(WTAQ-WLUK) – The home where a fatal fire broke out over the weekend, killing six other people linked to northeastern Wisconsin, did not have a Juneau County housing permit.
Another 14 people were in the home, which is described as a vacation rental, when the fire broke out. Eight of those other people survived.
The six sick come with a former Green Bay pastor, Steve Witte; two of his daughters, Charis Kuehl and Lydia Witte; and three of her granddaughters: Stella Kuehl (5), Lena Henselin (8) and Merci Henselin (2).
While the causes of the fire are still being investigated, those who knew those affected are seeking to understand what happened.
Ty Schmidt has known Charis Kuehl since he was in high school. The two went to school together and faced each other at their weddings. They even joked that one day Schmidt’s son would marry one of Kuehl’s daughters.
“We had all those projects. Of course, Nora and Carter were going to get married. We were going to be stepparents together and we were thinking about how they would take everything away from you. And we have all those things. ” We all have something that you said we’re going to do this with them next year, we’re going to do it with them at Array and it rarely doesn’t come,” Schmidt said.
Regarding his friendship with Kuehl, one moment stands out.
Charis Kuehl married her pastor, Steve, just weeks after Schmidt lost his own father. She said Witte’s family kissed her that day.
“Witte’s entire circle of relatives is very kind, especially Pastor Witte. He was paternal to me that day. It didn’t have to be. It’s like a birthday holiday for the circle of relatives, and I’m very grateful to them. , and that’s why this loss is so devastating,” he said.
Charis Kuehl, according to Schmidt, a loving mother who turns 39 on July 4. The daughter of a pastor, who married a pastor, she was concerned and had a memorable laugh.
Schmidt said, “She was surely charismatic and magnetic and had the kind of personality that attracted other people, but for the right reasons, and she used it for good. “
For Schmidt, accepting the death of so many other people from the same family, so strong in their faith, is incomprehensible.
And he added: “Friends have told me that he is going to celebrate his most productive birthday so far. And I don’t agree. Or she’s fine, because she’s with Jesus. And I agree with that, because of course we’re satisfied with that. “She is with Jesus, of course we are satisfied that she is with her sweet daughter, her father and everyone. But that’s not fair, it’s so unsatisfying for those of us who remain. “
John Parlow is the pastor of St. Mark’s Ministry in De Pere. On Wednesday, he took to social media with a determination toward his congregation and community, as well as the deaths of members of the Witte, Henselin and Kuehl families.
“For me personally, Steve Witte is someone I’ve known since school and worked with many times,” Parlow said.
He presented his to fellow pastor Steve Kuehl in his time of need and encouraged everyone to follow the Henselins’ example. Karl and Hannah Henselin, longtime church partners, lost two daughters in the fire.
Reciting a Bible verse, Parlow said, “Less than 24 hours after the tragedy of her family circle, Hannah posted on Facebook the words of another man, Job, who lost 10 members of his family circle in one day. The Lord gave and the Lord took away, blessed by the Lord’s call.
Parlow continues to ask for prayers for those affected by this tragedy, not only this week, but also for the weeks, months, and years to come.
Online fundraisers have been organized for the Henselin family and the Kuehl family.
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