casket built by the Amish, made out of barn wood
Less than two weeks ago, I received the terrible news that my brother-in-law, Dean, had passed away. I won't get into politics here but his death was ruled as COVID, while we believe it was a heart attack. Either way, he's no longer with us.
Dean is buried in the same small cemetery as my father and step-mother
Dean was married to my sister for 30 years, meaning I've known the man that long. He was a country man through and through. He worked many, many hours in the field or at the Co-op. Dean was a man of few words, but a big heart.
It was like a Thanksgiving feast for an army
My favorite memory of Dean is when I was a teenager. Me and my niece spent many weekends at his home. She and I would go places to hang out, then spend the night there. We were late for curfew one night, and wanted to go out the next night. Dean's punishment for us being late was for us to wash and wax his combine. Heather and I spent hours upon hours cleaning that thing. Once Dean was satisfied, he let us go out again that night. After that, we were never late again!
shooting guns at the cemetery
My heart breaks for my sister. Dean collapsed and died in her arms. He was her other half and now she's in the family home, alone.
I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout for the visitation and funeral. I, myself, waited in line for over an hour and a half just at the visitation. The Amish and Mennonite even showed up to pay their respects. Sandy and Dean live in the middle of God's country and are one of the few "English" folk around. They made friends throughout the years with the Amish community.
Chemical Sprayer that Dean drove for many years
During Dean's funeral procession, his Chemical Sprayer led the way for "one last ride". Rifle shots were fired during the graveside ceremony in remembrance. Dinner afterwards was served at the local fairgrounds. There was so much food, donated by the church and the Amish.
A good, hard-working man left this earth too soon. You'll always be remembered, Dean.
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