A romantic holiday proposal took an unexpected turn when a Wisconsin man’s carefully planned engagement went awry. Dave Van Veen’s dream of proposing to his girlfriend, Kailyn Kenney, on December 22nd turned into a frantic search for a missing custom engagement ring. The heartwarming story of love, loss, and community spirit has captured the attention of locals and sparked a statewide treasure hunt.
From Madison to Milwaukee: A Journey of Joy and Panic
Dave Van Veen meticulously planned a surprise proposal for Kailyn Kenney, a journey that began in Madison, Wisconsin. After sharing the exquisite engagement ring with his family, he carefully placed it in his jacket pocket, zipped it securely, and embarked on the trip to Milwaukee where he intended to pop the question. The excitement and anticipation were palpable. He envisioned a perfect moment, down on one knee at South Shore Park, with the sparkling ring sealing their commitment.
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Before reaching their destination, Van Veen made a quick stop at a Speedway gas station and then at Anodyne Coffee to finalize arrangements for the post-proposal celebration. Unbeknownst to him, these seemingly insignificant stops would become crucial points in the unfolding mystery of the missing ring. Somewhere between showing his family the ring and arriving at the proposal location, the precious symbol of his love vanished.
The Moment of Truth: A Proposal and a Missing Ring
Arriving at South Shore Park, Van Veen, filled with nervous anticipation, got down on one knee. As he reached for the ring box, his heart sank. It was empty. The meticulously planned proposal took an unexpected and devastating turn. The moment of joy transformed into confusion and disbelief.
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Kenney, initially bewildered, wondered if the empty box was part of an elaborate prank. The reality of the situation quickly set in, leaving both of them in shock. Despite the missing ring, Kenney, touched by Van Veen’s heartfelt proposal and unwavering love, said “yes.” The missing ring cast a shadow over the joyous occasion, but it also highlighted the true depth of their commitment.
A Community Rallies: The Search for the Lost Ring
The couple retraced their steps, desperately searching for the lost ring. They believe it likely fell out of Van Veen’s pocket at the gas station or the coffee shop. News of the missing ring spread quickly, turning the personal loss into a community-wide search effort. Locals, touched by the couple’s story, joined the hunt, combing through the areas Van Veen visited.
Hope Remains: A Plea for Help and a Silver Lining
While the physical ring remains missing, the couple’s love for each other has only strengthened. They’ve filed a police report with the Milwaukee Police Department and reached out to local media, urging anyone with information to come forward. They’ve also created a dedicated email address, [email protected], for anyone who might have found the ring.
The outpouring of support from the community has been a silver lining in this otherwise stressful situation. The couple has been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who have offered their time and assistance. While the search continues, Van Veen and Kenney remain hopeful that the ring will be found, adding a perfect ending to their unique engagement story. This experience has reinforced their belief in the importance of love, community, and the enduring power of hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Missing Ring
Q: What kind of ring was it?
A: It was a custom-designed engagement ring. Specific details about the ring’s design haven’t been publicly released, likely to aid in its identification if found.
Q: Where exactly was the ring lost?
A: The exact location is unknown. The couple believes it was lost somewhere between a Speedway gas station and Anodyne Coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before the proposal at South Shore Park.
Q: What should someone do if they find the ring?
A: Anyone who finds the ring is urged to contact the couple directly at [email protected] or report it to the Milwaukee Police Department.
