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.