Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas 2006
We gathered at mom's for Christmas Eve and Ann's for Christmas Day. You'll see the photos below. It was sad to be missing dad and I'm sure we all had moments that were rough. We had an enjoyable time together and laughed until we cried watching old home movies of the grandkids Christmas plays from years gone by. We played cards and games and ate more food than most of us needed. I thought about the things dad would be saying and wondered if he had time to check in with us today or if he is too busy playing softball and dancing in heaven.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Well, we made it throught Thanksgiving. We scattered in a few different directions and spent time with mom over the weekend. This last Sunday was a tough day for her and the Vikings game brought her anguish. It's strange what things set a person off or make you feel sad. For mom it was the football game. All the years dad sat glued to the TV screaming at the screen and giving us all a play by play as if we couldn't see the TV for ourselves, he was surely missed on Sunday. We had our customary Sunday Night meal together and that too seemed a little off.
Memorial Money;
On Sunday afternoon we went over to meet with Pastor Howard and Janet to present them with a small gift. We noticed that Howard did not have a traveling communion set so we bought him a very nice pottery set in a nice travel basket. Mom also donated money to the kitchen fund at church for the wonderful job they did serving the lunch at dad's funeral. She hopes they will buy something nice that they need for the kitchen. She is also going to fund the making of a new Easter vestment for the church. The balance of the money that was donated in dad's honor is going to Hospice. Many thanks to everyone who donated money. It is a marvelous tribute to dad.
Memorial Money;
On Sunday afternoon we went over to meet with Pastor Howard and Janet to present them with a small gift. We noticed that Howard did not have a traveling communion set so we bought him a very nice pottery set in a nice travel basket. Mom also donated money to the kitchen fund at church for the wonderful job they did serving the lunch at dad's funeral. She hopes they will buy something nice that they need for the kitchen. She is also going to fund the making of a new Easter vestment for the church. The balance of the money that was donated in dad's honor is going to Hospice. Many thanks to everyone who donated money. It is a marvelous tribute to dad.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Going to Arizona
Two years ago we had our family "Harley" trip in Arizona. As you can see by the photo below Dad was right there in the middle of the action with his own "bike". We will be taking our yearly winter bike trip in Arizona again this year. We'll be down in Mesa March, 2 through the 9th. Mom has decided to go down after Christmas. She will fly down the first week in January and stay through mid April. She has so many good friends there and the thought of spending the winter here is very depressing. So, for all the folks in Mesa, please know that mom is looking forward to seeing all of you and she is so grateful for your cards, and calls and overwhelming support.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Life Goes On
I have never been a big fan of that expression (Life Goes On). But it is true and it does. You think that it is all too overwhelming and you can't bear to face another day, but you do. You feel like you'll never stop crying and that you can never wear mascara again, but you can. Life does indeed go on. There are things to do. We write thank you notes for the hundreds of cards that have arrived. We pick up death certificates and take care of memorial money. We return pans and dishes to the people who showered us with so much food. We answer emails and buy groceries and clean the house. We return to work, we make calls and we reflect on the days just passed. We read and re-read the cards that were sent. So many with stories about how dad touched others lives. Life goes on. We find peace to soothe us, grace to hold us and love to comfort us. We grieve and we know that we are being held up in God's light.
Dad's Obituary
Marland Leroy Mieska was born February 3, 1928, in Barrett, Minnesota, to Fred and Edna (Schneeberger) Mieska. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Barrett. He was raised on the family farm near Amboy and attended Willow Creek Parochial School. At age 13 he moved with his family to a farm near Elbow Lake. After his education he worked with his father on the farm. On June 11, 1949, he married LaVerne Stock at Christ Lutheran Church at Elbow Lake. After marriage they continued farming with his father until 1967 when they moved to Wendell. While living in Wendell, Marland worked as a school janitor, grain elevator operator, school bus driver, and had a milk route - all simultaneously. In 1969 they moved to Northfield and began managing the Big Steer Truck Stop which they eventually purchased. In 1982 they sold the Big Steer and semi-retired. In semi-retirement Marland worked as a custodian, worked installing telephone cable, and helped his son-in-law on the farm. In 1987 Marland and LaVerne moved to a home on Lake Jefferson near Cleveland where they lived until returning to Northfield in 1994. They also spent 20 years wintering in Mesa, Arizona.
Marland was a member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the Diablo’s Softball Team in Mesa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes and snowmobiling. He was an excellent dancer and a huge Minnesota Twins fan! He was fun loving, hardworking, loyal and a wonderful friend.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years LaVerne; 4 children: Bonnie and husband Greg Liebelt of Northfield, Steven and friend Peggy Jarrell of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Annie and husband Jeff Docken of Northfield, Sue Mieska of Northfield; 8 grandchildren: Chad (Loriann) Ketcher, Scott (Ami) Ketcher, Jesse (Ben) Swenson, Jeremiah (Gina) Mieska, Zachary Mieska, Heather Walsh, Joshua (Whitney) Docken, Bethanie Docken; 6 great-grandchildren: Matthew, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Brighton, Luke, Owen; 2 sisters: Phyllis Neff of Bemidji, Darlene Berge of Fergus Falls; nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lorma Smith.
Marland passed away from cancer on Friday evening, November 10, 2006, at the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center at the age of 78.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale with Revs. Howard White, Janet White & Duane Everson officiating. Music will be provided by Theo Wee & Rev. Janet White. Interment will be in Trondhjem Lutheran Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Chad Ketcher, Scott Ketcher, Jeremiah Mieska, Heather Walsh, Zachary Mieska, Joshua Docken, Jesse Swenson and Bethanie Docken. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Monday, November 13, 2006, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.
Memorials are preferred to Northfield Hospice.
Marland was a member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the Diablo’s Softball Team in Mesa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes and snowmobiling. He was an excellent dancer and a huge Minnesota Twins fan! He was fun loving, hardworking, loyal and a wonderful friend.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years LaVerne; 4 children: Bonnie and husband Greg Liebelt of Northfield, Steven and friend Peggy Jarrell of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Annie and husband Jeff Docken of Northfield, Sue Mieska of Northfield; 8 grandchildren: Chad (Loriann) Ketcher, Scott (Ami) Ketcher, Jesse (Ben) Swenson, Jeremiah (Gina) Mieska, Zachary Mieska, Heather Walsh, Joshua (Whitney) Docken, Bethanie Docken; 6 great-grandchildren: Matthew, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Brighton, Luke, Owen; 2 sisters: Phyllis Neff of Bemidji, Darlene Berge of Fergus Falls; nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lorma Smith.
Marland passed away from cancer on Friday evening, November 10, 2006, at the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center at the age of 78.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale with Revs. Howard White, Janet White & Duane Everson officiating. Music will be provided by Theo Wee & Rev. Janet White. Interment will be in Trondhjem Lutheran Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Chad Ketcher, Scott Ketcher, Jeremiah Mieska, Heather Walsh, Zachary Mieska, Joshua Docken, Jesse Swenson and Bethanie Docken. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Monday, November 13, 2006, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.
Memorials are preferred to Northfield Hospice.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
We spent the day writing Thank You cards for the many people who brought food, gave a memorial or sent a card. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out and helped or supported us in some way. We received so many beautiful cards and one in particular had a message that I wanted to share with you.
We don't like to say good-bye to those whom we love.
It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair.
They had pain here.
They have no pain there.
They struggled here.
They have no struggles there.
You and I might wonder why God took them home.
But they don't.
They are, at this very moment
at peace in the presence of God.
~ Max Lucado
We don't like to say good-bye to those whom we love.
It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair.
They had pain here.
They have no pain there.
They struggled here.
They have no struggles there.
You and I might wonder why God took them home.
But they don't.
They are, at this very moment
at peace in the presence of God.
~ Max Lucado
Eulogy from Bethanie
Grandpa Mieska’s Eulogy November 14, 2006
What will be grandpa's legacy?
Legacy, it’s about how you are remembered ... about what you pass on to the next generation. What has been passed on to me that I will in turn pass on?
I am sure we all have our unique answer to how we will remember grandpa, our individual memories that we will hold on to. My grandpa knew so many people in so many places. It was just this past summer that grandma and grandpa so graciously offered to drive me to Wisconsin to meet up with the Harley crew. During the drive, I can’t remember going 20 miles without grandpa mentioning someone he knew who lived there, how he knew them, and what they did. I asked him, “Grandpa, do you know someone in every town.” And grandpa replied, “Yeah, just about.”
His friends and family that are here today and those that could not make it are all a testimony to what a great person my grandpa was. He was a friend, dad, husband, and grandpa. A hard worker in every task he did. It was so amazing to watch him work out on the farm with my dad each summer, he even managed to eat the lunch I would sometimes prepare and he’d tell me how good it was, even if it was just homemade pizza or bologna. I can only pray that I will be as hard working throughout my life as my grandpa was, all the while keeping a good sense of humor.
My grandpa carried around jokes in his wallet, so he could remember them the next time he wanted to tell one. Even in his hospital bed, my grandpa was cracking jokes to lighten the mood. I think my grandpa would want us all to remember his love of jokes and pass on a good joke when we hear one.
I know all of the grandkids will always have fond memories of grandpa, whether it is the fishing and boating we did at grandma and grandpa’s lake house, relaxing vacations at their Arizona home and watching him play softball better than I ever will, or more recently at the farm on Sunday evenings. I truly believe that this family has something special, enjoying the open road on motorcycles together, gathering Sunday evenings for dinner, and coming together to support each other in times of need.
What is my grandpa’s greatest legacy? What is the thing of most value that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren? What will be passed on to the next generation? I hope we all remember his love of life and how he really lived life to its fullest. I think one of my grandpa’s greatest legacies is his family. We have grandma and grandpa to thank for starting this great family that comes together at a moments notice to show support. How truly blessed we all are to have such love and support. That is what I hope to pass on; the love of a close family and the love of life.
May we honor grandpa, the great man that he was and the great life that he lived. I pray that he finds his place in heaven.
What will be grandpa's legacy?
Legacy, it’s about how you are remembered ... about what you pass on to the next generation. What has been passed on to me that I will in turn pass on?
I am sure we all have our unique answer to how we will remember grandpa, our individual memories that we will hold on to. My grandpa knew so many people in so many places. It was just this past summer that grandma and grandpa so graciously offered to drive me to Wisconsin to meet up with the Harley crew. During the drive, I can’t remember going 20 miles without grandpa mentioning someone he knew who lived there, how he knew them, and what they did. I asked him, “Grandpa, do you know someone in every town.” And grandpa replied, “Yeah, just about.”
His friends and family that are here today and those that could not make it are all a testimony to what a great person my grandpa was. He was a friend, dad, husband, and grandpa. A hard worker in every task he did. It was so amazing to watch him work out on the farm with my dad each summer, he even managed to eat the lunch I would sometimes prepare and he’d tell me how good it was, even if it was just homemade pizza or bologna. I can only pray that I will be as hard working throughout my life as my grandpa was, all the while keeping a good sense of humor.
My grandpa carried around jokes in his wallet, so he could remember them the next time he wanted to tell one. Even in his hospital bed, my grandpa was cracking jokes to lighten the mood. I think my grandpa would want us all to remember his love of jokes and pass on a good joke when we hear one.
I know all of the grandkids will always have fond memories of grandpa, whether it is the fishing and boating we did at grandma and grandpa’s lake house, relaxing vacations at their Arizona home and watching him play softball better than I ever will, or more recently at the farm on Sunday evenings. I truly believe that this family has something special, enjoying the open road on motorcycles together, gathering Sunday evenings for dinner, and coming together to support each other in times of need.
What is my grandpa’s greatest legacy? What is the thing of most value that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren? What will be passed on to the next generation? I hope we all remember his love of life and how he really lived life to its fullest. I think one of my grandpa’s greatest legacies is his family. We have grandma and grandpa to thank for starting this great family that comes together at a moments notice to show support. How truly blessed we all are to have such love and support. That is what I hope to pass on; the love of a close family and the love of life.
May we honor grandpa, the great man that he was and the great life that he lived. I pray that he finds his place in heaven.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Eulogy from Chad Ketcher and read today at the funeral by Jesse.
Warning: this is not as brief as I originally intended. Thanks in advance for your patience as I deliver my eulogy electronically.
My family and I will not be able to attend the funeral, which grieves us deeply, but we are glad that we got to spend some time with him before he moved. I have often thought what I would say if asked to give a eulogy. A hundred things came to mind. If I had actually delivered it, the audience and I would all have been exhausted by the end. So much to say about him and how he impacted us all. My heart is with whomever steps up to speak. Each of us has a long story to tell...each capturing a unique aspect of what it is like to know him. Not was...is. He is not in his body, but he is very much alive. I'm sure he has much he would like to say to us as well.
I regret that I didn't get one more opportunity to play cards with him here before he moved to his new place, but I will have all of eternity to play with him on the other side (and trust me, I will). It won't be quite the same because he won't cuss at the cards or make obscene comments and gestures to his partners, which is part of what made the game so entertaining, but I look forward to it nonetheless.
I have tried several times over the years to take an interest in pro football, but I can sit and watch a game all afternoon and not get a thing out of it because it's just not right without Grandpa barking at the TV. I realized some time ago that I don't care about the game all that much...it's the time I spent with him, Jeff, and Greg. Sunday afternoons, with the ladies upstairs cooking. It was so important to me that one time, when I called to ask permission to come over to watch the game, Grandpa said I was already knocking on his door before he had hung up the phone. Do you have any idea how many people - how many families - don't have something like that to look back on? We are blessed.
I find it soothing to think that Grandpa will be spending Christmas with HIS mom and dad and sister for the first time in how many years. Yes, ours will be emptier without him, but his will be joyful beyond compare.
In his new place, there are no weeds in the yard, horseshoes always fly straight, and the Twins always win the pennant. Noone gives ties for Christmas. You don't have to have two residences 1,500 miles apart to enjoy nice weather all year long, and everyone there has long since forgotten about his perm. Ann Kranz will walk over him to greet him. Everything that confused him makes sense to him now.
His work ethic is an example to us all, as is his easy-going manner. He is, and always will be, a good man, even if we can't see him.
Grandpa, we love you and my little family is better because we knew you.
Chad
Warning: this is not as brief as I originally intended. Thanks in advance for your patience as I deliver my eulogy electronically.
My family and I will not be able to attend the funeral, which grieves us deeply, but we are glad that we got to spend some time with him before he moved. I have often thought what I would say if asked to give a eulogy. A hundred things came to mind. If I had actually delivered it, the audience and I would all have been exhausted by the end. So much to say about him and how he impacted us all. My heart is with whomever steps up to speak. Each of us has a long story to tell...each capturing a unique aspect of what it is like to know him. Not was...is. He is not in his body, but he is very much alive. I'm sure he has much he would like to say to us as well.
I regret that I didn't get one more opportunity to play cards with him here before he moved to his new place, but I will have all of eternity to play with him on the other side (and trust me, I will). It won't be quite the same because he won't cuss at the cards or make obscene comments and gestures to his partners, which is part of what made the game so entertaining, but I look forward to it nonetheless.
I have tried several times over the years to take an interest in pro football, but I can sit and watch a game all afternoon and not get a thing out of it because it's just not right without Grandpa barking at the TV. I realized some time ago that I don't care about the game all that much...it's the time I spent with him, Jeff, and Greg. Sunday afternoons, with the ladies upstairs cooking. It was so important to me that one time, when I called to ask permission to come over to watch the game, Grandpa said I was already knocking on his door before he had hung up the phone. Do you have any idea how many people - how many families - don't have something like that to look back on? We are blessed.
I find it soothing to think that Grandpa will be spending Christmas with HIS mom and dad and sister for the first time in how many years. Yes, ours will be emptier without him, but his will be joyful beyond compare.
In his new place, there are no weeds in the yard, horseshoes always fly straight, and the Twins always win the pennant. Noone gives ties for Christmas. You don't have to have two residences 1,500 miles apart to enjoy nice weather all year long, and everyone there has long since forgotten about his perm. Ann Kranz will walk over him to greet him. Everything that confused him makes sense to him now.
His work ethic is an example to us all, as is his easy-going manner. He is, and always will be, a good man, even if we can't see him.
Grandpa, we love you and my little family is better because we knew you.
Chad
Posts from others
I am posting some of the comments people have sent in. This one is from Whitney (Josh) Docken.
The song "Dancing with the Angels" by Monk and Neagle has been on my heart lately. It is comforting to know that Grandpa Mieska is in Heaven and is dancing with the angels. Here is an excerpt from the song:
You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don’t understand
But I know
You’re dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You’re dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you’re dancing with the angels
My love to all,
Whitney
The song "Dancing with the Angels" by Monk and Neagle has been on my heart lately. It is comforting to know that Grandpa Mieska is in Heaven and is dancing with the angels. Here is an excerpt from the song:
You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don’t understand
But I know
You’re dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You’re dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you’re dancing with the angels
My love to all,
Whitney
Joy
You may think "Joy" a strange title for this blog since it is the day of dad's funeral. But Joy was everywhere today. Pastor Everson gave an inspired sermon about living life to the fullest and finding joy. Dad was an amazing example of these qualities. It is good to be in a place where we can grieve and cry and still find hope and joy. The church was filled to the brim with friends and family to celebrate the life of Marland Mieska. There were aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, old friends, and new friends. Mom was uplifted by the presence of so many people there to support her and offer their love. We are truly blessed by all who were there in person and those who were with us in spirit. God is big.
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