By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
It's the least they could do.
On Sunday, Correctionville and communities around held a "Breakfast" benefit to raise money for the families of Lee Schroeder of Anthon, Jim Smith and Gaylen Knaack of Correctionville.
"All three men were just community minded and were involved in everything. There will just be a huge void. They're the kind of people that are hard to replace," said Bill Forbes of Correctionville.
Last December, Lee and Jim were killed in a plane crash near Correctionville, and Gaylen, the pilot of the plane recently passed away because of injuries in that crash.
Their communities felt it was only right to give back to their families after the men have given so much to them.
"It makes me very proud to be part of these communities. Everyone had strong feelings for these three men," said Kevern Kosokovich, friend of Gaylen.
"It's almost common place here because we all have very close communities and it's showing support and respect and hoping that what they did is paid forward basically," said Dawn Zahnley who knew Lee Schroeder.
The benefit also included a silent auction of more than 180 items.
Donations that are a reflection of just how much these men meant to everyone.
"I would say that they would probably think it was over the top, but you know, it's not," said Gaylen Goettsch, a friend of Jim Smith.
