King of the Jungle

Some of you

know already, and some may just learn this as I post this, that my grandfather passed away this past Monday 5/5/08. Thank you to everyone who keeps my family (most especially my grandmother) in your prayers. Please continue to keep her in your prayers...

He lived to be 95, married for 70 years, and traveled most of the world. He once had bright red hair but in all my lifetime he was completely bald and cute the way grandpas are.

He loved to play Backgammon and to eat Strawberry Ice Cream. He was known to me and all his grandchildren as Grandpa Lion.

He was a very intelligent man and had an impressive life (there are great things in our family gene pool, some of which I'd like to think I inherited). I thought I would share with you his obituary written by my grandmother from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin that came out Wednesday, May 7, 2008:

Remembrance

Lynn William Kloepfer

Lynn William Kloepfer was born in Boise, Idaho April 13, 1913 to William Henry and Rachel Fuhriman Kloepfer. The family moved to Rupert, Idaho, where Lynn attended school, graduating from Rupert High School as Valedictorian and Student Body President. Lynn graduated from Utah State University, second in his class in 1935 and was awarded the Thompson Scholarship to Boalt Hall of Law, U.C. Berkeley. Lynn received his Juris Doctor degree in 1938, became a member of the California Bar in December of that year, and practiced law 57 years until his retirement December 31, 1995.

Lynn became attorney for the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Berkeley, California and Safford, Arizona. He then was chief attorney for the Sacramento Abstract and Title Co., Sacramento, California and subsequently received appointment as attorney in the Solicitor's Office of the USDA in San Francisco, California. In May, 1947, he moved to Ontario, California to establish his office for general practice of law, which he continued until his retirement. In December, 1988, the State Bar of California awarded him a citation for 40 years of meritorious service.

From 1952 until 1975, he was also City Attorney for the City of Ontario. During this term, the population of Ontario increased from 16,000 to 160,000. Among Lynn's duties as City Attorney were multiple annexations, and negotiating leases for tenants (including General Electric and Lockhead) of Ontario International Airport, which was then owned by the City of Ontario.

Lynn joined the Ontario Kiwanis Club in 1952 and was a member until his resignation in October, 2007, 55 years. He served the club in many capacities and was president 1969-1970.

On August 6,1937, Lynn married Marguerite Fonnesbeck. The couple had four children: William Leon (Marion), Kenneth Lynn and Robert Alan Kloepfer and Kathryn ("K.K.") Ellis (Stanley); 12 grandchildren: Susannah, William and Erin Kloepfer, Joy Park (Darrell), Kathryn Linkous (Kevin), Matthew Ellis (Natalie), Mark Ellis (Aupreille), John Ellis (Laura), Robert (Christa), Rachel, Spencer and Emily Ellis; two step-grandchildren: Sarah and Nathan Jones; and 11 great-grandchildren: Warren, Jared, Cameron and Nolan Park, Ryn and Elle Linkous; Samuel, Ethan, Brian Lynn, Caitlyn and Anne-Lorenne Ellis.

Lynn and Marguerite traveled throughout the world. Some of their adventures included avoiding a stampede of Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert, flying over Mt. Everest and crossing the Soviet Union through five time zones on the Trans-Siberian Railway. OnAugust 6, 2007, the couple celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.

Lynn passed away on Monday, May 5, 2008 and arrangements will be private.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls... Especially The Ones With Blue Eyes!

I love children - and there are three little girls in my life - all with blue eyes, who light up my life. I have come to realize that I don't think any person can be an atheist with a child around.

Nastasha, just turned 7, is a dark haired beauty with thicker eye lashes then I thought a person could have. At three years old Nastasha was asking me about our grandmother who died before she was born. I explained to her that Abue (our grandmother) with us in spirit and watching over us. Really, Nastasha had the lesson for me and said: "she is in my heart, just like Jesus" Where did she get that from?!?

Angelina's Birthday

Nastasha doesn't go to church regularly, parents are Catholic but do not go every week - so the day after her sister was born on a Sunday, everyone was busy and I thought I would be going to church alone. Then Nastasha, at age 5, asked to come with me. Nastasha is not a meek, calmly child. This kid is rambunctious as the next, or more so (already she has developed strong little biceps and calve muscles, and has definition!). She is very also very popular at school: my aunt mentioned more little boys came to her birthday party then she remembers seeing at any other children's parties... At any rate, I wouldn't have thought that she would choose to sit in church for an hour. I was so happy to have a little friend to hug and sit on my lap during Mass. God is very real and present in her life.

Angelina, Nastasha's sister, who is 2 and is learning to talk (I'm teaching her to say "I'm Cute") melts me with her smile... What a miracle that there can be such a tiny person running around who is so sweet... she seems to be much more calm then Nastasha ever was. Angelina has blue eyes too, but unlike her sister her dark brown hair is turning into honey blond with curls.

This week I have been trying to get together with my friend Johnna and her daughter, Zoe, who is my blue-eyed, 4-year-old God-daughter. With my crazy schedule it has not been easy to see one another. Today Johnna called me and asked if I would take Zoe to church - turns out Zoe has a million questions about God and is very excited to go to church. Johnna is a somewhat of a vegetarian so one day Zoe asked her mother why she didn't eat beef. Johnna said something about not liking the taste of meat. Zoe responded "that's not nice, God made cows..." Zoe already has a thankful heart and a desire to know God.

These three girls are at the top of my prayer list. The little ones I adore most are showing me God's love! The best part is I get to hug and kiss and eat them all up - and they squeeze back. God is so good.

God tells us we need to be like children to enter heaven (Mark 10:13-16). I am taking theology lessons from teachers 7 and under...