by Patty Wetterling
St. Joseph
(Editor’s noted: Eleven-year-old Jacob Wetterling of St. Joseph was abducted and then murdered by his abductor on Oct. 22, 1989. The crime happened when Jacob, a brother and their friend were riding bicycles back home after visiting a convenience store north of their neighborhood. His “disappearance” made shock-wave news throughout the nation. It wasn’t until 27 years later, Sept. 1, 2016, that the abductor was identified and Jacob’s body was found buried on farm property near Paynesville. The abductor was tried and sentenced to prison where he remains.)
The following is a public letter Patty wrote on Oct. 22, 2024:
Thirty-five years ago on this day – Oct. 22 – our 11-year-old son Jacob was stolen from us, and our lives changed forever.
It’s so hard to describe what happens each year on Oct. 22. Before Jacob was found, we always tried to use this day to talk to the media, re-engage law enforcement and keep the hope alive by asking the public to keep searching for Jacob. Then, over Labor Day weekend in September 2016, the man who kidnapped Jacob accepted a plea deal and led law enforcement to Jacob’s remains. Finally we got our answers to what really happened on that horrible day in 1989.
And now, 35 years later, we are still asking ourselves: What do we do with this day?
It doesn’t help that everything feels oddly similar this year. The weather in Minnesota is beautiful and unseasonably warm with temperatures in the 70s. Families just celebrated a long weekend over the MEA school break. And the Minnesota Vikings played the Detroit Lions Oct. 20, just like they did in 1989.
Still, we still find strength and comfort in remembering Jacob on Oct. 22, and gathering with friends and family. As our grandkids get older, our kids are faced with busy schedules and other life commitments so it’s a bit of a toss-up as to who is able to stop by. But, my husband Jerry and I prefer staying home and continuing to feel the support of all those who have carried us on this tough journey.
Last night, on the eve of Oct. 22, we once again made Jacob’s favorite meal. A steak dinner with baked potatoes and peanut butter swirl bars for dessert. Our friends Donna and Kevin plan to stop on Tuesday with corn and cheddar cheese chowder, and we’ve also heard from a few other friends who have never missed an Oct. 22. We will turn on our front porch light and play some Red Grammer music to sing along to and be warmed by the gift of so much love and support. Later, we’ll walk up to the abduction site and offer a few prayers of remembrance as we reminisce.
I’ll also keep working on my annual “Dear Jacob” letter, as it helps me to put perspective on this strange life we’ve led. We will never let this day go by without sharing how wonderful Jacob was to have in our lives for those short 11 years.
Our family is truly grateful for the support, hugs, love and prayers that always lead us out of the darkness and back into our belief that there are way more good people in the world than bad. I definitely feel it’s time for good people to come together again.
Jacob, your strong spirit continues to guide us, and the entire world has benefited from knowing you and loving you. You have changed so many lives and will remain in our hearts forever.
Love,
Mom
