Nebraska Impact honors those who have died from COVID-19 with virtual memorial

The nonprofit is finding a way for families to honor their loved ones through a virtual memorial.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – According to Nebraska Impact, over 1,000 Nebraskans have lost their lives to COVID-19. The nonprofit has found a way to make sure their names will never be forgotten through a virtual memorial on the Nebraska Impact website.

Families can tell the story of their loved ones through memories and pictures. Lincoln resident Jodie Fawl lost her father, Jack Fields, to complications from COVID-19 on December 8.

“I really appreciate that there’s this website that all Nebraskans can put memories up about their loved ones and pictures,” Fawl said.

Fields served his country, was an artist, traveled, loved Husker football and more importantly his family. He leaves behind his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For Fawl, this year has been challenging. Not only did she lose her father, but also her mother, Nancy, back in February. The Fields couple was married for 63 years.

Because of the pandemic, Fawl and the rest of her family couldn’t have a large funeral for her father like they would hope. The virtual memorial is the next best thing. They’re able to share pictures, memories and stories about the ones they loved.

“My dad was this special man to us, but every single one of these people who contracted COVID and died from it were special like that to somebody else,” Fawl said.