Dad taught me to hunt and fish with him to help feed the family when times were hard. His favorite quote was: If a man does not stand for something, he will fall for anything.”
He was always a gentleman. He never cussed or used any profanity. He worked the third shift at US Steel for an additional .15 an hour so that he could support us. He built the house I was raised in, and died in it after he had accomplished far more than most of us could dream to accomplish in one life.
I have my dad to thank for getting me interested in computers and ultimately the Internet. Having him introduce me to those things opened up a whole new area for my creativity.
It may seem weird, but having my dad teach me about computers is right up there with him playing catch with me in terms of childhood memories that I remember.
Saw a bumper sticker the other day that reminded me of my Dad. Something to the effect that although he is nice, he is still a Marine. I learned a good work ethic and the value of family and flag from my favorite Marine.
He’s the smartest guy I know and could not be a better mentor. He’s going to make a great grandpa.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:44 am:
Although my Dad died more than 25 years ago, many of the comments here reflect my own thinking and depth of appreciation. I just never got (or took) the opportunity to tell him. So my wish is that each of you will take the time to tell your father what you’re willing to share here. It’s important and it will mean everything to him. By the way, Happy Fathers’ Day, guys.
My father taught me to be honest and work hard.
Dad taught me the love of baseball.
It has been 28 years since he died. I think about him almost every day.
Wumpus the elder is a great man, what a father should be. He was not perfect, but he always worked to better himself. He is a role model
- He makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:33 am:
My father died in 2000, I think about him every day. He never missed an athletic event for me and my brothers. While he had his faults, what I would not give for 10 more minutes with him.
My favorite thing about my dad - a very intelligent man - is that, even after correcting him constantly for over five years, he still pronounces the governor’s name as:
BLAH-JOY-GAH-VITCH
Though, lately, he’s prefaced it with, “That crooked, no good…”
Oh, and he’s a lifelong fiscal Republican who despises Bush so much, he ran and got elected as a Democrat in a downstate county. I like that about him too.
- cool hand c-dub - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:56 am:
he died in ‘66, but during our short time he taught me how to score a baseball game, defuse tense situations with wit, treat people decently & walk a precinct (we went door-to-door for elmer hoffman for SOS in 1962.) he had 2 terms on the dupage county board, wrote a humorous weekly newspaper column & was a coast guard reservist. his spirit lives.
I remember being a kid, early 70’s maybe. The two of us watching the Democratic national convention into the wee hours to see who would be the party’s nominee. He explained the democratic process to me. It was probably the best civics lesson I ever had. Fighting to stay awake, I told him that one day I would part of a political convention.
In 1996 I was luckily enough to be on the floor of the Democratic convention in Chicago. I looked up to heaven, where I know he is, smiled and out loud said “I did it dad.” I knew at that moment, he had a manhattan in his hand, after playing a great round of golf and was happy for his little girl.
Simply the best guy in the world and after 30+ years, I miss him terribly.
My Dad gave me my work ethic, my interest in politics although he was a lifelong Republican, the beauty of quietness and self reflection and the necessity of honesty and integrity. I miss him yet after nearly 30 years.
Whenever I am faced with a tough decision, and I can’t choose, all I have to do is wonder to myself what Dad would have done or said in the same situation, and I know I’ll do the right thing. I will never have as colorful or difficult a life as he did, but I can at least imitate his integrity and sound judgement.
My dad taught me good parenting, selflessness, honesty, integrity and how to fish. I’ve never done as well at those things as he did, especially the fishing. He was a WWII disabled vet. I lost him in 1973. I miss him.
When growing up I felt my dad was too much of a hard a$$. He raised 5 boys, 4 of them were teenagers at one time, and now having raised 3, with one still at home, I understand where his dictatorship mentality came from.
He was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was and is the energizer bunny, always full of energy. There was always a project to be done, and idle time was few and far between.
My father has also turned into being the greatest grandfather on earth, a trait he learned from his father in law. He calls my little one when her mother is out of town just to keep her company, will drive nearly 1000 miles to babysit when the need arises and always sings the loudest at birthday parties, even though he can’t sing a lick.
He is also a great advisor, and although the 5 sons don’t always follow his advice, it usually is spot on.
And last but not least, my father has been a husband to my mother for nearly a half a century. While he grew into the role as he matured, he is now the greatest protector and cheerleader for our mother who in my book is a saint.
He never let stuff get in the way. Money got tight, he started an office cleaning business and my brother and I cleaned/painted more things than I knew existed. He survived Normandy and never talked about it. Rarely missed one of our sports games. He took us camping all over North America because it was there. Day before he died with Alzheimers he had no idea who I was, but could not stop talking about how important family was. Man, I miss him.
My dad never smoked, drank or used a word of foul language and he only had eyes for my mother. Unfortunately none of that stuck. So, thanks Dad for teaching me how to play catch.
My dad and grandfathers were the best that men can be in the toughest of situation - with a skill to fight like hell when needed. A blessing to me and my children still to this day. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
Knows no strangers, kind to all, wonderful father & grandfather..Great role model & mentor. We are blessed to have him…
- Denny Ray Miller - Saturday, Jun 16, 07 @ 8:42 pm:
In our house there was always great music - “The Sun Sessions” by Elvis, Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger”, my Dad’s incredible collection of 1950’s 45 RPM records, and of course - the Rocking Rolling Stones!
My Dad loves his music and he loves it LOUD!
There’s a funny story about a hidden portable record player, a factory intercom system, and a bunch of people running around wondering why “It’s Your Thing” by The Isley Brothers is playing over and over on the public address loudspeakers throughout the entire factory! But we won’t get into that -
My Mom and Dad had 5 sons - and we could go through some groceries! So they worked - and they worked hard.
I remember my Dad working two full time jobs at the same time - he had one Sunday off a month.
But he always had time to throw around a baseball or football, and he always seemed to have plenty of time to give long, involved lectures!
Politics and history were his fields of expertise. I think I was the only person in elementary school who knew the name “Estes Kefauver”!
My Dad could have been a great history professor - but during some of those ‘longer’ lectures - man - I was wishing he had three jobs!
Muhammad Ali was a big hero in our house - his fights were always big events. “Cool Hand Luke”, “Patton”, any John Wayne movie - we watched and we learned.
I’m still watching and still learning - thanks Dad for all the hard work, the knowledge, and most of all - the loud Rock and Roll!
- Doug Dobmeyer - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:08 am:
Dad shaped me to be the person I am today!
- Long-time Lurker - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:11 am:
My Dad strongly influenced my political views. He was a wonderful man and I miss him dearly.
- BlogFreeSpringfield - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:18 am:
My dad is the most selfless person I know. And he can fix anything.
- bored now - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:19 am:
he put up with me for all these years; god love him…
- Napoleon has left the building - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:20 am:
Got me interested in government and politics. Taught me to like fishing. He is a hard worker who has strong ethics and morals.
- Pro-gunner - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:26 am:
Dad taught me to hunt and fish with him to help feed the family when times were hard. His favorite quote was: If a man does not stand for something, he will fall for anything.”
- Lisa Madigan - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:28 am:
He is going to make me Governor!
- VanillaMan - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:31 am:
He was always a gentleman. He never cussed or used any profanity. He worked the third shift at US Steel for an additional .15 an hour so that he could support us. He built the house I was raised in, and died in it after he had accomplished far more than most of us could dream to accomplish in one life.
- Kiyoshi Martinez - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:34 am:
I have my dad to thank for getting me interested in computers and ultimately the Internet. Having him introduce me to those things opened up a whole new area for my creativity.
It may seem weird, but having my dad teach me about computers is right up there with him playing catch with me in terms of childhood memories that I remember.
- Tom - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:36 am:
If I can be one half the man Dad is I will have led a successful life.
- Highland Online - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:39 am:
Saw a bumper sticker the other day that reminded me of my Dad. Something to the effect that although he is nice, he is still a Marine. I learned a good work ethic and the value of family and flag from my favorite Marine.
- Team Sleep - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:44 am:
He’s the smartest guy I know and could not be a better mentor. He’s going to make a great grandpa.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:44 am:
Although my Dad died more than 25 years ago, many of the comments here reflect my own thinking and depth of appreciation. I just never got (or took) the opportunity to tell him. So my wish is that each of you will take the time to tell your father what you’re willing to share here. It’s important and it will mean everything to him. By the way, Happy Fathers’ Day, guys.
- Lebowski - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:46 am:
I miss my Dad!
- Fire Ron Guenther - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:53 am:
My father loves the Fighting Illini, hates iowa, and regrets voting for Jimmy Carter for POTUSA in 1976.
- beaner - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 10:55 am:
My father taught me to be honest and work hard.
Dad taught me the love of baseball.
It has been 28 years since he died. I think about him almost every day.
- Wumpus - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:02 am:
Wumpus the elder is a great man, what a father should be. He was not perfect, but he always worked to better himself. He is a role model
- He makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:33 am:
My father died in 2000, I think about him every day. He never missed an athletic event for me and my brothers. While he had his faults, what I would not give for 10 more minutes with him.
- Dad Fan - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:35 am:
My favorite thing about my dad - a very intelligent man - is that, even after correcting him constantly for over five years, he still pronounces the governor’s name as:
BLAH-JOY-GAH-VITCH
Though, lately, he’s prefaced it with, “That crooked, no good…”
Oh, and he’s a lifelong fiscal Republican who despises Bush so much, he ran and got elected as a Democrat in a downstate county. I like that about him too.
- cool hand c-dub - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 11:56 am:
he died in ‘66, but during our short time he taught me how to score a baseball game, defuse tense situations with wit, treat people decently & walk a precinct (we went door-to-door for elmer hoffman for SOS in 1962.) he had 2 terms on the dupage county board, wrote a humorous weekly newspaper column & was a coast guard reservist. his spirit lives.
- anon - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:02 pm:
I remember being a kid, early 70’s maybe. The two of us watching the Democratic national convention into the wee hours to see who would be the party’s nominee. He explained the democratic process to me. It was probably the best civics lesson I ever had. Fighting to stay awake, I told him that one day I would part of a political convention.
In 1996 I was luckily enough to be on the floor of the Democratic convention in Chicago. I looked up to heaven, where I know he is, smiled and out loud said “I did it dad.” I knew at that moment, he had a manhattan in his hand, after playing a great round of golf and was happy for his little girl.
Simply the best guy in the world and after 30+ years, I miss him terribly.
- Nisok - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:16 pm:
My dad retired and moved to Florida so he could fulfill a lifelong dream and go to work at Disney World! He picks up trash at EPCOT!
- Shadoobie - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:21 pm:
I wish he was still here.
- Disappointed Citizen - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:24 pm:
My Dad
Taught me
1. Integrity
2. One’s word is their bond
3. Freedom is not Free
At real Patriot who loves his country nearly as much as he loved his god and his wife.
- Just a Citizen - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:32 pm:
My Dad gave me my work ethic, my interest in politics although he was a lifelong Republican, the beauty of quietness and self reflection and the necessity of honesty and integrity. I miss him yet after nearly 30 years.
- Jeff Trigg - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:38 pm:
My dad believes in democratic elections, unlike Lisa Madigan’s dad.
- Gregor - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:51 pm:
Whenever I am faced with a tough decision, and I can’t choose, all I have to do is wonder to myself what Dad would have done or said in the same situation, and I know I’ll do the right thing. I will never have as colorful or difficult a life as he did, but I can at least imitate his integrity and sound judgement.
- Devin Miller - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:56 pm:
Besides keeping 5 of his sons in line, the man worked up to 3 jobs at a time to keep his family fed and in a decent home.
Strong German work ethic, loving and self-educated who knows as much about American political history as many professors do.
- i d - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 12:59 pm:
My dad taught me good parenting, selflessness, honesty, integrity and how to fish. I’ve never done as well at those things as he did, especially the fishing.
He was a WWII disabled vet. I lost him in 1973. I miss him.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 1:00 pm:
For anyone interested, “Devin Miller” is my brother. Good job, bro.
- Robbie - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 1:23 pm:
lost mine in 1990 when I was only 9 years old. Wish I could remember him enough to say something nice about him.
- Doug Miller - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 1:34 pm:
When growing up I felt my dad was too much of a hard a$$. He raised 5 boys, 4 of them were teenagers at one time, and now having raised 3, with one still at home, I understand where his dictatorship mentality came from.
He was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was and is the energizer bunny, always full of energy. There was always a project to be done, and idle time was few and far between.
My father has also turned into being the greatest grandfather on earth, a trait he learned from his father in law. He calls my little one when her mother is out of town just to keep her company, will drive nearly 1000 miles to babysit when the need arises and always sings the loudest at birthday parties, even though he can’t sing a lick.
He is also a great advisor, and although the 5 sons don’t always follow his advice, it usually is spot on.
And last but not least, my father has been a husband to my mother for nearly a half a century. While he grew into the role as he matured, he is now the greatest protector and cheerleader for our mother who in my book is a saint.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 1:38 pm:
Another brother heard from. Thanks, Doug.
- zatoichi - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 1:49 pm:
He never let stuff get in the way. Money got tight, he started an office cleaning business and my brother and I cleaned/painted more things than I knew existed. He survived Normandy and never talked about it. Rarely missed one of our sports games. He took us camping all over North America because it was there. Day before he died with Alzheimers he had no idea who I was, but could not stop talking about how important family was. Man, I miss him.
- WTF! - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 2:00 pm:
My dad never smoked, drank or used a word of foul language and he only had eyes for my mother. Unfortunately none of that stuck. So, thanks Dad for teaching me how to play catch.
Happy Father’s Day Dad!
- Taylor Street - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 3:51 pm:
My dad and grandfathers were the best that men can be in the toughest of situation - with a skill to fight like hell when needed. A blessing to me and my children still to this day. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
- Jeff Fulgenzi - Friday, Jun 15, 07 @ 4:13 pm:
My dad has the World’s Greatest Cheeseburgers!
Knows no strangers, kind to all, wonderful father & grandfather..Great role model & mentor. We are blessed to have him…
- Denny Ray Miller - Saturday, Jun 16, 07 @ 8:42 pm:
In our house there was always great music - “The Sun Sessions” by Elvis, Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger”, my Dad’s incredible collection of 1950’s 45 RPM records, and of course - the Rocking Rolling Stones!
My Dad loves his music and he loves it LOUD!
There’s a funny story about a hidden portable record player, a factory intercom system, and a bunch of people running around wondering why “It’s Your Thing” by The Isley Brothers is playing over and over on the public address loudspeakers throughout the entire factory! But we won’t get into that -
My Mom and Dad had 5 sons - and we could go through some groceries! So they worked - and they worked hard.
I remember my Dad working two full time jobs at the same time - he had one Sunday off a month.
But he always had time to throw around a baseball or football, and he always seemed to have plenty of time to give long, involved lectures!
Politics and history were his fields of expertise. I think I was the only person in elementary school who knew the name “Estes Kefauver”!
My Dad could have been a great history professor - but during some of those ‘longer’ lectures - man - I was wishing he had three jobs!
Muhammad Ali was a big hero in our house - his fights were always big events. “Cool Hand Luke”, “Patton”, any John Wayne movie - we watched and we learned.
I’m still watching and still learning - thanks Dad for all the hard work, the knowledge, and most of all - the loud Rock and Roll!