Travel back in time through the historic Cemetery Walk! See Chanhassen history come to life on a guided tour through Chanhassen Pioneer Cemetery and St. Hubert’s Cemetery.

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Creation of the Chanhassen Cemetery Walk

The idea for the Chanhassen Cemetery Walk came from Sandy Scholer Rodenz in 2008 after she participated in the Eden Prairie Cemetery Walk. Sandy was raised in Chanhassen, was related to the Kerber family, and knew many friends and relatives who had their final resting place in the Pioneer and St. Hubert Cemeteries. 

Sandy felt the residents of Chanhassen would be interested in seeing their local history comes to life in the form of a cemetery walk, and approached Karen Engelhardt at the City of Chanhassen and Bev Gossard, seeking help in researching the project. Karen and Bev, both local historians, developed and led a historical bus tour, conducted oral history interviews, and were instrumental in researching material for the book Chanhassen, a Centennial History.

Ron Roeser and Paula Atkins of the Chanhassen Historical Society were invited to join the team. A list of past citizens was compiled. It was sometimes challenging to obtain enough background material to present their stories. Much research material was presented to Charlie Title, who wrote the terrific script for the Cemetery Walk. A production team was formed with Sandy Rodenz and Paula Atkins directing the local actors and tour guides.

The first Cemetery Walk took place in October 2009. It continues every two years, led by historical figures who serve as guides: Fr. Fulgence Eich at St. Hubert, and Theodore and Sophia Bost at Pioneer.

Sandy Rodenz said, “This is living history. We hope that after coming to the Cemetery Walk and listening to their stories, people will go home and share their family history.”