The Cowboy on the Hill
The silhouette comes into view between Westside and Vail as travelers drive along the Lincoln Highway. High upon a hill a cowboy kneels in contemplation by a lone grave, his horse waiting patiently. The wooden figures make up a modern monument to love by Westside farmer Rick Vetter. Vetter’s wife, Joyce, died of cancer in 2007. While traveling the following year, he discovered a similar sculpture. After searching out design plans on the Internet, he crafted his vision and placed it in his field on the hill above the highway. “It’s not exactly a tribute to Joyce,” explains Vetter. “But if she hadn’t passed away, I would never have done it.” — M.G. Photo courtesy Mary Gottschalk Let us know what you think about this story |
Compiled by Carol Bodensteiner 
