The family of Michael Tenhundfeld is not vindictive toward the Cincinnati police officer who caused a crash that killed the 18-year-old Delhi Township man Sunday.
They have nothing but prayers to offer Officer Gregory Berting. "It's been real hard for us," said Mike Weidner, 39, Mr. Tenhundfeld's uncle in Delhi Township.
"I guess to some degree we spoke out for the officer's sake. One life has been lost. There doesn't need to be another life lost because of this."
Since the accident, friends and strangers have offered support for Mr. Tenhundfeld's family. The family will gather at 11 a.m. today at St. Lawrence Church in Price Hill for Mr. Tenhundfeld's funeral Mass.
They'll remember his fondness for children and for playing soccer, his plans to go to college and marry, his humor and his hugs.
Mr. Weidner said he thinks of the trip they took to Walt Disney World when his nephew was 3 and the pictures on display at his Oak Hills High School graduation party a few weeks ago.
"He's going to be missed by his family," Mr. Weidner said. "To a number of them, he was an idol."
Mr. Tenhundfeld is survived by his parents, Marge, Dennis and Mary Tenhundfeld; his siblings, Jeremy and Nicki Tenhundfeld; his daughter, Kiona Mikole Harmon; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A trust fund has been set up for his daughter, c/o Jennifer Harmon, 11941 Fifth Ave., Cincinnati 45249.
OFFICER REPRIMANDED FOR CHASE LAST SUMMER
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OFFICER: CHASE WAS SLOW June 18, 1997
PROSECUTORS CONSIDER CHARGES June 18, 1997
PURSUED MAN RACKED UP OFFENSES June 18, 1997
TENHUNDFELD VISITATION TODAY June 18, 1997
COP IN CRASH RAN STOP SIGN June 17, 1997
COPS' PURSUIT RULES VARY June 17, 1997
DIAGRAM OF THE CHASE June 17, 1997
TYPICAL DAY, TRAGIC NIGHT June 17, 1997
HIGH-SPEED POICE CHASE FATAL June 16, 1997
