Every now and then, a family member comes along that endears themself to everyone. Nana was one of those people. Her "passing" will create a void that will be tough to fill.
She had an unconditional acceptance of "family". Growing up as one of eight children created a sense of belonging. Living on a farm requires family members to share and pull together.
It all began with Nana's value system. Respect for everyone. A common sense approach to life issues. Integrity. Unconditional love.
Her work ethic was "just do it". She made you feel a "little bit' guilty when you procrastinated. You had to get a job. You had to earn money. You had to do meaningful work. That is what you do.
She honed life skills to survive. She could "can" fruit and vegetables for use over the winter. She could stretch potatos further than anyone I've every known. She knew how to butcher animals for meat. She could sew, knit and macrame. She could harvest crops and she nutured one of the best flower beds in Plymouth.
Along the way she lived life. She married another farmer and had 3 children. Nana and George ended up in Plymouth because of a family connection. Walter Rienhold. Wouldn't you know Rienhold was in the sheet metal business. It wasn't long before Nana and George bet everything to start their own sheet metal business. For two farm people, succeeding at business was a tremendous accomplishment and sense of pride. She was always humble about their business success.
And then there were the Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren. Lots of them. She paid personal attention to each and everyone making them feel important. Nana was involved when each of you Grasshoppers were born and remained that way.
Nana earned her way to the top of the family pyramid. She was bestowed with the nickname "Nana" and was universally loved by all family members. It was understood that nobody else could assume that name. There was only one Nana. She had become the matriarch of the family.
In the later years, her visits to our house included "food-fests". Your Mom and Nana would make potato pancakes the old fashioned way, she would eat my whole grain breads and consume our Johnsonville summer sausage.
I'm going to miss the twinkle in her eye, her presence at family events and my annual birthday card.
I know that Nana made this a better world. She was a credit to everything she did. She was the embodiment of "family" and everything it means. We are lucky to have had her in our life. She will be missed.
Love,
Dad