In Memory of my Grandfather

SSG Michael Linley, WWII

    My grandpa passed away yesterday morning.    I'm 35 years old, and as unbelievable as this may seem, I've never had to say goodbye to a grandparent before. (I never met my maternal grandfather, as he died the year before I was born). My grandpa Mike had been in poor health for a while now, so this wasn't a huge surprise. He was part of "the greatest generation;" born in 1925, one of many siblings in a large Irish-American Catholic family. He lived through the Great Depression. He fought in WWII, as a soldier in General Patton's 3rd Army, at the Battle of the Bulge. He married my grandma Betty in 1952, and they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. He went on to have a career as a math teacher at the high school in Marinette, WI, and he and my grandma had four children (my dad being the oldest).    I was the first grandchild, and I loved spending time with Grandpa, learning how to cast a reel, hearing (many times 😉) about the time he and some fellow soldiers were on a scouting mission in France, only realizing they had gotten lost and wandered around in a huge circle when they asked a farmer for directions in French, and he responded in German. 

Out on the boat, 1984

  

Grandpa, my dad and Uncle Tim, late 1950's

Visiting The Domes in Milwaukee with Grandma and Grandpa

  Please join me in saying a prayer for the man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his Catholic faith, and his country. Rest in peace, Grandpa. I love you.