By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Wand family clarifies donations
Not going door-to-door
Placeholder Image

ARGYLE — The family of the three children killed in the Sept. 7 Argyle house fire has clarified where they would like donations to be made.

Leesa Bobak, the aunt of their mother, Sharon Wand, said donations are being collected at the Wand Children Benefit Fund at Talmer Bank & Trust, 101 7½ St., Monroe, WI 53566.

Sharon Wand and her daughter, Jessica, were the only survivors of the fire. Jessica’s boys, Allen, 7, Jeffrey, 5, and Joseph, 3, died in the fire. Sharon Wand is in critical condition in a Madison hospital.

“The family of Sharon and Jessica Wand is grateful to all of those who have shown their support during this difficult time,” said Bobak in a statement. “The Wand Children Benefit Fund is not collecting money over the Internet, door-to-door, or through other direct solicitations. Donation canisters specifically mentioning the Wand Children Benefit Fund were used briefly by the Fund, but have been discontinued to avoid confusion, and are no longer in use.

“At this point, we cannot guarantee that donations though any source other than the Wand Children Benefit Fund will go to meet the needs of Sharon and Jessica.”

“People who want to help should make sure that they know where their money is going and that it will help the people they want to help,” said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in a news release. “Donating money to a fund held by a bank can help ensure that the funds will be used for their proper purpose.”

Armin Wand III, the boys’ father, and Jeremy Wand, their uncle, face charges of first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and arson in connection with the house fire. Their preliminary hearing will be held in Lafayette County Circuit Court in Darlington Nov. 13. They are in the Lafayette County Jail on bail of $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

A Community Healing and Remembrance Service will be held at the Argyle Park today at 7 p.m.

According to the Erickson Funeral Home website, "This service is being held primarily to begin the healing process for our community. During the service we will also be remembering the children who perished in the fire. This is not a memorial service. The families have decided to hold off on the memorial service until Sharon Wand is able to attend."

The service will be conducted by Rev. Daniel L. Bohman of Apple Grove/Yellowstone Lutheran churches and Rev. Rick Fry of Argyle/Adams Lutheran churches.