Olympic Trekker

"Teach Your Children Well"

The words of Crosby, Nash, Still, and Young seem so appropriate.

We all play various roles in our lifetime, and Grandma played many. For
many years she was a devoted to wife to Charley (and without complaint endured
his Dutchmaster Belvedere cigars). They were a graceful couple on the dance floor
and friends to many at Klinks, the Hideaway, the Scrapbook, and others. On
Sundays they leisurely cruised Okauchee Lake, and she routinely put fear into the
hearts of many sunfish. In their early years they could also be seen cruising on
their motorcycles with Grandma riding on her own Indian cycle! Those who played
cards with her knew to bring their money--she was good. She was an active member
at St. Joan of Arc parish and the Okauchee American Legion. And, of course, she
was a great cook.

But of all the roles she played, the most cherished and most special one was Grandma. Within her own family she played a vital role in raising three generations. (We didn't always make that an easy task!) It did not stop there as she provided wonderful daycare for many area families and became legendary as
the 'Okauchee Grandma.' Her legacy grew from the magic she worked with
children. Her warmth radiated to those of us lucky to have grown up under her caring and love.

I was so lucky to have lived with her for 24 years. It was always a mystery to me why I did not live with a parent, but I learned many things from Grandma. I have learned that if we work hard, we can make the world a little bit better. I learned that anything worth doing is worth doing well and I have tried to follow her modeling. I learned to cherish nature as we so fortunately lived under the towering trees of Elm Avenue and overlooked inviting Okauchee Lake. I learned to enjoy the fellowship of friends and to be warm, respectful, and kind to all. I never recall a time when she was anything else. And finally, I learned that children are special,that they are the most important thing in our lives.

I regret that I could not be with friends and family at the celebration of her
life. I am realizing a life-long dream of experiencing the Winter Olympics and then visiting Jeremy in Hungary. I know it would put a smile on her face.

As Megan continues her training for teaching and Jeremy continues his teaching
and inspiring young people in three states and two continents, Grandma can be proud her legacy continues to thrive and continue in future generations.

Our lives have been touched with grace by this loving and kind person. We are
truly lucky.

I am quite sure at this time that Grandma would want us all to
have a beer at the kitchen table. Do they still make Schlitz shorties?

Earl




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posted by OlympicTrekker @ 3:30 AM