Well done thou good and faithful servant

My Dad

He was the middle child of three. Born in March, 1933 and baptized during the Sunrise Easter Service. 

He and his siblings were outrageously spoiled by cousins who were a generation older. 

He attended preparatory school and college on the same campus for eight years, then attended seminary. Back home during summers and holidays, he worked for the local post office. 

During his third year of theological seminary, while serving as a vicar in her congregation, he met the love of his life. They married in August, 1957 and were blessed to celebrated their 60th anniversary. 

His study was sacrosanct... 

to all but the grandkids.

He loved his family. 

He loved the people and congregations he served. As pastor he served congregations in the Midwest for 37 years. In addition to his parish duties, he served many years as the pastors' pastor - guiding colleagues through challenges in their congregations. His last Divine Call was as a chaplain for 13 years in numerous state prisons through the synod's institutional ministries. 

His father passed away when he was 39; his mother lived to the ripe age of 98.

His five children, nine grandchildren, their assorted spouses and partners, and two great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. 

He loved old cars, a dry martini, and was a connoisseur of bakery and sausage. Gatherings at home meant stories told around the dinner table (after clearing myriad games off the table in order to set it for supper), good food, and lots of laughter. 

His sense of humor was legendary.  

He was called home on Easter Eve 2018 after a fantastic daylong reunion with most of his family, including his 90 year old sister.

His favorite bible passage - "Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool, or engraved in rock forever! I knot that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes - I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19:23-27. 

'Til we meet again. Goodnight, Papa.