MADISON, Wis. -- Saving a life after death seems impossible, but not to families who gathered at the Monona Terrace on Sunday.

RTI, a nonprofit organization of the American Association of Tissue Banks, paid tribute to hundreds of families who have had family members donate tissue after they pass away. A national memorial quilt was presented in their honor, WISC-TV reported.

David Rufer, a former member of the Monroe Fire Department, died of a massive heart attack during a training session one year ago. He was among those honored.

"This specific quilt is the hero quilt," said Rufer's son, Derek Rufer. "You know, there are firefighters on here, there are EMS workers, people from the military and police officers."

Rufer said his father served people he didn't know.

"He did things for people he didn't even know just because he wanted to help them. And you know he was a hero to me just for everything he did during my life," he said.

Officials said a single tissue donor could save or enhance the lives of more than 50 people.