It has been more than 60 years since a heart attack took you from our family. I know that you struggled with - and overcame in your final years -the disease of alcohol addiction. There has been so much more research and help in alcoholism since you passed away. You would have benefited from much of this, I am sure.
Our wonderful mother had some difficult times in your marriage, but what she often said about you was this: “Bill loved his family.” and…”When he was sober, he was a wonderful man.”
That is what I think of you. Mom also mentioned your skill in butchering. As a young child, I loved to visit you in the barn and watch you cutting up the cattle! It was your way of supporting our family. Thanks for modeling that kind of responsibility, and letting “little me” be part of your hardworking day.
Some of your employees from those days at the barn have come to say hello to us at local family events. One of the good aspects of growing up in a small town is people who have known us for a long time.
There is mention in the Bible that God takes care of the fatherless. Certainly that has been true for me. God has placed so many wonderful men in my life since you left us.
One of them was your brother Ernie, who gave me a job in his store during my high school years, and even agreed to walk me down the aisle when I married Dave Neff. Since he and Aunt Mabel only had sons, Uncle Ernie especially enjoyed this “father of the bride” task.
After I left home for university and worked as a teacher, there were other good men who taught me much about God, and teaching, and life, and people. I am so grateful for them.
Dave and I have four children: twin girls, Sarah and Katherine plus a son, Eric and another daughter, Julie.
You would have loved them and encouraged them as a grandpa. And guess what? Eric loves fishing as much as you did! You two would have enjoyed many hours together doing this.
Now, I am also a grandma. Sarah has two children, Amaia (with bright red hair) and Magnus (so named to honor his Danish paternal family connection).Katherine has four children, Garrison, Caeden, Hailie, and Maisie. Eric and Julie are single and love their nieces and nephews.
When I join you in heaven some day, I am looking forward to lots of hugs to make up for the ones I have missed over the years from you, my dear dad. And we will have eternity to catch up on all my other experiences. Am grateful to have had you for the first 5 plus years of my life.
Your legacy of love, courage, and hard work live on in my heart.
