Memories of Lutherans Now Gone
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. The day was set aside to honor our fallen heroes who have died in battle. But the day has come to include honoring those who have not gone to war and have died-common people who made this country great. A funeral home in Appleton would take out a full-page ad in the Appleton Post-Crescent and list those who died and were served by the home in the previous 365 days (give or take a day or two).
Given that my grandmother died just over a week ago, I want to take this time to remember those in my family who have become a part of the Great White Host seen and recorded by St. John and immortalized in the hymn "Behold a Host Arrayed in White."
Grandma was featured in the last article posted to this topic. I won't get into the details again.
Her companion whom she served as a help-meet for 62 years was my grandfather, Wilbert Hoh. Grandpa died on 18 May 1995 at the age of 91. He was a life-long farmer and in retirement worked as a custodian at the Conway Hotel until it closed in the late 1970's. He often traveled with grandma until age took its toll. Grandpa never served in the military, but heartily supported his two sons and two grandsons who did serve (the sons in the Air Force, one grandson in the Marines, and another grandson still serving in the Navy). In addition to running a farm, grandpa helped care for his father who had had a stroke and was bed-ridden the last years of his life. Medical bills took its toll on the family finances such that, when my great-grandfather died, my grandfather owed his brother money. Grandpa was willed the farm and Uncle Leland was to get the rest-except there was nothing left. It took a long time to return to profitability.
Both of my grandparents were preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Patrick Murphy, a SIDS victim at the age of 19 months. Though his life was brief, he made a lasting impression on all of us.
Leland followed his brother Wilbert in eternal glory shortly after grandpa died. Viola, my grandmother, was the last of her brothers and sisters to die. One brother, Walter, was a medic in World War II. In the line of duty he contracted a rare blood disorder and died before I was born.
Latest Articles