Gone Home...

~Our sweet Great-Grandpa Sturm passed away this week. He was the dearest of dears. And in Great-Grandpa Sturm's self description, "I'm just an ol' codger." (then a big hearty laugh)" He was a big gardener, was married to Grandma Lois Sturm for almost 65 years, enjoyed a beer at 11 a.m. each morning, and faithfully sent us the monthly "Portals of Prayer" (the Lutheran version of "Daily Bread"), with a handwritten note. Each letter was written w/ shakey handwriting and contained predictable topics: the weather, the crops, sports, his health, and his well-wishes for the boys. I've kept each of those letters, for posterity's sake.

I'm kicking myself, now, for not taking more pictures of him and the boys. And one after Madeline joined the ranks! I have some in the photo album, of when Grandpa visited our home. I was pregnant w/ Samuel, at the time. I have some of him at each holiday. (locating them on my computer, is a different story!) I also wish I would've interviewed him more about his life.

I thought Grandpa Sturm looked thinner at Christmas, when we saw him. He was in good spirits, as always. He enjoyed the lebkuchen I brought. Those good German genes...you know. He didn't seem bothered by all of the kids, the noise, the dogs, and the Chrismas craziness. He just said to me, "And to believe, Lois and I started all of this!" (then a big laugh)

Grandpa Sturm was 91, when he passed away. He was active, lived in his own home, and drove his own car. We got a call while we were on vacation in Florida, that Grandpa Sturm had a severe stroke.
Justin told me today, that the Lord had answered his prayer. Justin said he had prayed that if Grandpa wasn't saved, that he would remain alive, till he could go share the gospel with him. Justin learned from his Mom today, that as Grandpa Sturm was passing from this life, to the next, he was reaching out and waving. His passing was peaceful and we believe that angels were escorting him into heaven, based off of the story in Luke 16:19-31.

"The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31