(This Facebook page does not exist as of July 13, 2012)
RIVER FALLS, Wis. - A Facebook page has been set up in tribute to the three River Falls sisters who were found dead in their home on Tuesday morning.
Authorities have identified the young victims as Amara Schaffhausen, 11, Sophie Schaffhausen, 8, and Cecilia Lee Schaffhausen, 5.
River Falls resident Julie Matzke's 7-year-old daughter was in Girl Scouts with one of the sisters. Matzke describes Sophie as an energetic, beautiful little spirit who was taken too soon.
"It hits home because you have kids, but when it's your hometown it's even closer and then when you know that you know them, it's like your world drops out," Matzke said.
Matzke has created a Facebook page in the girls' honor, and has also set up a vigil at Glen Park in River Falls at 7 p.m.
"It's about honoring three children that lives were shut off," Matzke said. "They were just squelched when it shouldn't have been that's what (Wednesday night) is about."
Matzke acknowledged that most in the community are not aware of the circumstances of the tragedy, but she said she believes it's important for everyone to grieve.
"We don't know the full story and I just want to honor the girls. I want it to be about that. I want there to be a positive message about the community coming together and understanding that this is a tragedy, and we just need to honor them and remember them," she said.
More than 750 people have liked the page which is called Tri-Angels~ In honor of Amara, Sophie and Cea Schaffhausen.
Matzke says the page has provided an opportunity for people to talk about the girls and about the efforts to raise money for the girls' mother.
The bodies of the Schaffhausen girls were found Tuesday afternoon when police were asked by their mother to check on their welfare. Officers say there was an odor of gas when they entered the house.
A St. Croix Sheriff's Deputy told KARE 11 earlier that the girls' father, Aaron Schaffhausen, 34, had been charged with three counts of first degree intentional homicide.
Anyone who wants to assist the family financially is asked to make donations to a fund set up at the First National Bank of River Falls. The contact number there is 715-425-2401.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)