John Nieslanik Memorial Bench Dedication

Marty and Jerilyn Nieslanik with Zippy the dog and the memorial bench. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Residents and friends of Crystal Meadows Senior Housing gathered on April 18 to honor the memory of John Nieslanik, a founding father of the affordable living complex made possible thanks to a land donation by Doc Hendrick in 1987. Over the course of several phases, Crystal Meadows grew from 16 units to 79, available only to persons 62 and older or disabled. Income-qualifying residents pay 30% of their monthly income, including utilities, which has helped many longtime locals remain in Carbondale during their golden years. “The goal was to make people proud and comfortable,” explained Jerilyn Nieslanik, John’s daughter-in-law who has managed the housing authority for 30 years. John’s son, Marty Nieslanik wrote the following poem, which is engraved on the memorial bench:

As I live my life, the life I’ve come to know,

is a gift that you gave me for the land that we both know.

We rode so many miles in this land that we both love,

from this day on you will guide me from a ridge somewhere above.

Regret is not a word that anyone should use, but I regret that on those days,

I did not say — I Love You.

Affection is not the normal cowboy way, but as I think back, you showed me every day.

The furrows that you dug were deep, straight and true, your hand shake was your word and everybody knew.

Your round up now is over. The herd is now at home. So rest your feet my good friend

at last your cows are home.