Rock legend makes wish come true

Monica Roberts is a Chappell graduate who has been fighting a losing battling with cancer for two years, her last wish was granted this year, thanks to the diligence of Deul County Social Worker Kayla Rempe.

Roberts, 57, graduated from Chapell High School in 1977, before the school became Creek Valley. Her mother and sister still live in the area. Roberts now lives in Omaha, her ties to area remain strong.

Since she was 14, Roberts has admired the lead singer of the classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad, Mark Farner.

Grand Funk Railroad formed in 1969 as a trio with Farner, Don Brewer and Mel Schacher. They had several hit songs, including "I'm Your Captain(Closer to Home)" and "We're an American Band." After disbanding in 1976, Farner began his solo career and transitioned into contemporary Christian music. Farner still preforms the hits from Grand Funk's heyday. Grand Funk Railroad continues to tour with original members Brewer and Schacher, who re-established the band with vocalist Max Carl of .38 Special.

After battling an aggressive cancer for two years, Roberts made the decision to transition into hospice care with Hillcrest Health services out of Bellevue in May.

Upon entering hospice, Rempe asked Roberts if there were any outstanding "bucket list" items she wanted to accomplish. Roberts said she wanted to meet her favorite rock star of all-time.

That's when Rempe said she decided to take a chance and see if she could make that wish come true. Rempe said she reached out to Farner through his web page with an email explaining Roberts' last wish was to talk with him.

Rempe said she didn't expect a response, but a week after Rempe received a call from Farner's agent and wife, to set up a conversation.

The decision was determined that Skype, a video calling service, was the best option for the meeting between Farner and Roberts, since Roberts was not able to travel and Farner was not touring near Omaha at the time.

"I didn't tell Monica that I'd been communicating with the agent until I was sure that it would really happen. I ended breaking the news to her on her birthday," Rempe said.

Rempe said the week Roberts got to talk to Farner was the week her daughter got married. "Her week was very exciting," said Rempe.

Roberts talked to Farner via Skype for about a half-hour, she said, "He's just so down to earth. It was amazing, I started tearing up and had to end the call. I do not think I will ever get over this."

"It was such a privilege to facilitate this meeting and be there to watch the conversation take place," Rempe said.