Karlee's Bridal Shower

I love this picture of Mom and daughter, celebrating a life-long dream to find love, be a blushing bride, plan a unique wedding, and embark on a life with a soul mate.  Marilyn shared a story, "I was so happy when Karlee moved to Aspen, because I was quite sure she'd find love among the rich and famous.  She told me she was just not attracted to those rich people."  At her bridal shower we learned a bit more about the people who Karlee definitely is attracted to, some by family default, but other chosen friends from early childhood.  

Her aunties - each of us claiming to be her favorite, starting with Connie and Joan.

Connie, Karlee, Theresa, and Marilyn

Dena, Karlee, and Jill, a cousin. Jill and Raya, Justin's significant other sweetheart.

The Kuhlmann side - Aunts Judy and Teri.   Cousin Serena and her daughter, Jovie.

Karlee gave Marilyn a tear-filled glance when she opened the gift of a head-table cover, embellished with lace from Marilyn's wedding dress. Marilyn seems undaunted by big projects like this and I'm happy that I had a small part in her big surprise.  Marilyn and I shopped together for the skirt fabric and I agonized over the measurements, but it appears our efforts pleased this bride-to-be.  

I snapped a few shots of some special gifts.  Karlee and John both expressed a desire for wedding gifts that might enable them to get new windows and a garage for their home in Colorado.  So Joan presented her with a special gift from Germany, a unique bank in the shape of a house.  She included the artist who created the design and the area in Germany where she found this special gift.  Dena and Jill presented Karlee with  a cute jar with the label, "House fund."  I understand part of their gift to this couple is Don's expertise in home remodeling.

I gave her an antique jar filled with a dried rose from one of the hundreds of bouquets from our Mom's funeral.  I added dried flowers from Marilyn's bridal bouquet and encouraged Karlee to add some petals from her bouquet and eventually present the flower-filled gift to her own daughter.

Jenny and Lauren have been Karlee's friends for years, through the thick and thin of life.  Lauren moved to Spokane from California in the late 1980's and said, "I was scared and felt so alone, but Karlee talked to me when everyone else ignored me.  We've been friends ever since that moment in first grade."  Jenny and Karlee became friends during high school years at Lewis & Clark High School.  Marilyn told me Jenny was Karlee's biggest cheerleader when she played volleyball - she'd come to the games with signs and her big, gravely cheerleader voice.

The BBF's and their moms, Glenda, Marilyn, and Karen.  I loved hearing the stories that connected these young women over the years.....craft parties at the Kuhlmann's, volleyball games at L&C, and preschool at the Presbyterian Church.  

Karlee and aunts and cousins.  Her aunt, Rhonda, and cousins Korin and Nikki, joined us when Karlee wanted a group photo.  We all had opportunities to share stories about our relationship and memories of Karlee.  Connie talked about Karlee coming out to the farm in the summer months, filling her days mentoring her young impressionable cousin, Julia.  Connie said, "that's when I knew  Karlee would be a great teacher."  The Kuhlmann cousins remember a picture of the four cousin babies, taken in 1985, when the three baby girls seemed to the push the only boy cousin, away from them.  The stories spanned 34 years in time as relatives and close friends shared joy, memories, concerns, and giggles that only a lifetime of friendship can bring.  

We all loved Lauren's lovely mid-century modern home and her delightful spring decor.  

We couldn't be happier for this daughter, niece, cousin, BBF.  Karlee, enjoying the love and support of forever friends and their Moms, her aunts and cousins, eagerly awaits a beautiful summer wedding in the glorious Rocky Mountains.  She and John want it to be spectacular - how could it not be with all their planning and special touches of lace, lanterns, thrift store treasures, fleece blankets, and Idaho wood-rounds?  Karlee, we love you to those Mountains and back!

A life well lived - Bernard Funke

Our world dimmed a bit when Bernard died on February 25, 2018.  But when we, the survivors, really thought about it, Millie's bright light welcomed Bernard to his heavenly home.  He's really been ready for that blessing for over four long years.  He missed his sweetheart so much after her death in December, 2013, that even wandering through their home on McCarroll St. in Clarkston continually broke his empty heart.

So, after, a rehab stay at Prestige Care he told the kids he wanted to move to Evergreen Estates.  Honestly, I doubt they've ever had such a delightful resident.  When I visited Bernard he always told me how grateful he was to live there.  He lavished compliments on all the staff, the good food, and the ability to visit with others throughout the day. The kids filled his room with images of Millie and lots of pictures of the grandkids.  Bernard was quite proud of the Quilt of Valor hanging behind his easy chair.  He continued to live positively, even when his eyesight failed and watching TV did not bring him much pleasure.  He looked forward to daily visits from his devoted children.  I think Bonnie came every day, unless she and Jerry were spending time at the cabin.  The boys visited too and enjoyed a late afternoon drink with him.  I loved to visit Bernard and Millie, especially at Christmas time because they made the best Tom and Jerry's and were quick to offer one during my visits. 

Bernard loved to dance.  He rarely sat one out when we were together at family wedding celebrations!  He never seemed to get tired or winded, but honestly he wore me out whenever I danced with him.  I know he and Millie loved to square dance and travel with their group.  They were able to enjoy one of their passions in their retired years.

 Bernard was also passionate about extended families.  He loved to call the spouses "outlaws."  This picture was taken at Tillie's 88th birthday celebration.  

He loved all family celebrations and even though it wore him out, he insisted on attending the annual Wessels' reunions at Hells Gate State Park. 

I love all these pictures of Bernard, thanks to Gary and Duane for the photos!


Father Root delivered a beautiful homily about Bernard's life, which we likened to the tapestry of the quilt on display in front of the altar.  Father Root described Bernard's life as colorful, just like a quilt.  He loved to have fun and by default, became the life of any party.  He loved people and Dale told the touching stories of his last phone calls to the people he loved.  He apparently liked a good cigar and good bourbon!  He loved his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed spending time at Bonnie and Jerry's cabin and was so proud of them and the work they did on the cabin.  He loved his sons and expressed so much gratitude to them for continuing the auto detailing business that he started.  He was proud of every grandchild and even some great grands! 

Thank you, Denise Wilfong Aldous, for this picture of your children, Mom, and Grandpa Bernard, taken in February!  It's a great photo depicting the tapestry of lives that Bernard and Millie created by their love for each other.

This one also from Denise on Facebook, When it's almost time to let go but you just don't want to...

Bernard would want us to raise a glass and enjoy a cigar and truly live the words that were on his memorial card.

"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

of happy time sand laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,

of happy memories that I leave, when my life is done!"

Thank you Bernard for all the happy and laughing times.  You enriched my life and taught me how to laugh and how to love!  Rest in peace my dear brother in law!