So long, Grandpa John

Remember when I told you about growing up in North Dakota?  Well, one thing about living in North Dakota as a military transplant, is the fact that likely none of your family lives there.  This was the case for me.  Military families have a tendency to befriend others and assimilate a sort of family with those around them; Grandpa John and Grandma Bonnie were this for me.  They were the closest thing I had to grandparents growing up.  They lived on Highway 2 between Larimore and the Grand Forks Air Force Base.  From my first memories, I remember only fond experiences at their house.  It was beautiful - lots of white (the exterior, the carpet, walls); their home was like a fancy palace to me.  They were the most kind-hearted people.  They were educated and always supported my education.  They attended my kindergarten graduation - I remember being so proud to count, read, and tell time in front of them. 

Grandma Bonnie always had bars or some sort of dessert on hand, ready for any passersby.  Grandpa John always had handfuls of vitamins he'd share (whether we wanted them or not).  I used to swing on the tire swing and watch cars pass along Highway 2 when mom and/or dad were inside chatting with them.  It was a good time.  Grandpa John and Grandma Bonnie had their Ham Radio licenses, and I'm pretty sure that's why my family became so close to them.  The summer after my mom moved to Minnesota, and I lived with the Rohls on the base, I drove up to the Peace Gardens to take the Ham Radio test because I knew it would make Grandpa John happy.  He escorted me to the test site...and back to their camper when I didn't pass the test - he was devastated.  I hope he found joy in knowing I made my mark in other aspects of technology.

When Grandpa John and Grandma Bonnie used to go on cruises (two a year), they always shared their experiences with us when they returned.  That's probably why I was so excited to go on a cruise my senior year of high school - I wanted to experience something I'd always heard was so fantastic.

Grandpa John passed away last week after a long battle with cancer.  I still have a card at home from Grandma Bonnie she sent a couple months back.  She mentioned how happy she was that I was doing so well, and how Grandpa John was fighting cancer again.  The funeral is tomorrow in Bismarck, North Dakota.  I wish I could make it to give Grandma Bonnie a hug.

I'm a firm believer that God puts people in our path who will forever make an impact - and Grandpa John was certainly that for me.  He was a hard-working man.  He was passionate about the military, ham radio, traveling, and his family.  He was a good man.  I'll miss him and always remember him fondly.  Rest in peace, Grandpa John.

John E. Stiles

May 17, 1930 - September 26, 2012

Obituary