A Celebration of the life of A Wonderful Man

[Dori & Rua]

My DH's beloved grandpa died this morning.  He was the greatest man I have ever known and has touched so many people.  He lived a wonderful and full 96 years and is now at home with the Lord and is walking in Heaven with his wife Mitzi and his son Bill (DH's dad).

 

The funeral hasn't been arranged yet, but I just know we will have such a special time together paying tribute to Elmer Bergman!  He will be missed by so many.

 

Oct 2002 - Clockwise:  Me, DH (Doug), MIL (Momma J) and Grandpa (a spry 87)!

 

A little story...not long after this picture was taken, we had all of my DH's family to our new house in Virginia Minnesota for Thanksgiving.  For the first time, I am going to be making Thanksgiving dinner for all of Doug's family (14 of us total).  The request was lasagna (not sure why, but I wasn't going to argue (easier than Turkey and all the trimmings, right?).  What I didn't factor in was making lasagna for the two of us (with lot's of leftovers) is not the same as having to feed 14 all at one time.  Let's just say I learned that I shouldn't fill the lasagna pans as full as I did.  I was sitting at the table in the kitchen with Grandpa visiting, when the kitchen started getting really smokey.  The two pans of lasagna were bubblng over onto the bottom of the oven and burning and therefore smoking.

 

We opened the doors...but that wasn't quite enough.  All of a sudden, all of the smoke detectors on the main level were going off.  Everybody is scrambling to fan them and try to silence them....but to no avail.  They were removing batteries...but, they were also hardwired it.  After the air cleared, I went back to kitchen table and sat with Grandpa, ready to cry.  He took my hand and looked at me and said "It's important to test your smoke detectors on a regular basis".  I love him and will miss him so much.  God bless you Grandpa for making me a better person.

 

Love to you Grandpa!

[Dori & Rua]

Thank you all for your kind words and condolences.  The funeral won't be until December because DH's Uncle Bruce just had hip replacement surgery and can't fly for 6 weeks.  He didn't want to have the service at Thanksgiving, so it will be in December.  My DH was so fortunately to be able to go to Florida and see Grandpa before he died (left on Wednesday and Grandpa died on Sunday).  During one of those last conversations, Grandpa started talking about fishing.  He was remembering going fishing with DH and me...catching Walleyes.  With Grandpa, it was always about his "beloved FAM-BIL-EE" (which is how he referred to his family).  Just thinking about him now.  So glad he is in a better place.

[Bryce P]

I am so sorry for your loss. Good to know even when he old he still had humor. :) :(

[Liana & Jindi]

Your story put a smile on my face as well. So sorry for your loss.

[BG and Gavin]

Your story brought a smile to my face.  Please accept my sincere condolences.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am sorry for your loss...

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Dori, I am sorry for your and Doug's loss. Your post showed how dearly you loved your sweet father-in-law. Our elder family members are some of the most wonderful gifts we are given. Though you can't sit and chat with him, your family clearly has lovely memories to cherish in his absence. Love and prayers of peace to you and your family.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'm so sorry for you loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. I loved that smoke detector story so much, what a way to comfort you. :o)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Awwwwee I love the smoke detector story! What a kind soul!!  I'm sorry for your and your family's loss, Dori.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

So sorry for your and your DH's loss.  Sounds like Grandpa was an amazing man!  I will pray for God to give you an extra dose of comfort and strength during the upcoming days!

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

What a great story....glad you shared it