When Joe's health began to decline Joe and his wife Sue and their kids moved to Stanton, Mi to be closer to Sue's parents in case she needed help caring for Joe. Not too long after they moved, Joe died. His ashes were buried in Stanton but his wife knew he was never happy living there. So at his memorial service, to my surprise, she presented me with 1/4 of Joe's ashes. She asked me to spread them around Rochester. She knew he would want to be in the place he loved most and where he and I used to play when we were kids (and adults!).
So one Sunday my wife Sue and I traveled around Rochester to spread Joe's ashes. We went to the black railroad bridge where Joe and I would see who could hang upside down the longest when the train rolled over us. Then we proceeded to Bloomer State Park where, when we were kids it seemed like it took a thousand steps to get up the hill. Next we went to Halbach Field, where Joe took one more trip around the bases. With each stop I'd share with my wife a memory about something Joe and I did there.
Joe's last stop was Bald Mountain Golf Course. Joe loved to golf so I knew he would like the 7th tee. It's an elevated tee overlooking much of the golf course. I was just starting to spread the last of Joe's ashes when a large gust of wind blew much of them back onto my pants. I smiled and said, "I guess Joe wants to go in for a cocktail". So we went into the clubhouse and I ordered a rum and coke for me and Joe. And now, whenever I visit any of those places, Joe still brings a smile to my face like he always did.
Thank you, Les, for this beautiful tribute. I remember Joe well in 5th grade. Even then I though he was a really nice "kid" . I'm saddened by his passing.
I liked Joe, as he was one of the good guys to be around. I just learned of his death today as I was looking at how many of the Class of '62' have passed on. With the recent postings by Mary Jo of 3 other class mates got my attention and I started to see who I might of missed and bang! There was a Red Rose next to Joe's name. I know that Joe is in the Good hands of the Lord and may He rest his soul,
Leslie Haacke
When Joe's health began to decline Joe and his wife Sue and their kids moved to Stanton, Mi to be closer to Sue's parents in case she needed help caring for Joe. Not too long after they moved, Joe died. His ashes were buried in Stanton but his wife knew he was never happy living there. So at his memorial service, to my surprise, she presented me with 1/4 of Joe's ashes. She asked me to spread them around Rochester. She knew he would want to be in the place he loved most and where he and I used to play when we were kids (and adults!).
So one Sunday my wife Sue and I traveled around Rochester to spread Joe's ashes. We went to the black railroad bridge where Joe and I would see who could hang upside down the longest when the train rolled over us. Then we proceeded to Bloomer State Park where, when we were kids it seemed like it took a thousand steps to get up the hill. Next we went to Halbach Field, where Joe took one more trip around the bases. With each stop I'd share with my wife a memory about something Joe and I did there.
Joe's last stop was Bald Mountain Golf Course. Joe loved to golf so I knew he would like the 7th tee. It's an elevated tee overlooking much of the golf course. I was just starting to spread the last of Joe's ashes when a large gust of wind blew much of them back onto my pants. I smiled and said, "I guess Joe wants to go in for a cocktail". So we went into the clubhouse and I ordered a rum and coke for me and Joe. And now, whenever I visit any of those places, Joe still brings a smile to my face like he always did.
Marcia Braun (Sugg)
Thank you, Les, for this beautiful tribute. I remember Joe well in 5th grade. Even then I though he was a really nice "kid" . I'm saddened by his passing.
David Dionne
I liked Joe, as he was one of the good guys to be around. I just learned of his death today as I was looking at how many of the Class of '62' have passed on. With the recent postings by Mary Jo of 3 other class mates got my attention and I started to see who I might of missed and bang! There was a Red Rose next to Joe's name. I know that Joe is in the Good hands of the Lord and may He rest his soul,