Becky's Eulogy

Uncle Bob, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for every holiday that you opened your home to us.
I'll never forget all the years spent playing with the Christmas train,
and looking for the pickle in the Christmas tree.
I never could find it before my siblings or cousins.

Thank you for always having the easiest Christmas list.
It was never had to find warm gloves and a sweatshirt.

Thank you for letting Aunt Marlyn come shopping with us on Thanksgiving,
and making sure the kitchen gotcleanedwhile we were gone.

Thank you for helping us find the Easter eggs, and later teaching us how to hide them for the little ones.

Something will be missing every holiday when we gather around the table to say grace.
Your heartfelt prayer showed each of us how truly grateful you were that we could all be together as a family.

Even in your last days, you brought us together and reminded us how important we are to each other.

Rest peacefully uncle Bob in the knowledge that we love you, and miss you very much.
And be happy for there is surely Birthday Cake in Heaven
Love Always,
Becky

Gina's Eulogy

In my eyes, Uncle Bob was an adult with the personality of a child; he never
lost sight of those unique qualities that most adults only dream of carrying
into their adulthood.  Every time I went to a family gathering I always looked
forward to the hug I would receive from Uncle Bob as soon as my family and I
stepped in the door. Although there were many times when I couldn’t quite
understand what he would mumble to me when he greeted me at the door, the hug
itself was the act of kindness and serenity that brought a smile to my face.
And if it was a holiday I knew without doubt that he had holiday socks on for
the occasion.

Growing up, my mom would always have two birthday cakes… and Uncle Bob would
always want some of each. He had a real sweet tooth to match his persona. Just
last week, while listening to Uncle Bob peacefully rest in his hospital bed,
dough nut lying in bed with him; I was introduced to a delightful tasting snack
and was told that I could thank Uncle Bob because it was his idea, cookies and
coffee. A coffee addiction is an addiction many of us in this room share
together but cookies add a little taste of Uncle Bob to go along with every
savoring sip.

For most people when you describe someone as tiny, always curious and greeting
people at the door to hand out hugs and kisses, constantly eating yummy treats,
and would be found underneath the Christmas tree playing with trains at
Christmas… the image that is created is of a child… for me, and many others
this description is Uncle Bob. He is in a better place now but the elements of
love, generosity and special characteristics that we will all miss greatly
still linger. The only thing small about Uncle Bob was his physique… his smile,
his appetite for sweets, and his hugs were off the charts.


God looked around his garden
And He found an empty place.
And then He looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered"Peace be thine."

It broke our hearts to lose you .
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

To The Promised Land

Well from Superior it was time to head to Lake Itasca. Site of the mouth of the Mississippi River.


Site of Julie's now fabled, unaided by flotation device, crossing of the Mississippi to get the dogs back to shore. Phew!
It was a trip we had to make being lovers of the river. To see where it begins.

The surrounding country is sooooo invigorating. Again, visitor center/ gift shop. More Books! Had a CHINESE young man take our picture for what we think is going to be this years Christmas photo

8-15-2008 Park Falls to Duluth/Superior

We stayed overnight on the 14th in Park Falls at the Edge O Town Motel. Nice people , dog friendly. Took the dogs to a local park just to stretch their legs, and were cussed out by the local grumpy old man about the dogs. So we headed up road toward Lake Superior and our connection with HWY 2.
Then west toward Superior Wi. On the way we stopped near Ashland at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. It was worth a stop for all of the educational displays, trails, dog trails, gift shop(meaning BUY BOOKS!) and views. The ranger people inside were very helpful too, finding numbers, and calling dog friendly stays in Superior.We find that while Duluth caters more to tourism, rooms rates are cheaper in Superior with much the same view. We stayed at the Days Inn in Superior right across from Barkers Island. Walking distance to a nice lakeside stroll.

Philips Concrete park

We stopped in Philips Wi, at the Wisconsin Concrete Park.
It was pretty cool, Fred Smith sculpted historical figures, and scenes from concrete and glass.

We took lots of pictures, I was intrigued by all of the old glass in the sculptures.