Cromwell Cemetery Assn

By-Laws of Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

By-Laws of Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Original document July 30, 1904
Revised & Adopted by Board of Trustees April 2009

Article I
The name of the Cemetery to be by this corporation shall be “Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery”.

The officers of the first meeting were then instructed to make the necessary affidavit the agreement of association and cause a copy to be filed and recorded with the Secretary of State, one to be filed with the County Auditor of Pierce County and a copy to be retained in the possession of the secretary of this corporation.

Article II
The officers of this corporation shall consist of one president, one vice president, one treasurer one secretary and a board of three trustees who shall be elected and hold offices as provided in the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation. They shall perform such duties as usually pertain to their respective offices.

Article III
The spring clean up of the cemetery shall be held the third Saturday in May, namely the Saturday that precedes Memorial Day weekend. The annual meeting and lunch is scheduled to follow the clean up.

Article IV
Any member of the Board of Trustees may call a meeting of the Board at any given time by giving each of the members of said board notice thereof at least seven days prior to said meeting. If all members of the board are present, the notice shall be deemed waived and the business transacted be legal.

Article V
Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in meeting of the corporation, and two trustees shall constitute a quorum in a meeting of the trustees.

Article VI
The treasurer shall collect all monies due the corporation, and report the source to the secretary who shall keep just and true accounts of receipts and disbursements

Article VII
The treasurer shall pay out money only in orders drawn by the secretary and attested by the President.

Article VIII
The trustees shall cause the Cemetery grounds to be plotted, and said plot, after being accepted by the Corporation shall be the official plot of the Cemetery. Said plot shall also show the dimensions of lots, alleys and avenues.

Article IX
The Board of Trustees shall supervise over fencing, improving and embellishing the Cemetery grounds; but said board shall not be called for donation work except authorized so by the corporation at special meetings for that purpose.

Article X
The Board of Trustees shall have charge of sale of lots in the Cemetery and all sales shall be recorded in a book kept by the Treasurer in a convenient form for easy reference. The Secretary shall also maintain a copy of such transactions.

Article XI
The price of the lots shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00) each per grave paid only in cash. A limit to the number of sites per family is six (6) for an immediate family. The Board of Trustees shall have power to regulate the price of lots and vary the same as in their judgment may be deemed expedient.

Article XII
The Board shall select a section of the Cemetery where single graves only shall be sold. Such single graves may be donated free to deserving persons, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees.

Article XIII
No appropriation shall be made out of the funds of the corporation for opening graves, or for burials

Article XIV
In case of surplus funds, the Board of Trustees shall not have the power to dispose of same, but the disposition thereof shall be determined by a majority vote of the members at a regular or special meeting and such special meeting shall be called for that purpose.

Article XV
Additions or amendments may be made to these by-laws at any regular meeting or in special meetings called for that purpose by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

Application For Burial Form

Please download the Application For Burial (Cremation or Full). Updated January 2025.

This form is to be sent to the Secretary of the Cromwell Cemetery Assn. along with appropriate amount payable to:

Cromwell Cemetery Association
c/o Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary
15558 Sunny Cove Drive SE
Olalla, WA 98359
253-857-2399

2013 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Saturday May 18, 2013 – Annual Meeting Minutes

I Call to Order

II Read & Approval of Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting

III Treasurer’s Report
Expenses – $1199.61
Donations - $675.00
Money Market - $13,233.20 (interest $20.81)
Checking - $6893.20

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year
Gordon Sherwood McCormick October 5, 1939 - October 12, 2012 85 F
Frank Melvin Samuelson May 3 1926 – Nov 25, 2012 *
Eunice Marie Samuelson April 12, 1924 July 29, 2010 *
*ashes to be buried this summer in family plot
Dwight Edward Stephens August 26, 1949 – Feb 4th 2012 buried elsewhere
(to be acknowledged at 2014 meeting as notice came after annual meeting)

V Old Business
• Ben Pearson will schedule a grave marking orientation during the summer.
• Bob Quy offered to have a friend who is a sign maker look into coming up with a bid for a new sign.

VI New Business
• Adjusting to the Digital Age
a. A Cromwell Cemetery website will be researched.
b. Newsletters and correspondence will be sent electronically in the future for those with email and wishing such. The regular mailed news newsletter will still be available.
• Fence Repair – The cyclone fence on the north side of the cemetery will be repaired by Viking Fence in Gorst for about $400.00. They were significantly the least expensive bid
• Donations/ Expenses/Diminishing Donor Base - The majority of the contributions are from older folks and as they pass away donations are not being replenished up by the younger generations. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility be stewards of Cemetery funds for future generations. Ideas are welcome for expanding our donor base

NEW POLICIES IMPLEMENTED – see below
• PERMANENT MARKER REQUIREMENT – Effective May 18th, 2013 (annual meeting) a permanent headstone and or permanent identification must installed within one year of burial, whether it is a casket burial or cremation.
• INTERMENT FEE - Effective May 18, 2013 (annual meeting) a $50.00 interment fee for any burial (casket or cremation) will be implemented. .
• BURIAL TRACKING FORM – Effective May 18, 2013 (annual meeting) each new burial (casket or urn) must have completed a Burial Tracking Record form. This is available from the secretary and will be on the future website.
• HPSLC POLICIES REVISION - The Permanent Marker Requirement, Burial Tracking Form and Interment Fee have been added to the HPLSC Policies document.


VII Appointment of 3-year-term Trustee to replace the expiring term of Nate Sears. Nate was reinstated for another 3 year term.
Doug Holsinger 2011 - 2014
Suzan Rosenthal 2012 - 2015
Nate Sears 2013 - 2016

VIII Election of officers for 2013 - 2014
President -Vice President - Secretary – Treasurer
After no one wanted to put their hat in the ring as an officer, it was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson
Ed Berntsen volunteered to shadow Laurie for the secretarial duties.

IX Other
• Thanks to mowers Ben Pearson, Dick Brynestad, Bob Quy and others who tended to cemetery needs during the year.
• Thanks to the Sears/Mitton families for their hospitality

X Adjourn

2014 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Annual Meeting Minutes – May 17, 2014
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

I Call to Order

II Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings

III Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year

Dwight Edward Stephens buried elsewhere, parents in cemetery
26 Aug 1949, Tacoma, WA 4 Feb 2012 Gig Harbor, WA
(Acknowledgement was missed last year)

David Lee Berntsen 740 cr
28 Aug 1936, Parkland, WA 24 Aug 2013, Edgewood, WA

Donna Gail Turner 100 B
14 February 1938 6 Sept 2013, Olalla, WA

Ingvar Mathias Drage 318 cr
10 April 1926, Aspa, Norway 6 October 2013, Tacoma, WA

Janet Mary Fosberg Reinmuth 2164 cr
23 August 1943, Portland, Ore 23 December 13, Gig Harbor, WA

V Old Business
• New sign is in place
• Website Update
• Fence and other Repairs

VI New Business
• Cleaning up Trees and branches on North side of property
• Archiving Cemetery Documents with Harbor History Museum
• Election of Officers
• Election of Trustee – to replace Doug Holsinger whose term will expire

VII Other


VIII Adjourn

2014 Annual Meeting Minutes may be downloaded here.

2015 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes - May 16, 2015
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

I Call to Order
35 people were present for the potluck lunch and meeting. Many more were in involved with the cemetery clean up, but had afternoon obligations.

II Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings
Minutes were read and approved without correction.

III Treasurer's Report & Plots Sales
Expenses - $1327.04
Donations - $620.00
Sale of 3 Plots $1200.00
Interment Fees (5) $250.00
Checking Balance $7525.39
CD Balance $13252.39 (includes interest of $11.30)

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year
Ida May Rudsit 178 A
22 May 1918, Seko, Montana 25 May 2014, Gig Harbor, WA
Barbara Odgen Pearson 129 B
31 January 1934, Tacoma, WA 4 July 2014, Gig Harbor, WA
Lisa Ann Berntsen 702 - cr
6 Sept 1965, Tacoma, WA 29 Oct 2014, Sherpani Pass, Nepal

V Old Business

Website Evaluation - The website is off to a great start with over almost 765 visitors in one year. Several of these were inquiries as to relatives who may have been buried at the cemetery. One inquiry came from British Colombia, BC. So indeed we have expanded our horizons. We have had several comments on how professional and informative the site is!

Suggestions: from the Board
1. Have a ¡§Donate¡¨ link with Paypal on the home page - Webmaster said that this would not be effective for our needs.
2. Put the date /time of the Work Party on the home page or a visible link to the newsletter - done
3. Explore the possibility of having an email registry created through the website for future correspondence - Webmaster said that email addresses are able to be seen with a portal within the site.
Fence and other Repairs. A portion of the north fence line was repaired by Viking Fence Company.
Thanks to Ben Pearson for repairing 2 faucets that had leaks
Laurie will continue to send the newsletter both via email and snail mail
All Cemetery Documents are archived and secure with the Harbor History Museum. They can be accessed by anyone wishing to do so by making an appointment with someone at the front desk.

VI New Business
Election of Officers President -Vice President - Secretary - Treasurer
After no one wished to partake as an officer, the current officers agreed to serve another term. It was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson

Election of Trustee - It was moved and seconded to reinstate Suzan McCormick for another 3 year term. Current trustees are:
Nate Sears 2013 - 2016
Doug Holsinger 2014 - 2017
Suzan Rosenthal 2015 - 2018

VII Other
Ed Berntsen noted that the little Norwegian sail boat, the Yakup has been moved to the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum on Dock Street in Tacoma
The Sears/Mitton families were thanked for their hospitality
Many thanks to all who those who mowed, weeded and cleaned during the year - Dick Brynestad, Bob Quy, Ben Pearson and Dan Meyer. Thanks to others who are not named.
Joanie Mitton noted that there was a very nice piece of property for sale next to the Cemetery.

VIII Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Annual Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2016
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

I Call to Order
35 people braved the rain and the chilly weather to help with the annual clean up.

II Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings
Minutes were read and approved without correction.

III Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales
Expenses – $989.37
Donations - $1045.00
Sale of 6 Plots $2400.00
Interment Fees (3) $150.00
Checking Balance $11,334.62
CD Balance $13,256.33 (includes interest of $5.94)

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year

Rosemary Ann (Martenson) Brynestad
203 J wife to Dick Brynestad
19 January 1932 Tacoma, WA
16 June 2015, Gig Harbor, WA

Carl William Erickson
2364 husband to Sandra Erickson
Nov 11, 1927, Portland, Ore
Oct 26, 2015, Gig Harbor, WA

Elizabeth Featherstone
2043 family friend of Paul McCormick
Mar 1, 1949, Costa Mesa, CA
Aug 10, 2015, Gig Harbor, WA

Eric Featherstone
2043 family friend of Paul McCormick
Mar 17. 1968, Santa Anna, CA
Oct 9, 2011, Gig Harbor, WA

Laura Mary Hrudicka
508 family friend of Paul Fritts & Susan McConnell
Dec 26, 1917 Chatham NY
July 24, 2013 Tacoma, WA

Cooper Johnson
353 son of Laura/Chris Johnson, Grandson to Glen/Cheryl Rogers
Dec 25, 2015
May 14, 2016

V Old Business
Website – The website has been a good means of communication for those looking for information about the cemetery and relatives. To date there have been over 1700 visitors since May 2014.

VI New Business
What to do about unwanted Graves?
The Cemetery is not in the position to purchase unwanted grave plots. After discussion, a motion was made: 'Individuals may donate the unwanted plots back to the cemetery and they in turn could claim a tax deduction for the current market value of $400'. It was moved and seconded. Motion carried. This transaction would have to be recorded with the Secretary and the Treasurer.

Election of Officers President -Vice President - Secretary – Treasurer

After no one wished to partake as an officer, the current officers agreed to serve another term. It was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson

Election of Trustee – It was moved and seconded to reinstate Nate Sears for another 3 year term. Current trustees are:
Doug Holsinger 2014 - 2017
Suzan McCormick 2015 – 2018
Nate Sears 2016 – 2019

VII Other
Veterans Day Remembrance A dozen Cub Scouts from Pack 202 and a Girl Scout honored each veteran of the cemetery with a flag and a salute. The cemetery provided maps, a list noting the known veterans and flags. The troop leaders organized the kids into groups. It was a great event of honor and respect

Spencer Fields completed an Eagle Scout project in August. He photographed every grave and posted them on the website of www.billiongraves.com
Thanks for the Sears Family for their hospitality and use of the garage.

Thanks to all who have cleaned, mowed and repaired items at the cemetery throughout the year.

VIII Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2017 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes – May 20, 2017
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

I Call to Order

II Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings

III Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales (from 2017 Board Meeting Minutes)
Expenses – $1470.84
Donations - $820.00
Sale of 8 Plots $3200.00
Interment Fees (7) $350.00
Checking Balance $13,958.50
CD Balance $13,258.29 (includes interest of $7.96)

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year

Thomas Wayne Colley 2084
1 April 1937 Topeka, KA 10 August 2016, Gig Harbor, WA

Luke Albert Simmons 127 son of Penny Goddard
24 March 1987 Chehalis WA 20 April 2016 Mexico

Ray Tobiason to be interred this summer husband to Phyllis Tobiason
9 November 1928, Longview, WA 12 November 2016, Tacoma, WA 200 C

Dale Lawrence Rogers 100 C
1 Oct 1934, Helena, MT 20 Oct 2016, Gig Harbor, WA
Jason Graham husband to Linda Graham burial July 4 -136 K
30 Jan 1936, Tacoma, WA 26 Jan 2017, Gig Harbor, WA
Trish Doherty daughter to Donna Doherty, to be interred Summer
5 Aug 1961, Bremerton, WA 25 Jan 2017, Gig Harbor 368
Donald Roy Gagnon 2421
15 March 1926, Yakima WA 2 March 2017, Gig Harbor, WA

Frances Mary (McGuire) Gagnon 2421
21 June 1927, Tacoma, WA 13 May 2014, Gig Harbor, WA
Todd Oliver 2456
7 March 1972, 21 April 2017, Gig Harbor, WA


V Old Business

Discussion of purchasing markers for known unmarked graves. Laurie will consider the costs of small markers. Suggestion made to contact Frank Bannon of Artondale Cemetery.

VI New Business
Ben repaired a couple of the broken headstones.
Laurie re-copied all maps and designated veterans with green. One copy of each map is laminated. Database was also updated with veterans noted with green and sent to webmaster.


Election of Officers – President, Vice –President, Secretary & Treasurer
After no one wished to partake as an officer, the current officers agreed to serve another term. It was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson

Election of Trustee – It was moved and seconded to reinstate Doug Holsinger for another 3-year term. Current trustees are:
Suzan McCormick 2015 – 2018
Nate Sears 2016 – 2019
Doug Holsinger 2017 - 2020
.
VII Other
For the second year, a dozen Cub Scouts from Pack 202 and a Girl Scout honored each veteran of the cemetery with a flag and a salute. The cemetery provided maps, a list noting the known veterans and flags. The troop leaders organized the kids into groups. It was a great event of honor and respect
Thanks for the Sears Family for their hospitality and use of the garage.
Thanks to all who have cleaned, mowed and repaired items at the cemetery throughout the year.
Ed Berntsen spoke about an opportunity to take one of the last train trips along the Narrows waterfront to Centralia and back. In the future that route will be dedicated to freight only. Forms were available.

VIII Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2018 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2018
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

I Call to Order

II Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings

III Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales (from 2018 Board Meeting Minutes)
Expenses – $810.41
Donations - $1085.00
Sale of 4 Plots $1600.00
Interment Fees (8) $400.00
Checking Balance $16216.42
CD Balance $13276.26 (includes interest of $7.96)

IV Acknowledging those who passed away during the year:

Stuart Holmes Miller 107 C
4 June 1992, Seattle, WA
13 Aug 2017, Issaquah, WA

Olivia Frances Woods 181 C (cr)
24 June 1954, Gig Harbor, WA
24 Aug 2017, Port Orchard, WA

Howard L Barton 89 C - Veteran
3 Dec 1930, Hancock Co, Indiana
5 Oct 2017, Tacoma, WA

Yoshie Goto 2416 (cr)
28 July 1916, Keelung, Taiwan
29 Jan 2017, Kurame, Japan

Robert Rudsit 178 F- Veteran
13 Jan 1922, Philadelphia, PA
17 Nov 2017, Gig Harbor, WA

Howard Faber 2090 (cr) Veteran
11 March,1930, Waterloo, IA
20 Jan 2018, Gig Harbor, WA

Jewell Marie Colley 2084 (cr)
3 June 1938, Oak Lawn, Ill.
26 Feb 2018, Bellevue, WA

Allen Erickson 161 L (marker only)
5 Feb 1947, Tacoma, WA
4 Feb 2017, Gig Harbor, WA

Hollis Small
7 July 1928, Yakima, WA
11 Oct 2017, Gig Harbor, WA


V Old Business

Laurie identified 31 burials without a permanent headstone. All but 2 do not have a known living relative. Those families will be contacted with a personal note. Premier Memorial in Tacoma had the best deal for 12' x 12' x 4' granite markers. We would be getting wholesale cost: $137.00 less 15% for an order of 10. They would be using leftover material and we would not have a choice in color selection. Each could be engraved with Name, DOB and DOD. Some graphics could be included. Stones will be delivered to the cemetery. We would need to do the installation.
Laurie will order 10.
A signup sheet was passed around for those who would like to help identify the plots and set the stones one or two days during the summer

VI New Business
Nate asked for volunteers to have a 'Tree cutting' party to be scheduled this summer.
Election of Officers – President, Vice –President, Secretary & Treasurer
After no one wished to partake as an officer, the current officers agreed to serve another term. It was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson

Election of Trustee – It was moved and seconded to appoint John Gagnon for a 3 year term. Current trustees are:
Nate Sears 2016 – 2019
Doug Holsinger 2017 - 2020
John Gagnon 2018 - 2021
.
VII Other
Thanks for the Sears Family for their hospitality and use of the garage.
Thanks to all who have cleaned, mowed and repaired items at the cemetery throughout the year.

VIII Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 1:15
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2019 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes – May 18, 2019
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

Call to Order

Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings

Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales (from 2019 Board Meeting Minutes)
Expenses – $2618.52 (includes $1256.50 for 10 stones for unmarked graves)
Donations - $1110.00
Sale of 5 Plots $2000.00
Interment Fees (7) $350.00
Checking Balance $17,132.83
CD Balance $13,278.22 (includes interest of $1.96)

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year:

Richard Melvin Brynestad 204F cr Veteran
9 Nov 1928, Tacoma, WA 6 June 2018, Gig Harbor

Leroy Elmer Fosness 104 F cr Veteran
27 March 1941 Seattle 6 April 2018, Camano Island, WA

Betty Lou Hamilton 2418 cr
8 Nov 1926 St Paul, Minn 4 July 2015 Tacoma, WA

Eugene Oliver Pearson 129 C Veteran
27 February 1927, Gig Harbor 21 August 2018, Gig Harbor

Sandra Lee Crespinel 179 cr
7/31/1947 Hollywood, CA 2/11/2019 Seattle, WA

Old Business

On Saturday, June 30 Laurie Dahl Isacson, Ben Pearson, Doug & Eric Holsinger and Dave Rogers installed markers on 10 previously unmarked graves. The stones were 12' x 12' x 4. Markers were for: Infant Robert Bridges, David Squally, Iva M Miller, Raymond Jones, Baby Squally, A Stahlwick, Johana Larsen Konikson, Anders Johan Peterson, Lidia Hamalch Skinshirt, Gig Harbor Skinshirt.
The faulty faucet has been repaired by John Gagnon.
Several trees were removed to the North side of the cemetery which were becoming crowded. Thank you to Glen Rodgers who over saw the falling and to Doug Holsinger, John Gagnon and Ben Pearson who did the limbing and cutting the trees into rounds. The wood was offered to the Cromwell email list and all was taken within 3 days. Williams Tree Service chipped and removed all the debris. The site looks splendid!

New Business
Laurie will coordinate 'Round 2' of installing markers for unmarked graves this summer. A sign-up sheet was pass for volunteers. Date yet to be determined.
Definition of 'green burial' & Cromwell Policies
A green (natural) burial emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. It is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.
Cromwell Cemetery has never required a concrete vault. The board clarified that a coffin must be used, but it could be a simple pine box. All cremains must be buried in an urn. This clarification has been added to the Cemetery Policies
It was noted that if a casket burial is done by Haven of Rest, it is their policy to install a plastic liner.

Election of Officers – President, Vice –President, Secretary & Treasurer

After no one wished to partake as an officer, the current officers agreed to serve another term. It was moved and seconded to retain the current slate of officers for another year:

President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson

Election of Trustee – It was moved and seconded to re appoint Nate Sears for a 3- year term. Current trustees are:
Doug Holsinger 2017 - 2020
John Gagnon 2018 - 2021
Nate Sears 2019 – 2022

Other
Thanks for the Sears Family for their hospitality and use of the garage.
Thanks to all who have cleaned, mowed and repaired items at the cemetery throughout the year.

Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15

Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2020 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Proposed Annual Meeting Agenda/Notes
Compiled May 16th
No in-person meeting held due to social distancing requirements associated with Covid-19 Virus

Call to Order NA
Read and Approval of Minutes to previous Membership and Board Meetings NA

Treasurer’s Report from 2019
Expenses – $3054.15
Water 205.08
Dragonwyck 411.88
Stamps/Printing 235.68
State Tax 7.96
Williams Tree 647.40
Lunch 59.70
Premier 1486.45
Donations - $1635.00
Sale of 10 Plots $4000.00
Interment Fees (5) $250.00
Checking Balance $19,963.78
CD Balance $13290.20

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year
Michael Brent Fanta 2403 cr
7 Dec 1951, Jamestown, ND 18 June 2019, Gig Harbor, WA
Mary Louise Denny 354 cr
3 April 1941, Tacoma, WA 6 March 2019, Gig Harbor, WA
Dylan Alexander Dominowski 2288 cr
1 March 1977, Ipswich, England 30 Sept 2019, Gig Harbor, WA
Danny Harold Meyer 2328
7 Feb 1946, Madison SD 16 Dec 2019, Tacoma, WA
Bob Lee Miller 2387
12 Dec 1947, Everett, WA 31 Jan 2020

Old Business

Round 2 of installation of 10 markers for unmarked graves was completed in June.: Volunteers were: Laurie Dahl Isacson, Ben Pearson, Doug & Eric Holsinger, Margaret Ellingson, Cheryl Rogers and Dave Rogers. Stones were 12' x 12' x 4'. The cost was covered by donations. New markers were for: Lola Mae Berg, Edward Martin Iverson, Baby Boy Larson, Melcer Bernard Larson, Bertha Kavli Larson, Delbert Larson, Marion Donna Mae Larson, Melvin Bernard Larson, Baby Boy Marzan and Carl Vernon Mattson.

New Business
Thank you to the 30+ people who showed up for the social distanced work party. A lot of work was completed in a couple of hours. It was great to see so many new folks who joined.

Un-Marked Graves: Final Group - The Board approved ordering markers for the last 8 remaining unmarked graves. These will be funded by donations. Laurie will plan with Premier Memorial once she is able to have a meeting with them, probably June. The final ones will include: Fritz Berntsen, Elizabeth Berntsen, Baby Girl Thurston, Lillian Emilia Thurston, Bert Henry Florte, Baby Boy Hansen, Carolyn Stalwick and Anna Carlson. Installation will be done later in the summer.
(This will be transferred to the summer of 2021)

Broken Faucets Thank you to John who fixed several broken faucets and pipes. It seems that we have had a run of piping problems.
Maps Ben created new map (2020 N/S Fence) that goes fence to fence (north to south) along the road. This has 10 rows to the west for future needs. A new numbering system was created that was consistent.
The plots in the 1989 Fritz Berntsen Survey (SE of Old Area) should all have a 0 preceding the plot number Ex 318 should be 0318. This will distinguish plots from new 2020 N/S Fence map
Laurie updated the records to reflect the new plot numbers.

Dirt Pile Nate is in conversation with Haven of Rest as to the dirt pile left by the grave digging contractor. Apparently, HR now subs this work out rather than using their own staff., HR will contact the sub and let them know that leaving dirt is not acceptable.

Annual Meeting/Potluck In keeping with Governor Inslee’s Covid-19 Social Distancing mandate the Board decided to cancel the annual meeting\/ potluck for this year. Current officers will have their term extended for one year. Voting for officers will resume next year.

Annual Work Party Governor Inslee extended the 'Stay Home' mandate until May 4. The Board decided to have the work party with staggered times and a mandate for social distancing. Folks were encouraged to come at other times. Gates would be open, and water would be on. No coffee was served at the gate.
Other

Banking Donna went to Colombia Bank to inquire if there was any way we could make more money with that which we have in the checking account. She was told 'the money is as good in a checking account as a CD. Both places are insured. The interest rate for a CD is .01%'. No, that was not a typo, .01% is the going rate.

Investing the Board approved Ben to establish an account with Fidelity Investments. Ben has had an account with this company and has had positive success over the years. The account would be set up as Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Investment Fund. Ben and Laurie would both have their names on the account.
the initial investment would be $15,000 from the checking account.

Adjourn NA

Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson

2021 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Proposed Annual Meeting Agenda/Notes
May 22, 2021

No in-person meeting was held due to social distancing requirements associated with
Covid-19 Virus

Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales from 2020
Expenses – $885,52
Water 196.28
Dragonwyck 424.38
Stamps/Printing 245.93
WA Filing fee 10.00
Pierce County Tax 8.93

Donations - $1355.00
Sale of 24 Plots $9600.00
Interment Fees (3) $150.00

Checking Balance $15182.41
CD Balance $13300.19
Fidelity Investment $17780.81 (+2780.81) ($15000.00 initial investment)

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year

Harold Alspaugh 150 cr
16 Jan 1932, Camden, MI 12 Nov 2013, Sumner, WA

Mary Alspaugh 150 cr
5 July 1930, Minot ND 20 Dec 2013, Sumner, WA

Bob Lee Miller 2387 cr
12 Dec 1947 Everett, WA 31 Jan 2020, Gig Harbor

Mark Olaf Rorem 185 E cr
13 April 1946 Tacoma, WA 10 July 2020. Puyallup, WA

Erlene Twidt 128 F cr
28 June 1935 Sioux City, IA 4 June 2020 Gig Harbor

David Ross
26 August 1971, Virginia 20 Dec 2020, Reno, NEV

Lawrence T Ross
10 April 1935, Tacoma, WA 3 Oct 2021, Tacoma, WA

Nate Sears
19 April 1975, Tacoma, WA 1 April 2021 Tacoma, WA

Marit Ross
3 March 1936 20 April 2021, Tacoma, WA

Lawrence Samuelson
22 May 1929, Tacoma, WA 22 Jan 2021, Kent, WA


Old Business

Unmarked Graves
The last 6 markers will be ordered, and installed. Ed Berntsen will take care of his parent’s markers.

Additions
Burn Pile
The burn pile was deemed too large to burn. Laurie will contact Williams Tree and Stump Service to chip what they can from the burn pile. At the same time 2 dead/dying trees will be removed and others limbed and trimmed. Laurie will get a bid and run it past the Board for approval.

The Bingham Dogwood Tree had some life, so the dead material was trimmed off and it was given more light by removing neighboring ranches

All faucets have been repaired and posts and hose holders.

Thank you to the 40 plus volunteers who came for the clean up day. There were lots of children and families. Thanks to the many who brought John Deere wagons to help move the debris to the burn pile. Nate, his tractor, and wagon were sorely missed.

Thanks to Krista Pearson, who offered to help with Cemetery needs, Paul McCormick who would transfer maps to a CAD program and to Kim Crowder wo offered to help with genealogy of Cromwell 'residents'

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Dahl Isacson
Cromwell Cemetery Secretary

2022 Annual Meeting Minutes: Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Proposed Annual Meeting Agenda/Notes

Annual Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2022
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

Call to Order
Sunny skies welcomed over 50 people to the cemetery for the Annual Clean up. Thank you to Scout Troop 217 for their assistance. With so many hands, the work was completed by 11:3025 stayed for the potluck/meeting
Read and Approval of Minutes the Previous Membership and Board Meetings
(Membership meetings were not held the last 2 years due to Covid)

Treasurer’s Report & Plots Sales (from 2021)
Expenses –
Water 182.32
Dragonwyck 386.88
Printing/Maps 371.25
Postage 166.21
Williams Tree Service 3808.00
Pacific Coast Memorials 1077.12
Pierce County Tax 9.65
WA Filing fee 10.00
$6011.43
Donations - $1435.00
Sale of 20 Plots $8000.00
Interment Fees (9) $450.00
Checking Balance $10569.59
CD Balance transferred to Fidelity Account
Fidelity Investment $44386.27 (+20%)

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year
Marie Margaret Davidson 11 Oct 1938, Tacoma 25 Dec 2020 Mesa AZ
Brenda Gordon 7 April 1947 St Louis, MO 20 May 2021 Tacoma, WA
Violet (Peggy) Walle 10 Feb 1921 Yakima, WA 28 May 2021 University Place
Lawrence Samuelson 12 May 1929, Tacoma, WA 22 January 2021, Kent, WA
Rose Ann Hokenson 3 March 1929 White Earth, MN 16 Nov 2021, Gig Harbor, WA
Jane A Scott 27 June 1936, Gig Harbor, WA 12 Nov 2017, Gig Harbor, WA
Roger Scott 2 Feb 1929, Gig Harbor, WA 2 Nov 2021, Gig Harbor, WA

Old Business from 2021
Unmarked Graves The last of the 30 unmarked graves stones were set today. This was financed with donations contributed over the past 5 years.

Memorial The Memorial tree for Nate Sears and Larry & Marit Ross will. Be replaced. It either died, was eaten by deer, and then accidently mowed over. This time fencing will be placed around it.

Dedication of Flagpole At 10:30 the dedication of the new flagpole was held. Edward Peterson coordinated the installation of the new flagpole behind the sign. This was his Eagle Scout project. Did you know that thew 12 folds of the flag are symbolic of life values? Edward worked with fellow members and Scout Leaders of Troop 217. He is thanked for his diligent work. It is a beautiful addition to the Cemetery. American Legion provided a 5' flag.

New Business
Clarifying marker hubs in in the North section and the East Section

A work party will be organized during the summer to identify the wood stakes in the East section with metal piping so they will be easier to find in the future. John suggested that the cemetery purchase a metal detector when the stakes are covered. This area is the most desired for new plots. John will investigate a suitable material to cover the stakes. Laurie will send out an email to see who might be available when a dated is settles upon.

The work in the North area will be tabled for another year.

Plot Price Increase
The Board decided to increase the cost of a plot to $600. This would take effect immediately.

Website Updates
Laurie updated several materials on the website, www.cromwellcemetery.org

Our legal name is Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery. Checks made to the cemetery should use that name. Awareness of the discrepancy came from a new bank employee noting the 2 names for the same account. The name Cromwell Cemetery was adopted over time because it was shorter and identified the geographical area which is common with the local cemeteries.

An introductory paragraph on the website now states: As a small cemetery in an ever-growing larger community, we strive to stay true to the original intent of our forefathers. We do this by limiting burials to those who have ties to the Cromwell area or have family members buried in the Cemetery. We receive many inquiries per the website from out-of-town individuals who have no community ties.

Signage Update
The Board approved the addition of a sign, Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery be placed below the Cromwell Cemetery sign.

Election of Officers – President, Vice –President, Secretary & Treasurer
The Officers and Board of directors agreed to serve another term.
President Ben Pearson
Vice President Joyce Sears
Treasurer Donna Doherty
Secretary Laurie Dahl Isacson
Trustees Doug Holsinger, James Doherty, John Gagnon

Other
Thanks for the Sears Family for their hospitality and use of the garage.
Thanks to all who have cleaned, mowed, and repaired items at the cemetery throughout the year.

Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 1:15
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association Annual Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2023

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2023
Sears Farm across from Cemetery

Call to Order
Sunny skies welcomed over 50 people to the cemetery for the Annual Clean up. Thank you to Scout Troop 217 for their assistance. With so many hands, the work was completed by 11:30 25 people stayed for the potluck/meeting.
Read and Approval of Minutes the Previous Membership and Board Meetings

Treasurer's Report & Plots Sales (from 2022)
Expenses -
Water 200.92
Dragonwyck 474.38
Bank Expenses 101.36
Edward Peterson 1543.82 flag pole
Stamps/ Printing 309.75
Chicken for lunch 43.52
Pierce County Tax 9.65
WA Filing fee 10.00
$2693.40
Donations - $1085.00
Sale of 14 Plots $8200.00 (1 @ $ 400.)
Interment Fees (6) $300.00
Checking Balance $12807.03
Fidelity Investment $55951.87

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year
Deanna Marie Rorem 29 Aug 1949, St Louis, MO 3 Jan 2023, Tacoma, WA
Dana Marie Smith 19 Aug 1941 St. Louis, MO 19 Nov, Vaughn, WA
Ronald Hubert Smith 14 Oct 1938, San Diego, CA 19 June 2019, Vaughn, WA
Melvin Olson 6 July 1937, Algona, IA 23 July 2022, Gig Harbor, WA
Anne Morgan Sapp 29 July 1947, Red Oak, IA 14 Aug 2022, Gig Harbor, WA
Starr Elliot 18 Feb 1941, Longbeach, CA 21 Aug 2022, Gig Harbor, WA
Peter Rosik 29 March 1929, New York, NY 16 Feb 2022, Fresno CA
Cynthia Rosik 25 Jan 1933, New York, NY 27 Feb 2018, Fresno, CA
George Iverson 18 Feb 1963, Tacoma, WA 9 March 2023, Gig Harbor, WA
Pete Hokenson 27 Aug 1937, Tacoma, WA 31 March 2023, Gig Harbor, WA

Community Involvement
The cemetery is fortunate to have partnered with several local organizations

May 21, 2022 - Dedication of flagpole installed by Edward Peterson - Eagle Scout Project, Troop 217
November 11, 2022 - Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day by members of Scout Troop 217
December 17, 2022 - Wreath Across America sponsored by American Legion
May 20, 2023 - Dedication of Historical Sign installed by Paul Bechtloff - Eagle Scout Project, Troop 217


Old Business
Work continues by the Board to identify lot hubs in the Northern section.
New Business
Historical Signage - Thanks to Eagle Scout Paul Bechtloff for completing this project. It was dedicated today at 10:30
Veteran Medallions - This project will probably become an Eagle Scout Project by Alex Roberts. There have been several donations earmarked for this project.
New Policy Adopted
10. PLOT BORDERS, CONCRETE BENCHES, STATUARY
Any of these permanent structures must be approved by the Board prior to installation. Upkeep is the responsibility of the owner.
Flagpole Lighting - John Gagnon is looking for a stronger solar light for the flagpole.
Officers and Board of Directors
Joyce Sears is to be thanked for her many years of service. Her daughter, Caryn Sears will take over as Vice President.
Current Officers have agreed to serve another term.
2023 Officers
President - Ben Pearson
Vice President - Caryn Sears
Treasurer - Donna Doherty
Secretary - Laurie Dahl Isacson
Trustees - James Doherty, Doug Holsinger, John Gagnon
Honorary Lifetime Trustee - Joyce Sears

Meeting adjourned at 12:45
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association Annual Meeting Minutes- May 18, 2024

Hales Passage Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting Minutes- May 18, 2024
Sears Farm across from the Cemetery.

The predicted rains held off until the afternoon. Over 50 supporters helped with the clean up and 30+ stayed for the potluck lunch.

Call to Order
After the lunch, the meeting was called to order at 12:45
Read Minutes to Previous Meeting
Laurie read the minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting. They were approved as read.

Treasurer's Report & Plots Sales
2023 Expenses & Gains - Donna
Water $230.59
Website 436.88
Stamps/Printing 612.97
WA State filing Fee 10.00
Pierce County Tax 9.65
Veterans Medals 1500.00
Solar Light for Flag 277.97
Lunch 154.00
Timer for Water 92.47
Fidelity 7000.00
$10,324.53
Income
Interment Fees $150.00 (3)
Plots Sold 1800.00 (6)
Donations 2015.00 ($1400.00 for medallions) ($615.00 for general)
Checking Balance $11,939.37

Donna also read some of the heartfelt notes that were sent in with donations. The folks who were not able to attend are so appreciative of the work that is being done in their absence.

Fidelity Report - Ben
Ben reported that Fidelity account continues to do very well. The current balance is $93,834.46. This account was started 4 years ago when we liquidated a CD that was barely making cents on the dollar! This account has continued to climb! Thanks Ben!

Acknowledging those who passed away during the year.
Jewell Lee Holsinger 6/24/1928 4/18/1923
Kenneth C Brown 12/21/1934 6/5/2023
Ira Peter Dominowski 8/27/1953 5/24/2023
Sylvia Ann Hagen 6/30/1940 2/5/2024
Allen Twidt 10/23/1934 12/11/2023
Sonja Miller 6/29/1938 7/21/2023
Virginia Searls 9/13/1930 2/21/2012
Foster Searls 7/14/1927 7/6/2002
Jere Mitchell 7/25-1935 6/28/2021

Community Involvement
We are grateful for the involvement with Scout Troop 217 for their continued leadership in honoring the Veterans in the Cemetery with several events.

November 11 - The installation of 130 permanent veterans' markers by Alex Roberts as completion of his Eagle Scout Project.
November 11 - Flag placing honoring Veterans on Veterans Day by members of Scout Troop 217
December 17 - Wreath Across America sponsored by American Legion

Old Business
Work continues to identify LOT hubs. Thank you to James for repairing the 3 broken stones. Thanks to John for installing the new solar light which works great and also for repairing several faulty faucets.

New Business
Policy Revisions
The Board modified Policy # 6 from an unspecified number of burials in a plot to 6 and to #10 that all permanent changes to the cemetery must be approved by the Board prior to installation.

6. NUMBER of BURIALS per PLOT
Only one casket is allowed per plot. Six cremations are allowed per plot. The Secretary must be notified of any additions or changes to the records.
Reminder

10. PLOT BORDERS, CONCRETE BENCHES, STATUARY AND PLANTINGS
Any of these permanent structures must be approved by the Board prior to installation. Upkeep is the responsibility of the family.

Checking Account
At the April 3rd, 2024, Board meeting a motion was made and seconded to add Laurie Dahl Isacson and John Gagnon to the checking account. The current signers are Ben Pearson and Donna Doherty.

Election of Officers and Board of Directors
After 30 + years of serving the cemetery, Ben Pearsons is retiring as President. He was thanked and given a hanging basket for his many years of service. Ben was instrumental plotting the 'North Area' and the 'East area By the Road' for current and future use. He also initiated the Fidelity Investment fund which has given us a solid financial position. We are grateful for all his work.

Election of President
The group was asked if any nominations to take on the role as president. Krista Pearson made a motion to nominate John Gagnon as President. John said he would agree to being president. A second was made by Doug Holsinger. The motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously.
John has parents in the Cemetery and has been active as a trustee since 2018.

Election of Board Member
The group was asked if there were any nominations to serve as a Trustee. John made a motion to nominate Krista Pearson as Trustee. Krista accepted the nomination. A second to the motion was made by Doug Holsinger. The motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously.
Krista has ties to the cemetery that go back to the very beginning years as a descendent of the Ahlberg and Pearson families.

Other none

Thanks to the Sears family for their hospitality and use of the garage for the potluck/ meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:08
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Secretary

2024 Officers
President - John Gagnon
Vice President - Caryn Sears
Secretary - Laurie Dahl Isacson
Treasurer - Donna Doherty
Trustees - Krista Pearson, James Doherty, Doug Holsinger
Honorary Trustees - Joyce Sears, Ben Pearson

The Cromwell Cemetery 2018 Newsletter

Download the 2018 Cromwell Cemetery Newsletter, and find out more about this year's clean up day on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

The Cromwell Cemetery 2019 Newsletter

Download the 2019 Cromwell Cemetery Newsletter, and find out more about this year's clean up day on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

The Cromwell Cemetery 2020 Newsletter

Download the 2020 Cromwell Cemetery Newsletter.

The Cromwell Cemetery 2021 Newsletter

Download the Cromwell Cemetery 2021 Newsletter

The Cromwell Cemetery 2022 Newsletter

Download the Cromwell Cemetery 2022 Newsletter

The Cromwell Cemetery 2023 Newsletter

The Cromwell Cemetery 2023 Newsletter