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View Full Version : Life We lost an American Hero Yesterday.


Bill Lundberg
10-14-2008, 10:20 AM
My Grandfather passed away.

As a child he was always a man I looked at as a hero. Mostly because of his superior fishing skills and the way he could fix anything. In his death, I sit here reflecting on his life and I realize he truly was a hero. He served his country in WWII. He stormed the beaches of Normandy and came home with a purple heart.

Upon arriving home he married the girl he had fallen in love with just months before leaving for the Army. She kept every letter he wrote, hundreds of them over the 4 years he spent over seas. Together they raised 4 children and spent over 50 years together before Grandma passed on.

He then went to work for John Deere and never missed a day in his 40 years there. He was an active member of the American Legion and a pillar of his community.

Looking back, this man bled red, white, and blue. With all that is going on in our country it makes me extremely proud of my grandfather and the thousands of others who fought to preserve the freedoms we now often take for granted.

It was his time. He'd spent the last 6 years in a wheelchair in a nursing home after 3 strokes, he couldn't communicate effectively, though his mind was as sharp as ever. I could see the frustration in his eyes. Only one side of his body had movement. He was ready to go be with his wife and youngest son. Today I have no doubt he is wearing a huge smile as he looks down on those of us he's left behind...

He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Dartgod
10-14-2008, 10:21 AM
Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great man.

Bwana
10-14-2008, 10:22 AM
Sorry to hear that Bill.

BigRedChief
10-14-2008, 10:24 AM
Sounds like to me he was part of the reason they are called the greatest generation.

sorry for your loss

J Diddy
10-14-2008, 10:26 AM
I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like he led the right life.

Frazod
10-14-2008, 10:30 AM
Sorry for your loss.

Reerun_KC
10-14-2008, 10:32 AM
Great story bill and sorry for your loss...

You might want to give that speach at the wake?

talastan
10-14-2008, 10:36 AM
Sorry for your loss my friend. Your desciption reminds me alot of my grandfather. A man's man. The men from their generation is what every man should try and follow. I know that God is blessing and praising him right now!!!

'Hamas' Jenkins
10-14-2008, 10:36 AM
Sorry for your loss :(

Mr. Laz
10-14-2008, 10:42 AM
:(

Pushead2
10-14-2008, 10:43 AM
I'm sorry for your loss, he sounded like what most men dream and aspire to be...

Mr. Kotter
10-14-2008, 10:45 AM
My sympathies, Bill. Sorry for your loss.

acasas4
10-14-2008, 10:50 AM
Sorry to hear that. My condolences.

Mr. Plow
10-14-2008, 10:56 AM
Sorry to hear about it man. Sounds like a great man.

MOhillbilly
10-14-2008, 11:07 AM
Regards to you and yours.

WilliamTheIrish
10-14-2008, 11:10 AM
May he travel well....

AcesCasino
10-14-2008, 11:23 AM
It was a pleasure to read the words you wrote, to mark the moment. Your memories will never fade, enjoy them always, condolences for your loss.....

StcChief
10-14-2008, 11:24 AM
:( Bill sorry for your loss.

The last of Greatest Generation is slowing fading, but History won't let them die.

PhillyChiefFan
10-14-2008, 11:43 AM
Sounds like a great man, you should be proud.

Very sorry for you and your family's loss.

Phobia
10-14-2008, 11:45 AM
Thanks for sharing. I haven't always cared about my legacy but I hope that one day my grandchildren will feel proud enough to post a "Grandpa Phil tribute" to strangers.

ziggysocki
10-14-2008, 12:10 PM
A salute to your grandfather...and sorrow for you family's loss.

Valiant
10-14-2008, 12:12 PM
My Grandfather passed away.

As a child he was always a man I looked at as a hero. Mostly because of his superior fishing skills and the way he could fix anything. In his death, I sit here reflecting on his life and I realize he truly was a hero. He served his country in WWII. He stormed the beaches of Normandy and came home with a purple heart.

Upon arriving home he married the girl he had fallen in love with just months before leaving for the Army. She kept every letter he wrote, hundreds of them over the 4 years he spent over seas. Together they raised 4 children and spent over 50 years together before Grandma passed on.

He then went to work for John Deere and never missed a day in his 40 years there. He was an active member of the American Legion and a pillar of his community.

Looking back, this man bled red, white, and blue. With all that is going on in our country it makes me extremely proud of my grandfather and the thousands of others who fought to preserve the freedoms we now often take for granted.

It was his time. He'd spent the last 6 years in a wheelchair in a nursing home after 3 strokes, he couldn't communicate effectively, though his mind was as sharp as ever. I could see the frustration in his eyes. Only one side of his body had movement. He was ready to go be with his wife and youngest son. Today I have no doubt he is wearing a huge smile as he looks down on those of us he's left behind...

He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Sounds like an amazing life..

This will sound strange but.. Gratz.. You got to know one of those few remarkable people in this world.. My friend Levi is that way.. It amazes me everytime I see him how he makes the best of everything.. Your grandfather seemed to be one of those few..

ClevelandBronco
10-14-2008, 12:14 PM
My Grandfather passed away.

As a child he was always a man I looked at as a hero. Mostly because of his superior fishing skills and the way he could fix anything. In his death, I sit here reflecting on his life and I realize he truly was a hero. He served his country in WWII. He stormed the beaches of Normandy and came home with a purple heart.

Upon arriving home he married the girl he had fallen in love with just months before leaving for the Army. She kept every letter he wrote, hundreds of them over the 4 years he spent over seas. Together they raised 4 children and spent over 50 years together before Grandma passed on.

He then went to work for John Deere and never missed a day in his 40 years there. He was an active member of the American Legion and a pillar of his community.

Looking back, this man bled red, white, and blue. With all that is going on in our country it makes me extremely proud of my grandfather and the thousands of others who fought to preserve the freedoms we now often take for granted.

It was his time. He'd spent the last 6 years in a wheelchair in a nursing home after 3 strokes, he couldn't communicate effectively, though his mind was as sharp as ever. I could see the frustration in his eyes. Only one side of his body had movement. He was ready to go be with his wife and youngest son. Today I have no doubt he is wearing a huge smile as he looks down on those of us he's left behind...

He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Great tribute to the man.

FAX
10-14-2008, 12:14 PM
A very touching eulogy, Mr. Bill Lundberg. You have my sympathies for your loss. But, I know that your grandfather is in a far better place.

Best to you and your family.

FAX

Frankie
10-14-2008, 12:16 PM
Sounds like a great man. Condolences.

ClevelandBronco
10-14-2008, 12:16 PM
Like many others, I'm sorry for your loss as well.

But the larger truth is that we have all lost something dear when such a man passes.

DeezNutz
10-14-2008, 12:17 PM
He sounds like a wonderful man. Sorry for your loss. My best wishes.

seclark
10-14-2008, 12:18 PM
sorry to hear. you're right. he was a hero.
thanks,
sec

Pitt Gorilla
10-14-2008, 12:23 PM
Truly sad. I wish the best for you and your family. That is a great generation of people. My father fought in WWII as well and worked hard all of his life. He always believed the most important things a man had was his word and his respect for other people. His health is failing now, but it is important to remember how these people lived their lives. While it is a sad occasion, I hope that you and your family enjoy reliving the memories of a great man.

Bill Lundberg
10-14-2008, 12:26 PM
Thank you for all the well wishes. As much as he will be missed, I can't say it's a sad day. More of a celebration of his life. The last 6 years seeing him trapped in a feeble, broken body, makes this anything but sad. He's finally been set free and in that I'm comforted.

ROYC75
10-14-2008, 12:37 PM
RIP Gramps .....

InChiefsHeaven
10-14-2008, 12:41 PM
Congratulations for having a man like that in your life! Praise God, he's home now. My regards to you and yours.

Radar Chief
10-14-2008, 12:49 PM
Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy.