Grandpa Rzep

On Thursday, June 20, 2008 at about 5pm Grandpa Rzep. passed away. The Dunkirk Observer printed his obituary.

We left for Dunkirk, NY on Friday after Mason went to school (his last day of Kindergarten). We arrived in Dunkirk on Friday in time for a Friday night fish fry at the Kosciuszko Club. Saturday was a day of rest before the emotional roller coaster was at its height on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday afternoon came and thankfully my brother Matt and his wife Alison drove form their place in Buffalo to Dunkirk to take Mason and Anna to the movies and McDonald's while we attended the afternoon viewing. Thank you so much guys, that was a huge help and we truly appreciate it. Kris and I were struggling with how to handle the kids with the wake and the funeral services. We spent some time talking with them about what it means for some one's body to die while their spirit lives on in Heaven. They were both sad that Grandpa Rzep. died, but were happy to remember the good times. We asked them what they thought about going to see Grandpa in his "special box." They both said that they would like a chance to say goodbye, so we told them that we would do that together after dinner.

For dinner the family went all together to Bob Evan's - Grandpa Rzep's favorite restaurant! We all ordered our own meals and Grandma ordered Grandpa's usual, 2 eggs scrambled, bacon, white toast and a diet coke. Everyone took a few bites from Grandpa's plate in his honor.

After dinner at Bob Evan's we headed back to the house to put on Mason and Anna's "fancy clothes" and headed over to the funeral home for the evening viewing.

We were the first to arrive with the kids so that they would have a chance to go slow and ask any questions they had. We started in the back of the room very hesitant letting the kids lead the way. There were tears, questions and a family prayer. After visiting Grandpa in his "special box" the first time the kids initiated a few more trips through out the hour we were there. I was surprised as the kids said goodnight to Grandpa they touched him and blew many kisses for him to take to Heaven.

Monday morning was the funeral services, starting at the funeral home and continuing at St Hedwig's Catholic Church. The pallbearers included: Neal Rzepkowski, Dick Rzepkowski, Terry Rzepkowski, Duane Mallaber, Ian Vosper, Kris Rzepkowski, Mike Short, and Kyle Rzepkowski. After Church we all enjoyed a nice lunch a the Kosciuszko Club and then a BBQ dinner back at 440 Lord.

Duane made an awesome Lefty slide show and I will add that when it is available!
Thank you Duane!