The Bormann's: Grandpa Arnie

My Grandpa Arnie passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13th. For as sad as it is for us, he is no longer suffering or in pain and he is able to breath without struggling.

I got a call from my mom on Wed March 12th in the afternoon that my grandpa wasn't having a good day. It wasn't anything urgent but I decided to go down and visit my Grandpa the next day. I was planning on going by myself but then Jack ended up waking up with pink eye so I guess it all worked out since I had the day off :)

We visited my Grandpa and he seemed to be doing well. My mom said he was doing better than the day before so that seemed like a good sign. I had a great time with my grandpa. We talked and laughed. He made a comment about our kids being so quiet (which they aren't usually described as quiet!) and then I realized he thought Jack was in the room so he thought he wasn't making any noise. That wasn't the case, Jack was with my dad roaming the halls of Countryside and having a blast. My grandpa laughed and that is a laugh I will never forget. As we were wrapping up our time together Grandpa told me stories about the farm, working in Waseca after they moved to town and he talked about some of his friends at Countryside. I had no doubt in my mind that when I kissed his forehead and said good-bye and Jack gave Great Grandpa his wave and smile that day that we would be back to visit him again. He was in good spirits and seemed to be managing well.

My mom called that night and I knew what the call was about although I honestly couldn't believe it. Grandpa passed away around 6:45 pm that evening. The part that was surprising was how quickly everything happened. I know he was ready to go and breathing was getting harder but he seemed ok when I left around noon. Thankfully for my Grandpa he did not struggle and it happened very quickly. I am incredibly thankful for the time we spent together that day.

My Grandpa loved his family and had an extra special place in his heart for his great grandchildren. He loved watching them crawl, walk, talk and grow up. Carla and I have such a great memories of spending time with Grandpa Arnie and Grandpa Marlys. We loved going fishing with my Grandpa. We didn't fish but it meant we got to ride in the boat, eat candy and drink pop! He loved coming to our basketball games. Not only did they come to our high school games but they didn't miss many home games when I played at Gustavus. So special!

His funeral was the following Thursday at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland. It was such a special day as there were so many family and friends that came to honor my grandpa and support our family!

We miss you Grandpa Arnie! It touches my heart every time Madelyn asks about Grandpa Arnie. She asks quite often these says and she knows he is in heaven, watching over us.