After our high school graduation, I farmed for a few months, then enlisted in the Army's six year program. I spent six months active duty at Ft. Leonardwood in Aberdeen, Maryland, as a Fuel and Electric Mechanic. After my military stint, I farmed again until Uncle Sam reactivated me during the Berlin Crisis.

By 1962, I was ready to pursue further education, and moved to Des Moines to attend the American Institute of Business. I graduated with a degree in Sales and Business Management. My first sales job was with Moorman Feed.

In 1965, my cousin introduced me to a gorgeous redhead who lived on the N.E. side of Cedar Rapids. Dee was a widow with two lovely little blonde-haired girls. It took me a year of romancing her on the dance floor to convince her that we belonged together. On June 11, 1966, I became Husband and Daddy, all at once. On year later, I officially adopted Kimra Marie and Dawn Marie.

In 1968, we were blessed with a son, Chad Joseph, and in 1970, our third daughter, Crystal Marie, was born.

In 1967 I entered the Insurance field. During those busy years of raising a family, I brokered Life and Health Insurance. Those years were filled with birthday parties, family celebrations, school activities and sporting events - and cars - always somebody's car to work on! Dee was a full-time home maker, and the years flew too quickly and my family grew too fast.

Some of my fondest memories during those years are from 1976-1981, when I operated my own business selling ag and industrial chemicals. I especially enjoyed the times I spent with my son, working "our" business.

One of the most significant events of my life came in 1973, during a seminar in Georgia. My roommate witnessed to me about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That moment of decision and commitment gave new meaning and focus to my life and the lives of those around me. After being part of a city-wide Charismatic prayer group for several years, we started a prayer group in our own parish, and Tuesday night has been "prayer group night" ever since.

Our nest is empty now, and two of our youngsters have settled further away than we would like. Kimmy and our grandson, Cole Jordon, live in Mesa, Arizona. Two and one-half year old Cole loves riding "Pappa's tractor" when they visit, and leading Muffin, our fluffy dog, around on her leash. When we talk on the telephone now, he can even carry on a conversation - mostly about things with wheels.

Dan and our four and one-half year old granddaughter, Kelley Elizabeth, live in Houston, Texas. Kelley is a lively little lady who attended Christian pre-K this year, and has not trouble carrying on a long distance conversation.

Chad, after trying his wings in Arizona and California, decided that he missed the "Midwestern value system". He came back to Iowa when I turned 50, so he could "spend time doing things with Dad before he gets too old!" (Things like mushroom hunting and deer hunting.) Chad and his best friend have their own construction business and more work than they have time for.

Our independent "youngest", Crystal, is working and sharing a house with three roommates, while going to college here in Cedar Rapids, and buying a car.

Our weeks are filled with a bible study we lead on Monday night, prayer group on Tuesday night, music practice on Thursday night, dancing to our favorite group on the weekend, and singing at the 8:45 Mass on Sunday morning. Dee is in the work force now, as Marketing Director for a 101 room furniture store near our small acreage. Between jobs and our activities, we try to keep up with all the work six of us used to do, and sandwich in time together at odd moments for lunch in the park, long walks, and bike rides. We are blessed with faith, family, and friends.

In my mid-50's now, I realize that despite half a century of experiences and some accumulated wisdom, there is still much more to learn. I look forward to seeing all of you the end of May.

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