By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – In not quite eight years, the state treasurer’s office has completed one million claims from its Unclaimed Property program. That’s twice the number as in the twelve years prior to Mike Frerichs taking office.

We’re talking about the contents of safe deposit boxes, and, treasurer Mike Frerichs says, in one case, a woman whose father made her the beneficiary of a $10,000 life insurance policy.

“She said, ‘I just celebrated the ten-year anniversary of my father passing away,’” said Frerichs. “He did so much for me. Always took care of me. I was just sad the other day, thinking he’s no longer there for me. And when you told me he took out a life insurance policy, it was like he came down and wrapped his wings around me.’ And the person in my office starts crying, and she starts crying. It’s things like this that are really touching.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].