BOONE, Iowa — Following his death earlier this year, a long-time volunteer of the Ericson Public Library was honored for more than a decade of storytelling on Saturday.

Doug Stier had a longtime passion for the library and began volunteering for children’s story time more than 10 years ago. Stier would dress for the part, playing characters like Pete the Cat, Corduroy, and the Hungry Caterpillar.

Stier died from dementia in January, with the board electing to rename the walk in honor of him later in the spring. Following a ceremony Saturday morning, the StoryWalk at McHose Park was officially named the Doug R. Stier StoryWalk.

Zachary Stier, the Children’s Librarian and son of Doug Stier, says the StoryWalk is bittersweet yet exciting.

“As I always tell kiddos at the end of story time, I never say goodbye, I always say see you later. I look at this really a trail of memory and this his sprit is still here. We can have a good time and laugh which is something he would want as well,” said Zachary Stier.

The StoryWalk was started as a way to elevate the importance of literacy and engagement in the community. Along the walk, 22 posts share a page from a book along with photos of Stier playing a character from the book. Visitors can also scan a QR code and view videos.

“It’s very fresh. It just brought a little sadness of course. I mean that’s natural to be sad. I have a lot of great memories going through my mind. I can see him you know being so happy and that he still able to bring joy to the children and the Boone community,” said Ronda Kelley, Ericson Public Library.

McHose Park and the Doug R. Stier StoryWalk are located in Boone next to the Aquatic Center.