Fred Earl Nelles ( January 14th 1930 - January 17th 2009) Until We Meet Again...

My gramps recently passed away from pancreatic cancer...
This was the eulogy I wrote for him:


To Grampa,

Wow...where to begin?!Well I've been thinking over the last few weeks how much of an influence you've had on my life.From Fair Haven's trips every summer, to sitting in the back of your baby blue pick up truck pretending to fish, to spending countless hours swimming in the pool or lake and pretending you were a submarine (you were such a trooper), to many many scoops of ice-cream (even on rainy days), to helping you downstairs in your workshop when I would come for sleepovers, to always sitting beside you at gatherings, and your famous grace every family dinner (I would always know and point out to you when you changed it up, even a little).

You were always a man of few words, but never once did I doubt that you loved me (and often it made me listen to the words you did so eloquently speak). You have given me over the last 24 years of my life, such a strong example of faith, service and unconditional love. For that, I will forever be thankful.

If I could describe you in three words here's what they would be:

1.) A Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. Gramps, you were nothing short of that. You continually saught out ways in which to help and love people. Your countless giftings have benefited us all at somepoint, often many points, in our lives. Your acts of service never went unnoticed and you will always be an incredible example to me of someone who put the needs of others far before his own...a true mark of a hero.

2.) An Inspiration: you are a true testament to the phrase, "lead by example" You have influenced so many people by just being you. Your patience and easy going personality made it so easy to approach you and be around you. Your contentment and peace in life, even in the last few months before you died, is something so rare. I remember coming to see you at the house a couple weeks before you went back into the hospital. You were getting tired and you reclined the lazy-boy and put your head back to take a rest. I remember looking at you as you drifted off to sleep with a big grin on your face. When I think back to that, I am convinced it is because you were happy with where you were, surrounded by people that love you. and finally,

3.) A Legacy: I don't know how much explaining this word needs. You have been such an important part of life to so many people. Your faith in God was constantly lived out through the way you loved and served people daily. I'm so thankful to have had a Grampa like you, to teach me, encourage me and love me. Know that a part of you will always live on in my heart and that I will always be challenged by the way you lived life...through simplicity, through love and through God.

Thank you for being you, for being a hero, an inspiration, and now to leave your legacy. Thank you for all you taught me, for all the rich memories you have given me, and for always being the best Grampa you could be.

I love you Grampa.

Until we meet again,

your Handy.



**NOTE** Thank you to everyone who loved me through this rough time and continues to help me through it. Your love, care, and encouragement have not gone unnoticed and I appreciate you more than you know. There are not enough words of thanks for my gratitude. BIG BIG LOVE.