The Overbeck Fund

For the education and prevention of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

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The Overbeck Family's Story

Carbon Monoxide.
A few critical moments
can rob you of a lifetime.

When it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning, it doesn't take long to lose everything.  Just ask the Overbeck family. On a day not long ago, an entire family's future was forever changed because of a danger no one could see, hear or feel.  But with a little forethought, it could have been prevented.

A dream home becomes a nightmare.

After years of working hard and raising a family, Patty and Gene Overbeck had just built and moved into their dream home; a vacation hideaway in beautiful Northern Michigan. Here they had planned to welcome and entertain their four kids, eight grandkids, and numerous friends. Gene had been actively involved in every aspect of construction, making sure the home had all the latest security devices. Everything, that is, except for carbon monoxide detectors. According to building codes in the state of Michigan, such detectors are not currently required.

One day, after running errands, a vehicle was left running in the garage.  After a period of time, carbon monoxide filled the house. Patty and Gene never smelled or saw anything.  They never had a chance.

But you do.

A
 message from the Overbeck Family...
     Patty and Gene's absence has left a great void in our lives. We think about them every day and wish that their grandchildren had the opportunity to experience the joys of being around Grandma and Grandpa. The purpose of the Overbeck Fund is to promote awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and to attempt to change attitudes and code laws concerning the installation of CO detectors in new homes. On a personal level, our family would get tremendous satisfaction in knowing that our efforts may, in the future, save a life. We needlessly lost two great people who still had many years of enjoyment ahead. We know they would appreciate our efforts so that their deaths were not in vain. There are many other families who have experienced this same tragedy, and it should not be that way.

Sincerely,

Richard Overbeck, richard.overbeck@overbeckfund.org
Tom Overbeck, tom.overbeck@overbeckfund.org
Liz Overbeck, liz.overbeck@overbeckfund.org
Katie Caress katie.caress@overbeckfund.org

For more information please contact:
info@overbeckfund.org
 




ALWAYS AND FOREVER

 

Gone…

Dead…

Never coming back,

And there is no way to avoid it.

 

They were the ones who taught us the better things in life,

and that family really matters.

They showed all of us unconditional love,

And taught us that the world is how u make it.

 

Patty and Gene,

Two inspirations of life.

Two you could look up to,

And turn to when u needed someone

 

Loving, caring, and always there for us.

Their everlasting love,

Is what helped us through our journey,

Which we know as life.

 

They were two beautiful people…

Completely one of a kind.

 

You loved us all so much,

And for that I thank you.

My grandparents…my inspiration…

My friends…my heroes.

 

But now you have left us all,

and we grieve, mourn, and weep.

But nothing can take away,

The memories…

Of every little thing you have done for us.

Every act of love you’ve shown to us,

And all stories we have of you.

You have left this world for good…

But never will you leave our hearts!

 

We will all miss you so very much,

But will never forget you two.

In our hearts you will be,

Always and forever…

 

~ Written by Nick Overbeck, Age 12


Patty and Gene Overbeck