Board of Directors
Sue Drag - Founder and President
Sue honors her son Billy, who was only two and a half days old when he died of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in 1985. She also honors and remembers her brother John, who died in the Iraq War in 2006. A Maple Grove resident since 1981, Sue enjoys spending time with her husband Bob, three surviving children, Michael, Sandy and Eddie, and four grandchildren.
Kesha Quade - Secretary
Kesha honors her son Tate, who was born prematurely on September 16, 2021 at 19 weeks 2 days. He lived only a short time before passing away in Kesha's arms. Kesha lives in St. Paul and loves to visit the Angel to remember Tate with her husband Ryan and two living children, Francesca and Aldo. Every year on Tate's birthday they have a special visit to the Angel to blow him bubbles, send him special messages, and have birthday treats.
Connie Johnson - Former President
Connie honors her son Danny, who was killed in a car accident at the age of 18 on July 24th, 2004. Danny had just graduated from high school and was planning to attend St. Cloud State University at the time. Connie currently lives in Blaine and enjoys spending time with her husband Craig and their daughter Kristine. Both are very supportive and involved with Friends of the Angel.
Nancy Riesgraf - Vice President
Barbara Hyk-Zimmer - Treasurer
We married later in life and struggled to conceive a child. We were elated when our son Michael was born. That elation quickly turned to concern when we learned Michael had Down Syndrome and the heart defects that can be tied to it. Michael had open heart surgery at 7 months of age, and died suddenly and unexpectedly at 9 months, 26 days. We felt devastated and lost. Our hearts were broken...
This led us to several grief support groups including a group where I met Sue Drag (current President of FOA). Barbara & Sue were on a committee to bring the Angel of Hope to Maple Grove in 2001. We have supported Friends of the Angel by volunteering at the Walk to Remember events since the 10 year anniversary of the Angel in 2011. This allows us to reconnect with old friends including other grieving families. It also introduces us to newly grieving families, and to be able to show them there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Being able to share stories is healing for everyone. In assisting others, it helps us to keep Michael's memory alive.
Sarah Kerbeshian - Former Vice President
Sarah honors her son Luke, who was five days old when he died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at Fairview Southdale Hospital in 1997. Following a normal pregnancy and a complication-free childbirth, Luke stopped breathing in Sarah’s arms and passed away soon after. Sarah lives in Plymouth and enjoys spending time with her husband Jack, their son Nick and their daughter Grace.
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. - Eskimo Proverb