1917-2009

Yesterday, our family gathered to celebrate the life of an incredible man. My sweet grandpa passed away at the age of 92. He never slowed down, traveling to California just two months before he died. He visited the farm he loved just days before he went to the hospital. He was remembered as a smart man (studying at Harvard and MIT), an entrepreneur (he, along with his brothers, started their own company), a dedicated serviceman (serving in the Army Air Corps in WWII), an avid sportsman (he loved golf and the Iowa Hawkeyes!), and mostly, a loving father and grandfather. He was married to my grandmother for 68 years. They had five children, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

I will remember his winks, quiet laugh, funny stories (told and re-told each time we all got together!), fuzzy sweaters, and gentle nature. He will be greatly missed, but we also celebrate his long and incredible life!

Meeting Lauryn for the first time, July 2004

Family reunion at the farm, August 2005

Meeting Allison for the first time, October 2006

Another visit to Iowa, June 2007

(Allison experienced a little "stranger danger" but she warmed up quickly :)

Out at the "big farm", June 2007

Spraying for ticks...Lauryn was intrigued...

Last picture of my girls with their Great-Grandpa, June 2007

I love you, Grandpa!

Here's a link to the video put together in his memory (I hope it works!)

Grandpa