Band members perform as tribute to Jessica

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, April 14, 2008

Out of the hospital only a few days, Haley Hoyer used crutches to take her place in the band section to play French horn during the Sunday afternoon funeral for Jessica Weishair.

Hoyer, injured in the bus accident that took the life of the 16-year-old Weishair, was determined to take part in the Sunday service — along with other band members — as a final tribute to their fellow band member and classmate.

“I’m so proud of these kids,” said Pelican Rapids fourth-grade teacher Chris Coleman whose daughter, Kendra, played flute Sunday afternoon. Kendra was a roommate of Jessica Weishair, along with two others, during the band trip to Chicago. Weishair, like Coleman, also played flute in the school band.

Coleman, her husband, Jim, and other parents couldn’t say enough good things about the caring attitude and leadership of band director Sean Fitzsimmons, himself injured in the bus crash.

Fitzsimmons, leading the band on Sunday afternoon, gave no indication that he was in pain or had any adverse effects from being injured in the accident.

“Sean is simply amazing,” Chris Coleman said. “He’s been so strong for the kids. That’s hard to do, since we know how badly he feels about the loss of Jessica and the pain that others have endured. We’re so fortunate to have him here in Pelican Rapids.”

School board member Kathy Ouren agreed.

“We owe a lot to Sean for his leadership,” said Ouren, who was among those shedding tears during the funeral for Jessica. “This was a sad but also a wonderful service. Sean and the band members made this special for Jessica and her family.”

Fitzsimmons said that physically he’s feeling a lot better as he recuperates from his injuries. Well wishes to the Weishair family and to the band in general are the best therapies, he said.

Kim Weishair, father of Jessica, reiterated after the service and during the lunch in the high school cafeteria how overwhelmed the family is about the love and support flowing in.

Support comes from not only this area but throughout the state of Minnesota and other parts of the nation.

An example was former Pelican Rapids School Supt. Keith Klein and his wife driving from southern Minnesota to attend Sunday’s service.

School counselor Marlys Ebersviller, talking with people at the luncheon in the school cafeteria following the service, said that Jessica — who she taught in Sunday school at Faith Lutheran Church — will be long remembered.

Many people said that all the tributes to Jessica, expressed during and after the funeral on Sunday, came from the hearts of many people.

“Each tribute is sincere,” Ebersviller said. “This really is a caring community.”