A Tribute to Dawn's Father

The email read “Dear Grandkids, I have good news and bad. The good news is I will be going to Heaven. The bad news is I do not get to choose when.” His time came on June 13, 2008. We spend these days finding ways to pay our final respects and redefine our lives without the man we have known and loved.

In the community, Fred was a man who wanted to know about and care for others. He always seemed interested in the lives of others and how he could help make a difference. Whether it was next door or all the way down in Florida, he could make a friend.

Awards, pictures and memorabilia from his workplace of 34 years, Remelle Engineering proudly cover a wall at home. Hard work would characterize something that was a priority to Fred. He served his country in the marine corps for three years earning a medal of good conduct.

In the church Fred was exemplary in service and interaction. There was a love for his church as having found a great treasure. He spoke of men’s retreat, and the mission trips to Mandaree Mission in North Dakota as a necessity. He found four of the great sources of joy in this life- knowing Christ, a loving family, fellowship with others, and service.

Some of the ways that Fred has affected others will have to include his wife. The two of them have raised children who have learned what it means to work hard and play together. Their children’s lives and families are always spoken of in prideful tones. When the children were younger there were camping trips that would cross through several states and state park hikes that nobody was ever really sure where they would end up.

For the grandchildren nothing could beat grandpa’s tractor rides except getting big enough for grandpa to teach you to drive the tractor yourself. Together they have been there for us in the joyous times and the hard times. They have taught us to take our life responsibilities seriously and to cherish our relationships

One thing that really stands out for the both of them is the way they could receive their children’s spouses as their own children. We who are in-laws (or maybe its outlaws) gained another set of parents when we married into the family.

Though life has held its difficulties, They have shown us that God can help us to stay together and persevere through the trials and hardships. They are an example of commitment to all.

There were some favorite songs over the years. One contained “I will sing, sing a new song,” at which he was begged to sing a new song and “Lord you are more precious than silver” which was a good reminder to us all about valuing Christ more than anything.

He brought laughter to many by sending good clean funnies by email. He was man who could fix anything. He taught us about cars, mowers, sweeping the chimney, working the garden and taking care of what God has given you. Nearly any challenge for repair he could make a way to fix it. His tools and computer lay still now after years of use. As we read through the comments on the caringbridge website, we began to get a glimpse of his affect on the lives of so many and our affections for Fred only grew bigger. We are thankful that in times of terrible loss, we have a God of help and comfort.

PS 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.