Signs Honoring Jacob Wetterling Placed Along Lake Wobegon Trail

AVON -- If you have traveled along the Lake Wobegon Trail recently you may have noticed some new signs honoring Jacob Wetterling.

The signs follow the #11forJacob moment encouraging people to practice the traits Jacob valued.

Cliff Borgerding is a member of the Lake Wobegon Trails Association. He says the idea came from a couple (Lisa and Dewey Klaphake) who use the trail on a regular basis.

"Lisa was interested in trying to do something to remember Jacob. Dewey used to live by the Wetterling's and they really like the #11forJacob movement and these signs were what they wanted to do," says Borgerding.

The memorial stretches along 12 miles of trail starting at the St. Joseph's Trailhead to just west of the Schwinghammer Lake Bridge, with each trait below the mile markers.

Borgerding says each mile you pass, you're inspired to live out Jacob's traits in your own daily life.

"These traits are very appropriate and something we should all live by. It's also a great way to commemorate Jacob's memorial as well," says Borgerding.

Borgerding says Patty and Jerry Wetterling have walked the trail memorial since the signs were installed and are honored by the gesture.

The memorial was made possible through donations from Sentra-Sota Sheet Metal Inc, North Star Signs and Engraving and the work of the Klaphake's.

The 11 traits of Jacob are:

1. Be fair
2. Be kind
3. Be understanding
4. Be honest
5. Be thankful
6. Be a good sport
7. Be a good friend
8. Be joyful
9. Be generous
10. Be gentle with others
11. Be positive

Borgerding says he could see a memorial bike ride for Jacob along the stretch of trail in the future.

Danny Heinrich confessed in court to abducting, sexually assaulting and killing Jacob Wetterling on October 22, 1989. His remains were found in a farm field in Paynesville in September. Heinrich is scheduled for sentencing in November 21st.