One of the greatest men I ever knew.

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest men I ever knew. My dad.He was a great dad, so patient and tolerent. When I think of the things us kids used to do its a wonder we're still alive. We rode the tractor anywhere we could hang on, we rode on the grader, the combine, the hay sled, the back of the pick up and trucks, standing up, hanging out, nothing I would have let my own kids do. But we had a great time. We built forts in his hay stacks, towns and roads in his corn rows, and dams in his ditches. The only time I remember him getting mad at me, in fact I got a slap, was when I was disrespectful one time. I deserved it but it hurt most because he was mad at me. I remember going to Curlew lake in the back of a truck. We rode all the way there standing in the back of the truck - wind blowing our hair - singing and shouting at cars going by. No seat belts to tie us down and restrict our fun-ness! He was a great dad but an even greater grandpa. He loved seeing his grandkids. And he loved taking all the grandsons camping. I will be forever grateful for the love he showed us and Brian when he came home early from his mission. He loved unconditionaly - was honest as the day is long - and could put a smile on anyones face. He loved telling a good joke and had all kinds of little sayings. He gave us all nick names: mine was "Louie", Deby was "Dubbs" Lyn was "Linny Lou" Sharon was "Stubbs" I don't know why I can't remember what Rick and Tom's was. Being a girl did not matter on the farm. We worked in the fields too. Weeding. shoveling, riding the planters and diggers, driving truck, bucking bales. I will always be grateful for dad teaching us how to work and encouraging us to go to school and become prductive. I see my dad in all of the grandsons and happy they are carrying on his wonderful traits. (sorry about some of your balding heads) But wasn't he the greatest. We miss you and love you dad. Happy Birthday!