Tom and Chris:Thank you for your entry concerning Judy's illness,
death,and funeral in the blog. Thanks also to you and Chris, John and
Kathy Driscoll, Mike Heydinger, and Don and Betty Wampach for attending
Judy's funeral/wake to support me. Today would have been our 51st
wedding anniversary.
I plan to keep in touch with all of you.
Thanks,
Frank
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Tres Amigos: Ron, Jack, and Mike
When I was recently talking with Mike Heydinger, he spoke about meeting up with Ron Langhals and Jack Park on January 2 in Toledo, OH. This past Friday I emailed Mike for a news clip regarding their time together for this blog. I received a reply yesterday as Mike was in the midst of final preparations for a trip to Europe with his granddaughter Tali. I am entering his email here:
"We gathered at Jack's place around 11:30 and chatted for about an hour. Ron is his same old self and Sandy just as witty. Then we piled into two cars and lit out for a Chinese restaurant that Jack and Harry liked. My stomach thought it was half way into Michigan by the time we arrived. The meal was excellent and we probably stretched it out for a couple hours just chatting about old times and the state of the Church and politics. Funny how civil the discourse was, as we all pretty much felt the same on most of the issues raised.
After lunch Ron and Sandy invited us over to see their place. Dee and I had been there once but it was new to Jack, even though they live fairly close together. They had made some changes since last I saw the place. In particular, they had to replace the front of their house as a car drove through it one night. Turns out it was one of Sandy's students, drunk of course! After that, Jack, Harry and I went back to Jack's place and after a bit I had to leave to ... visit a cousin of Dee's that was not doing so well.
All in all it was a very nice gathering and look forward to doing it again. Jack has recuperated nicely from his stroke, and also the surgeries on his hands, though there is some trouble yet. He manages quite well, though. I do believe that they will come to the next reunion if possible healthwise, as Jack seemed to want to reconnect with so many folks."
"We gathered at Jack's place around 11:30 and chatted for about an hour. Ron is his same old self and Sandy just as witty. Then we piled into two cars and lit out for a Chinese restaurant that Jack and Harry liked. My stomach thought it was half way into Michigan by the time we arrived. The meal was excellent and we probably stretched it out for a couple hours just chatting about old times and the state of the Church and politics. Funny how civil the discourse was, as we all pretty much felt the same on most of the issues raised.
After lunch Ron and Sandy invited us over to see their place. Dee and I had been there once but it was new to Jack, even though they live fairly close together. They had made some changes since last I saw the place. In particular, they had to replace the front of their house as a car drove through it one night. Turns out it was one of Sandy's students, drunk of course! After that, Jack, Harry and I went back to Jack's place and after a bit I had to leave to ... visit a cousin of Dee's that was not doing so well.
All in all it was a very nice gathering and look forward to doing it again. Jack has recuperated nicely from his stroke, and also the surgeries on his hands, though there is some trouble yet. He manages quite well, though. I do believe that they will come to the next reunion if possible healthwise, as Jack seemed to want to reconnect with so many folks."
Friday, June 5, 2015
updating
Hi everyone,
I appreciate the updates from Don and Tom, since I do think about everyone from time to time with some very good and comforting feelings. Even though I sometimes feel that I have to live to 150 to make up for so much time I wasted in my younger years, after going to the reunion in Texas, my outlook on various things have definitely changed to the better. Tom told me he is planning another marathon, and even though I do not run near that much, running is a very good way to do some serious thinking, reflecting, and meditating.
Donna and I have been very busy doing all sorts of things. I finally finished a project that I started over five years ago......a model of the USS Constitution.
I appreciate the updates from Don and Tom, since I do think about everyone from time to time with some very good and comforting feelings. Even though I sometimes feel that I have to live to 150 to make up for so much time I wasted in my younger years, after going to the reunion in Texas, my outlook on various things have definitely changed to the better. Tom told me he is planning another marathon, and even though I do not run near that much, running is a very good way to do some serious thinking, reflecting, and meditating.
Donna and I have been very busy doing all sorts of things. I finally finished a project that I started over five years ago......a model of the USS Constitution.
Fast forward to our next project.....it has been difficult moving the mower etc. back and forth from our shed, so I decided to put in a walkway. I bought a mixer and I dug out the area, mixed all the sand, gravel, and cement and put in the walkway. I also then stained our driveway, sidewalks, and the new walkway so they would all look the same. I estimate about 80 hours of hard work.
I am planning a trip for our birthdays and anniversary the end of June to NYC and Boston. I got tickets for a couple of shows and booked some restaurants thru open table. I really enjoy going to the B&H video store in NYC, and my one son gave me a gift card to apply to a new HD movie camera I want to look at. Their reconditioned stuff and prices are fantastic, so I was able to sell my two standard definition cameras on ebay just two days ago, so I am ready for that.
I am planning a family and friends party for Donna and her twin sister's birthday Aug. 1. Everyone is invited and if anyone here would like to come, that would be great....just let me know. Our family is pretty well spread out, so the grandkids have never met some of their Pennsylvania relatives, so I am hoping to get them all in the same place at least one time.
I think everyone knows that Donna was diagnosed with the very early stages of Parkinsons. She is on a very small dose of a particular medicine which has really helped. She never could have helped me with the projects above last year, so I feel good that she is feeling very good right now. We are trying to get the bare spots in the yard to produce some grass......making a little progress.
Please keep both of us in your prayers and I will do the same right back at cha.
Thad
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Judy Fulkerson Transitions to Eternal Life
On Sunday, May 24, I received a phone call from Frank Fulkerson to inform me that his wife Judy had died on Friday afternoon, May 22. Judy had been in hospice care at home for the last few weeks. All of their family was at their home in Macomb, IL. Frank told me that they had planned to celebrate Christmas on Memorial Day Weekend. However, given Judy's failing health, they actually celebrated Christmas on the weekend of May 16-17. Frank described how he and their 4 children spent the last week of Judy's life
sleeping in the living room on couches, mattresses on the floor, and
chairs where Judy slept in her hospital bed.
As planned by the family, visitation with the family began at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, May 26, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Macomb. Visitation was followed by a liturgical wake at 7:00 pm. Grandchildren shared memories of Judy at the conclusion of the wake. So many friends, neighbors, and colleagues came to support Frank and his family at the visitation. Present from our class were John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike Heydinger, Don and Betty Wampach, and Christine and I.
Judy's funeral liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday morning, May 27, at 10:30 in St. Paul's. Msgr. Richard Pricco, longtime pastor of St. Paul's, presided at this liturgy. Judy had worked closely with Msgr. Pricco in several capacities over the years. One significant role that Judy had played was as a member of the parish building committee. Judy was especially proud of her contributions to a major expansion of the church building itself. Msgr. Pricco acknowledged this in his homily. Judy's burial in the parish cemetery followed the liturgy. Mike, Christine, and I were able to stay overnight in Macomb and attend Judy's funeral and burial.
Judy, requiescat in pace!
As planned by the family, visitation with the family began at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, May 26, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Macomb. Visitation was followed by a liturgical wake at 7:00 pm. Grandchildren shared memories of Judy at the conclusion of the wake. So many friends, neighbors, and colleagues came to support Frank and his family at the visitation. Present from our class were John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike Heydinger, Don and Betty Wampach, and Christine and I.
Judy's funeral liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday morning, May 27, at 10:30 in St. Paul's. Msgr. Richard Pricco, longtime pastor of St. Paul's, presided at this liturgy. Judy had worked closely with Msgr. Pricco in several capacities over the years. One significant role that Judy had played was as a member of the parish building committee. Judy was especially proud of her contributions to a major expansion of the church building itself. Msgr. Pricco acknowledged this in his homily. Judy's burial in the parish cemetery followed the liturgy. Mike, Christine, and I were able to stay overnight in Macomb and attend Judy's funeral and burial.
Judy, requiescat in pace!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Recovering from Heart By-Pass Surgery
Norm Hageman is now home recovering from open heart surgery. On May 14, during the course of a lengthy surgical procedure, surgeons completed five heart by-passes to restore optimal blood flow. In an email Linda reported that a couple weeks earlier Norm started experiencing periodic tightness in his chest and diagnostic tests revealed obstructions. Amazingly, in my mind, Norm was discharged home within a week. When I talked with Norm on May 24, he shared with me that some days he felt better than others. Largely he was just feeling tired and weak. He said he wasn't sleeping restfully at night yet, so that he was napping a lot during the day. Of course, he will have several weeks of cardiac rehab ahead of him on his road of recovery.
Keep Norm in your prayers! He also will be happy to hear from you.
Keep Norm in your prayers! He also will be happy to hear from you.
Time Well Spent
Frank and Judy Fulkerson had hoped to be able to join us for the 40th Annual Chicagoland Joss Reunion at John and Kathy's home in March. However, further weakened by her cancer, Judy was not up for such a drive from Macomb, IL. Consequently, to stay connected and to affirm fellowship, Norm and Linda and Don and Betty drove to Macomb, IL, on Monday, March 23. They spent some richly rewarding time with Frank and Judy that afternoon and evening. After staying overnight in Macomb, the Hageman's and the Wampach's journeyed on back to their respective homes.
In the middle of April, on our way from our daughter's home in St. Louis, MO, to our daughter's home in River Forest, IL, Chris and I stopped in Macomb, IL, to spend time with Frank and Judy. Once again, they were so welcoming. We spent some quality time together. Judy commented gratefully on all the support she was receiving from family, friends, and neighbors. She showed us the beautiful quilts that she had made and personalized for her children. Frank showed us and spoke proudly about a couple of large family portraits in their home from their family cruise in 2014. A little meal together completed our visit before our departure.
In the middle of April, on our way from our daughter's home in St. Louis, MO, to our daughter's home in River Forest, IL, Chris and I stopped in Macomb, IL, to spend time with Frank and Judy. Once again, they were so welcoming. We spent some quality time together. Judy commented gratefully on all the support she was receiving from family, friends, and neighbors. She showed us the beautiful quilts that she had made and personalized for her children. Frank showed us and spoke proudly about a couple of large family portraits in their home from their family cruise in 2014. A little meal together completed our visit before our departure.
Class of '68 Well Represented at 40th Chicagoland Reunion
The Joss Class of 1968 was well represented at the 40th Annual Chicagoland Joss Reunion held at the home of John and Kathy Driscoll in Wheaton, IL, on March 22, 2015. Present from our class were John and Kathy Driscoll (hosts), Norm and Linda Hageman, Mike Heydinger, Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Tom and Christine Meyer, and Don and Betty Wampach.
In prelude to the reunion on Sunday, our class gathered together on Saturday, March 21, for dinner at John and Tony's Ristorante and Bar in West Chicago, IL. Dinner was great. Food and beverage were savory and delectable. Our lively conversation was punctuated by bursts of laughter and requests for the waiter. After dinner we drove over to John and Kathy's lovely home for the rest of the evening.
On Sunday, March 22, our beloved Fr. D's straw hat and a statue of St. Joseph held a place of prominence in the Driscoll home. Liturgy started at 3:00 pm, with Fr. Dick Kramer ('66) presiding and Fr. Paul Hottinger ('75), Fr. Frank, and Fr. Ger concelebrating. Also in attendance were Al Rechenmacker ('57), Ed "Jim" Geiser ('57), Frank ('75) and Ruth Kerkemeyer, Barbara Kramer (sister to Fr. Dick), and Ed and Jan Olah (friends of Fr. Dick and the Wampach's). With everyone contributing a dish, or two, to the potluck, we all were satiated by a delicious banquet meal. NCAA men's basketball tournament games captivated a few of us into the evening. Our mini-reunion was capped off by a light coating of freshly fallen snow!
John and Kathy were such welcoming and generous hosts. A big shout of "Thank You" goes out to them.
In prelude to the reunion on Sunday, our class gathered together on Saturday, March 21, for dinner at John and Tony's Ristorante and Bar in West Chicago, IL. Dinner was great. Food and beverage were savory and delectable. Our lively conversation was punctuated by bursts of laughter and requests for the waiter. After dinner we drove over to John and Kathy's lovely home for the rest of the evening.
On Sunday, March 22, our beloved Fr. D's straw hat and a statue of St. Joseph held a place of prominence in the Driscoll home. Liturgy started at 3:00 pm, with Fr. Dick Kramer ('66) presiding and Fr. Paul Hottinger ('75), Fr. Frank, and Fr. Ger concelebrating. Also in attendance were Al Rechenmacker ('57), Ed "Jim" Geiser ('57), Frank ('75) and Ruth Kerkemeyer, Barbara Kramer (sister to Fr. Dick), and Ed and Jan Olah (friends of Fr. Dick and the Wampach's). With everyone contributing a dish, or two, to the potluck, we all were satiated by a delicious banquet meal. NCAA men's basketball tournament games captivated a few of us into the evening. Our mini-reunion was capped off by a light coating of freshly fallen snow!
John and Kathy were such welcoming and generous hosts. A big shout of "Thank You" goes out to them.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)