After picking up Kalen from the airport in MN we made our way to Chetek and then Grandpa Harley's wake. Jean and some of CJ's other siblings and a few grandkids did a nice job of making photo posters and gathering memorabilia of Harleys to place with his Wood Cremation Box a gift handmade by another cousin. I also brought fake mustaches and gold coins for his visitors and friends to take as a remembrance token of "Jackpot".
Harley's CB handle was "Jackpot" and he also sported a very large handle bar moustache. It was fun for the grandkids and I and it too created some laughter and smiles so to lighten up the somber atmosphere a bit. I told some people I missed my bleaching appointment earlier in the week and others told me I looked like some of the old norwegian lady relatives they have seen in pics of long ago. Haha:-) We had many friends and family members come to pay respects to Gpa and that meant alot to all of us.
After the wake we went back to Uncle Brett's and had lots of fruits, veggies, appetizers, bars and my 52nd Birthday cake. UM UM! We had a late night of talking and sharing stories and didn't get to be till almost 2am.
Up the next morning at 7 to get to the funeral on time. A very nice service for Gpa Harley was given by Pastor Guy Redfield at Chetek Lutheran Church. Graham played his guitar/harmonica and sang 6 Days on the Road, and Uncle/Pastor Ed did the uology. They both did well and had many of us in tears. Then on to the cemetary where we had a Military service with a 21 gun salute and taps were played before Pops was laid to rest. Grandma Jean was very honored and happy to receive the flag, white gloves and honorary medal from the Vets. Harley served in the US Air Force for 4 years in Arizona.
Back to Chetek Lutheran Church where Jean's circle ladies prepared and served us all a delicious luncheon of Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, corn, cole slaw, red jello with bananas, buttered buns, variety of cakes and cousin Lynne Marie's chocolate nut fudge..this was one of pa's favorite meals.
It was a lovely day with lots of sunshine, a warm breeze, many tears, lots of hugs and support from many and more memories were made. We then bid farewell to the family and all returned to our homes in MN and WI.
The 4 of us hung out last night on the screen porch and played games before getting to bed early. We were all pooped. Early this am Graham drove back to Duluth, CJ and Kalen went on a bike ride while I slept in and then we enjoyed a movie and supper before Kalen took a flight back to Chicago tonight.
Now I am off to bed and hopefully a long good nights rest, before I have to get up to do more computer work, errands, mow the lawn....
Peace
Karla and family
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