Thursday, October 20, 2016

Rest in Peace Dearest Dad


Richard C. Zartler
9/6/1939 - 10/14/2016


There once was a young man that lived in Chicago. He loved fast cars, tools, fishing, and telling a good story. He married his high school sweetheart on the hottest day of the year in 1959 without any fans or air conditioning, but that didn’t dampen their excitement and happiness of starting their life together. 
Their wedding reception was held at the Lone Tree Inn – never guessing that they would return to that same town to raise their family some years later.

The young man worked hard, and together they set up housekeeping.

Soon they welcomed a daughter – their little bundle of joy. This small, happy family moved from the city to the suburb where they welcomed a second daughter five years later. 

The young man worked hard as an auto mechanic, while his wife created a happy home. He enjoyed fixing the house up and making improvements. He was fond of his Pall Mall’s, Hamm’s, and card nights with other couples.

 He was a man of his word. Once he promised his daughters that he would build them a rabbit hutch when he returned from a fishing trip. He returned with his arm in a sling, but wouldn’t think of letting his daughters down. Instead he created, without any plans, a two story rabbit hutch that soon housed a new pet. 


He was a man’s man – An auto mechanic by trade, an avid fisherman, and handyman extraordinaire, but he was surrounded by girls at home. He soon found a new talent – creating miniatures for his girls.


 It started with a general store, but soon evolved to dollhouses complete with electricity, hardwood and tiled floors, shaker style wood shingles, and furniture and other details too numerous to mention. 



In later years there was a reproduction flower shop, to replicate the one owned by his father in law, and barns for his grandsons, too. When he worked on the miniatures, he had a patience and steadiness of hand that you just wouldn't believe. 


All of his creations stand as testament to his incredible workmanship, patience and ability to make something from nothing. Many of his creations are packed safely away to be shared with future generations.


As his daughters grew older, he grew more protective. A man with big biceps and huge forearms, he could be very intimidating until the right young men appeared to court his daughters. Once they were married, it was time again for he and his wife to enjoy time antiquing and traveling. In 1988, he suffered a severe brain aneurysm, just a short time after his dear friend and colleague survived one himself. He only had a minute chance of survival and things were touch and go, but he was a fighter and exceptionally blessed to survive with only short term memory and environmental sensory issues. He was now “retired” and woodworking became a therapeutic hobby. 


In a few short years, he took on a new role – that of beloved Papa to a granddaughter followed by three grandsons. A new playful side emerged. 



As time went on, the crowds and traffic of city and suburban life affected him more as a result of the brain aneurysm, and it was time to start a new life adventure – moving to a small town in central Illinois. Although family thought this might be a temporary move, this man and wife found a strong community of neighbors and a supportive church family where they quickly felt at home. Here, Pall Mall’s and Hamm’s were replaced by buttercream cake with extra frosting and caramel delight ice cream.


  The years rolled by, when the gentleman discovered he had prostate cancer, but once again, he triumphed victorious. The years passed quickly with lunches out, Saturday church services, Dominos and Freecell games, when all too soon cancer found him again.


His family was so blessed to have the extra bonus years since the brain aneurysm and the prostate cancer, but now it was time to leave his earthly family and complete his journey to his heavenly home…


He was a good man – meticulous, a strong work ethic, who could fix anything and make something out of nothing. He passed on his love of cars to oldest daughter and her family and passed on his love of fishing to his youngest daughter and her family. He loved to go for car rides, tell a good story, and make people laugh. He was true to this even until his last days in the hospital and at home.

Rest in heavenly peace!
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, 
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever"
~Psalms 73:26
(this bible verse appeared on his granddaughter's phone as her daily reading as he took his final breaths... God's hand at work.)
Blessings, Patti

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute... I am so sorry for your loss.

WoolenSails said...

What a wonderful tribute to your dad and I am honored to know him, through you.
I think that verse is perfect and something I should keep and remember.
You and your family are in my thoughts and may you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you shared with him.

Debbie

Mary A said...

You can tell from his face that your dad lead a good and happy life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Unknown said...

Beautiful tribute, Patti. What a lovely photo journey. I love those photos with the grandchildren. With deepest sympathy.

Sue McQ said...

Hi Patti...what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I was blessed, as well, with a wonderful Dad. God broke the mold when he made him. Blessings, strength and peace to you and your family.
Sue

Rugs and Pugs said...

What a beautiful, loving tribute. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful man for a dad.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
xoxo
Lauren

Paula DiMattei said...

I've been keeping you and your family in my prayers ever since you shared the news of your dad's most recent battle. It was so nice to get to know your dad through your lovely tribute. So sorry for your loss. I hope those wonderful memories ease your sadness.

marly said...

I am so sorry Patti. What a wonderful post of his life and family.

Lillian Carol said...

So sorry for your loss, Patti. What a loving tribute to your Dad.

pj said...

What a touching blog post! I am sure your dad is smiling down on you and your family! You were very blessed to have such a loving dad and so talented too! My thoughts are with you as I know what a hole there is in your heart but fill it with great memories! Thanks for sharing your pics and tribute! Wish I could give you a big hug! 🙏

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Dear Patti,
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute to your father!! May you and your family sense and know God's comfort and peace during this time of loss!!
Thoughts, Prayers, and hugs~
Julie

bayrayschild said...

Thank You for sharing such a beautiful post about your father Patti. Your words tell how loved he was. Sending you and your family blessings and a big hug.

Rest in Peace Richard Zartler.

Audrey

Brenda524 said...

How beautiful Patti,what a loving and moving tribute to your Dad ( brought tears to my eyes). May you find comfort in the days ahead and cherish those wonderful memories.

old crow said...

Dear Patti,
Thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute to your sweet Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs,
Mona

Jean Bee said...

I am so sorry for your loss Patti. The tribute to your Dad is wonderful.

Marilyn said...

My condolences to you and your family.
Thanks for sharing the pics.
What a great and talented man.
Take care.
Marilyn

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

A very special tribute for a very special man.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Psalm 73 was also the comforting psalm I had in my mom's obit. My heart goes out to you. There is no loss like that of a parent. Praying for God's comfort and peace for you and your family. Love in Christ.

Karen said...

Patti I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dad. What a wonderful tribute to him and all that he was. Blessings to you and your family

ihook2 said...

So beautiful, Patti. You and your family were so blessed to have him and him to have you all. In times like this it's a blessing to know our loved one is saved and with the Lord. May God peace and comfort be with you all. Love in Jesus-

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a special tribute to a special man. I am so sorry for your loss. It isn't easy loosing a parent even when they have lived such a full and fulfilling life. My thoughts and prayers to your entire family.

Mugwump Woolies said...

A lovely tribute...a life well lived...so sorry for your loss.
Robyn

kelley said...

I am so sorry for your loss Patti. Your tribute is so beautiful, what a blessed family to have each other.

Fran said...

What a beautiful tribute Patti. I am so very sorry for you loss.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Patti. What a beautifully written and heartfelt tribute to your wonderful father. Thank you for sharing his story.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. He was an awesome dad, I can tell by your blog. You were so lucky to have him.

Cindy Huxtable.

Krissy B. said...

Patti, this is so beautiful! I'm so glad you shared this and I'm sending huge cyber hugs & prayers to you. I know your heart hurts for I have traveled a similar road. May God, your family, and friends help you through until you are with him again. Krissy Butorac.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful man your father was! God bless you and your beautiful family...

Simple Pleasure said...

This is such a beautiful tribute to your father...you were so blessed to share in his wonderful life. I am thankful that you have such wonderful memories...may these help bring you and your family peace and continued love. I will keep all of you in my prayers...
Patricia

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My dad passed last year at almost 96 years old. My memories of him are wonderful, and I think of him everyday. Your tribute was heartwarming!!!!

Cathy G. said...

Dear Patti,
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dad! Having just lost my mom in August I know how hard this is for you. Hold those sweet and precious memories near to your heart as they will sustain you through the days and months ahead. Praying for your family that you may find comfort in the scripture and strength in each other.
Blessings and Hugs!!
Cathy G

Lori Ann Corelis said...

What a beautiful tribute Patti . . .
Peace to you and your family,
L

Nancy in MT said...

A beautiful tribute...I'm so sorry for your loss.

Nancy

Faye said...

Cherish his memories and remember the good times.... many prayers my friend.....

Carrie ~ Cricketwood Prims said...

Such a lovely tribute to your father, sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to all your family!

Sandi said...

What a lovely tribute of memories of a great loving man, all the best to you and your mom, sisters and family.

linda said...

Not only are you a very talented artist with your needle, but you are a wonderful writer and story teller!! Beautiful way to honor your Dad. Very sorry for your loss, tough times.

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

Loving hugs to you and your family ~ such a beautiful tribute to your sweet dad.....
L

Kathy MacKie said...

Deepest sympathy, hugs.

Berit said...

LOVED this story about your awesome dad's life! Thank you for sharing. Sending love to you and family in this time of loss.

scatteredseedsamplers said...

So very touching...brought tears to my eyes! Your forever blessed with such wonderful memories! Deepest sympathy & hugs!

scatteredseedsamplers said...

So very touching...brought tears to my eyes! You're forever blessed with such wonderful memories! Deepest sympathy & hugs!

Julie said...

You spoke so wonderfully about your dad. I'm sorry for your loss, but what a blessing your father was. I enjoyed the pictures and this post. Thanks for sharing!

Earlene said...

So sorry you lost your Dad Patti.

Anonymous said...

May his memory be eternal!

daisydilly (vicki) said...

Sending a hug to you . Those memories will help you thru the rough days ahead.

Merry Wind Farm said...

A beautiful tribute to your father.

Sue Robinson said...

Such a moving tribute to your dad. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, albeit far away in Normandy.

Roberta said...

So sorry you lost your beloved dad. What a lovely tribute to him. Thank you for sharing the story of his life.

Unknown said...

My sincerest sympathy,. Such a moving tribute, I can tell how important he was to you. My own mother just passed away three weeks ago. It's a sad time but God will guide us all. Hugs.

C Reeder PhxAz said...

What a legacy to leave behind and an incredible tribute you wrote. We all have known him through your loving eyes. God and his angels have welcomed him home. There is such joy in knowing he awaits you there. Prayers are with you.

sue said...

A beautiful tribute. Felt like I knew him and your family. Prayers for you and your family.

capecodgirl565 said...

Sounds like a truly wonderful man as well as an enormous blessing to his family. I am sure you will miss him, but knowing he is with his heavenly Father will be a comfort I am sure. God bless you and your family at this time of grief and loss.

laceystitcher said...

What a wonderful tribute to your father and the many beautiful memories that you have; such a blessing. I pray God's Grace and Peace for all of you as suffer this loss. Blessings to all of you..............

Charlotte said...


Your tribute painted a wonderful "picture" of your dad. Thank you for sharing. How lucky you and your family are to have so many wonderful memories of him. May these memories bring you comfort.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Charlotte

The Eveningstitcher said...

Love reading this, Patti...what a wonderful and blessed life you have had to have such a wonderful father. God be with you and your family in this time of grieving.

Von said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Patti. This tribute to your dad is beautiful; you're a blessed family to have had him in your lives.

Shelly said...

A touching tribute to your dad. My condolences to you and your family.

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

What an amazing loving father you have. So sorry for your loss. He seems to have lived his life to the fullest and loved you all very, very much.

blessings
Sue

Glenna said...

What a compelling story about your dear father. I lost my father a year ago; nothing, nothing, nothing makes up for it, but the memories help a little. Blessing to you and your family.

Glenna

Elizabeth said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing away, you were truly blessed to have such a wonderful father. I enjoyed reading your wonderful sweet tribute. I hope all your wonderful memories will make these sad days a little bit easier for you and your family.

basketnut said...

Hugs...

Tammy

Alica said...

I'm sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to your Dad...clearly a well loved man who also loved well. (His miniatures are amazing!)

Will a stitch said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to this special man. May all your memories bring you comfort.

Judy Heartland stitcher

Kathy L. said...

what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. My prayers for you and your family.

Kathy

Claire said...

Thank you so much for sharing the story of your father. What a wonderful man and how lucky you were to grow up with him and have him for so many years. I am so sorry for your loss, Patti.