“It’s still a shock to everyone,” said Shalim’s sister, Zarah.

The family mourns the loss of a brother, son and nephew that they remember as warm, considerate, sociable and funny. A well-liked bartender at Huck Finn’s on the Water and Pogreba Restaurant, Shalim was always taking care of his parents and sisters, Zarah said, and was excited to go back to school at Western Technical College this fall to study physical therapy.

“Everyone loved Shalim,” she said. “I was known as ‘Shalim’s little sister,’ because he was so popular.”

But with that grief comes gratitude. The family wants to thank the entire La Crosse community for its support and prayers through the ordeal and as they heal from their loss. Patty Baumgartner, who manages Huck Finn's and coordinated Shalim's search party, deserves particular thanks, Patrick said.

“We are grieving, we are hurting, we are sad, but we have been touched by the care and love of the people here in this community,” Patrick said. “We are very grateful.”