There have been many attempts over the years to keep the cemetery maintained, including erecting a barbed wire fence. Those people included Otto Ellertson and David Schluter. However, the cemetery became overgrown with lilac bushes and trees, to the point that the grave markers could not be seen.

In 2000, Wendy Zander found the location of the cemetery on a government web site, and made inquiries at East Zion Lutheran Church, the largest Lutheran church in that area. The church secretary was very interested in genealogy, and her husband was the township clerk.  The secretary sent copies of many of the church records, but warned about the condition of the cemetery. She also said there were several people who were interested in cleaing up the cemetery.

In June, Wendy and her husband Harold, determined to restore the cemetery, arrived from California...with a pair of clippers and a tree trimmer.

Employing Dick Lundebrek and his backhoe was the best idea. It took him three hours to clean out the bushes and trees - very carefully.  Duane Hopp arrived with his skid loader and did a lot of leveling of the grounds.  Nancy Johnson arrived to inspect the work and give moral support.  It was a beginning and all worth it.

We put in paths, grass and trees. We put in a memorial bench for Ronnog across from Eilert's grave. It is a beautiful and quiet place.