I lost my father after having him for 69 years. Yes, I was blessed, and that's why it's been so hard to not have him around anymore. He was born in Chicago and lived through the Great Depression, World War II and the pandemic.
He had a great sense of humor that continued to the very end. He was kind, and a true gentleman. Even though he used a walker, he still held the door open for me and Mom.
He was a meat cutter by trade, working at a grocery store in Chicago and also having his own meat shops at different times. He loved his trade, helping others in many ways, was always positive and liked to reminisce.
He loved Mom for 72 years, along with his love for God. He said prayers before every meal, even in restaurants. He attended Mass regularly and was involved in church in many ways. He even sang in the choir in his 80s. During the pandemic, Mom and Dad would watch two Masses on TV and one on the computer every Sunday. He stayed up-to-date on the computer at 93 years old.
He and Mom had four children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He died just before his last two great-grandchildren were born.
I am so lucky to still have Mom, and Dad is now in the loving arms of Jesus.
Submitted by his daughter, Joanne Kirchner
