It was an emotional goodbye Tuesday evening at a Celebration Of Life service at Overman Park in Cedar Falls for three family members murdered at Maquoketa Caves State Park.
42-year-old Tyler Schmidt, 42-year-old Sarah Schmidt and 6-year-old Lula Schmidt were killed while camping last month. 9-year-old Arlo Schmidt survived the attack. The Schmidt family was an active part of Cedar Falls.
The celebration of life was about honoring and remembering the Schmidt family, taking care of Arlo, and coming together as a community to heal.
In front of a crowd and framed family pictures, friends of the Schmidt's read letters sent by others filled with loving messages to the Schmidts and words of hope for Arlo.
A Go Fund Me account to set up a trust for Arlo has raised over $272-thousand dollars.