live in his family and close friends.

May 15, 2019. It is a day of the Appleton fire brigade, Ryan Lee, remembers well.

“From a personal perspective, our world apparently shakes this from a family from the AfD family,” says Capt. Lee.

His long -time friend Mitch Lundgaard was shot after responding to a medical call.

On Thursday, friends and relatives shared memories of Mitch while they drink their favorite beer.

Maria Vandenberg, a classmate of Mitch, says that grief has felt suffocating, but has become easier over time.

“The only way I can put together is to look at his boys because they are now so grown up and so much different than at this point, so we see a lot of him in them,” says Vandenberg.

Michelle Nickel, a neighbor of the Lundgaards, agrees and says that she fights the most when she notices how much Mitch is missing in his boy's life.

“They are great boys, and they are doing so well, and I think Mitch would be so proud, and that's why I think it is the most difficult to see them grow up and know that he is not here with them,” says Nickel.

In an interview on Tuesday, Lindsey, widow from Mitch, Lindsey, says the children continue to learn new things about their father every day.

Her eldest son Evan, who is now 15, wants to step into his father's footsteps.

“Everything he speaks about is a firefighter like his father, so it is his plan as soon as he has completed the high school,” says Lindsey.

A post office and a park named after Mitch, remember very much for Lindsey and the boys. It also helps to keep his name out there so that we can never forget.

“Everyone gathered around this family and I think they weren't where they are without them,” says Nickel.

“Every opportunity I get, I want to say the name of Mitch. Bring it out there. Share his story and remember his name,” says Capt. Lee.

Appleton Parks and Recreation announced on Thursday that the construction in Lundgaard Park Pavilion will begin this month.

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