My Grandpa
My grandpa turned 83 on March 15th. He passed away Sunday night, March 23rd, after a difficult year of being between the hospital, nursing home, and his own home. He was surrounded by my aunt and cousins last night in his bed at home when he passed and for that I am grateful.
I just wanted to publicly let the world know I had an awesome grandpa. He raised my dad, aunt, and uncle in Chesterton, IN. He fought in WWII, started what is now Able Disposal (solid waste hauling company) in NW Indiana, drove a school bus, and had his own lawn care business. My grandparents separated when I was in elementary school. My grandpa then moved to the Muncie area to be closer to his family and take care of his aging/dying parents. During those years, I fondly remember the four grandkids staying with him for weeks in the summer. What I loved most about my grandpa was how present he was in our lives. He always called us and made an effort to see us whenever he could. He was a very thoughtful, kind man who often had a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin. He spent the last 15 years, or so, in Michigan City.
Here are some pictures to share of Wayne Dietz. I realize there's a huge gap...my mom has most of our childhood pictures. I love you, Gramps. You loved the Lord and I know you are with Him and our sweet Lydia in Heaven.
By the way, I have to say that I realize our blog has become like an online obituary the past several months, starting with our dog, Jane, I sure hope our lives are filled with more sunshine and cheer soon because this all has been a lot for our little family to handle!!
Comments
Amy - Sat April 5, 2008, 9:03 pm
Oh, Amy, I am so sorry to read about your loss. I am praying for your family!!Jessica - Thu March 27, 2008, 1:22 pm
What a bleesing to have had him in your life. He sounds like an amazing man. I'm thinking of you and his family at this time. I can't help but to think of the legacy he made of his life. What an example of love. If you need anything call me. Love You!Lindsay - Wed March 26, 2008, 8:36 am
Amy, I'm so sorry. This has been a rough past year for you guys. Brighter days are ahead. Of this, I'm sure. I hope you can feel my hug through the computer. Please let me know if you need anything.Antonette - Tue March 25, 2008, 4:09 pm
Amy,I'm sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I'm glad he was surrounded by those who loved him when he went to heaven.
I loved the picture of him holding Alex as a baby. My own Grandpa passed exactly two months to the day before I went into labor with Christopher. I was so heartbroken, not only because he was the last surviving grandparent, but because he was so looking forward to being a great-Grandfather for the first time. How lucky for you that he was around to see his first great grandchild.
I imagine he is loving on Lydia right now.
Angela - Tue March 25, 2008, 3:29 pm
I believe I remember going out to eat with your grandpa when we were at Ball State. He was a great man! My family was in the same situation a few years ago and unfortunately it lasted about 2-3 years with our family losing many people that were close to us. Thankfully we have mostly worked our way out of that. I will let you know it does take a long time but there is always some sort of light at the end of the tunnel.Kate - Tue March 25, 2008, 1:03 pm
I'm sorry for the loss of your grandpa. He looked like a joyful man!Frances - Tue March 25, 2008, 10:51 am
My deepest condolences to you and your family. It sounds like your Grandpa was a sweet man who just loved God.Emily - Tue March 25, 2008, 8:57 am
Amy,What a sweet tribute to your grandpa! I'm sure he would be so pleased to read the words you wrote about him and to know that he will be remembered as being a great caretaker, a man who loved the Lord, and a loving grandfather. He sounds like such a blessing to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Emily
Sara - Tue March 25, 2008, 8:47 am
Amy,Thinking of you and your family on the loss of your grandpa. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts.
Sara
2008 Mike and Amy Focosi
