“There is a July 1999 article in a magazine called "The Director” which is a publication for professionals in the mortuary biz. which Sue’s friend talks about having worked with Dylan’s mother for a couple of years prior to helping her arrange her son Dylan’s cremation.

Sue has said herself that Dylan has no memorial site to visit. His friends have said that he was cremated. Now there’s even more undeniable proof that he was cremated.

“On April 20, 1999, I watched the television in disbelief as the tragic events unfolded at Columbine High School. My disbelief turned into sadness as I learned that John Tomlin, a boy from my church, Foothills Bible Church, died in the library that day. The next morning, my disbelief and sadness turned to horror as I saw the name "Dylan Klebold” flash across my television screen.

I worked for several years with Sue Klebold at Arapahoe Community College. Until recently, Sue was on the Mortuary Science Program Advisory Committee and made certain that the program functioned under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. My heart broke for Sue because I knew she was a good person and a good mother, and that her life would never again be the same.

Sue contacted me to ask for my help in arranging the cremation and private memorial service for her son. I called John Horan of Horan & McConaty Funeral Service, Denver, Colorado, and together we made funeral arrangements for Dylan Klebold. It was very important to me that I immediately tell Sue that I was there to love her and comfort her, and that I was not sitting in judgment of her. As Sue and her family talked and told stories of their son and brother, I was given the opportunity to hear of the caring, loving side of Dylan that most people will never hear about.”

—-

On Thursday, April 22, Tom Klebold called and asked for help. Would I do a funeral for his son? It was to be a private, secret affair, with a few trusted friends. The media circus had begun, and Tom, on the best of days, is a private person.

Upon arrival at the funeral home I met Tom Klebold and his other son Byron. We were formal with each other, but he was grateful for my presence. In a room where Dylan’s body was in a coffin, I met his mother, Sue. She came into my arms and sobbed and shook. I held her, but could feel nothing, as I was numb with overload. Dylan lay in the casket surrounded with Beanie Babies.

A family lawyer came. Long-time friends arrived; one couple was from my church. Tom’s sister and brother-in-law were the only other family members. As I walked into the incredibly tension-filled room, I knew that the service I had prepared was not appropriate. I said, “Let’s just sit and talk for a while. Who wants to begin?”

One family jumped in and talked about how much they loved Dylan. Another said what great parents the Klebolds were. The family from my church related how great it was to have Dylan at their house and how he wrestled with their son. Nothing made sense. Then Dylan’s father Tom said, “Who the hell gave a gun to my son? All we have in the house is a BB gun to shoot the woodpeckers. We are against guns.” Susan said, “How could he be anti-Semitic? He is half Jewish as I am all Jewish.” So it went for a half an hour or more. Finally it was time to do liturgy, read scripture, offer prayers and give a brief sermon about parents’ love, which is as faithful as God’s love.

On the way out I asked the lawyer how should I respond to the media. He said, “Tell them what you saw here today. Tell them about these good people.”

Pastor Donald Marxhausen
Chaplain, Adams County Jail, Colorado