March 6, 1987

My Grandpa Bill, my dad’s dad, has been gone from us for 34 years. My aunt sent out a few photos of him from his time in the service and afterwards. I’ve edited her captions to say “Grandpa” instead of “Dad.”

Growing up in Iowa, which was a 9 hour drive to where he and my grandma lived in northern MN, we didn’t get the opportunity to make many memories with him. I’m grateful that my aunt has taken the time over the years to scan and document items of our family’s history. Photos like these are treasures. It is fun to be able to share with my kids a little about who their great grandpa was.

Knowing what our family has enjoyed this winter, it’s no surprise that this is our favorite photo from the set sent out today.

Finally, here are my Grandma Fran and Grandpa Bill at my Aunt Ann and Uncle Gene’s wedding in 1979.

I can see my grandpa in two of my cousins and my dad. Family genes are strong.