They are touched by neighbors and strangers

by Jeff Olsen

Rick VonEnde of rural Badger is built like an old linebacker - solid, determined, and hard-nosed.

He doesn't fold or cash in his chips when the going gets tough. He just digs in for the long haul.

Just a few days before Christmas, Mr. VonEnde spoke volumes about his wife of 38 years.

Yes, he said, it's been a tough ordeal for his wife.

"Wendy was diagnosed with rectal cancer in February 2021. She is 55 and had nine months of chemo, and we just started three more months."

When Wendy was first diagnosed with rectal cancer, the VonEndes never inquired about the severity of her diagn...