A Sad Turn of Events

Tuesday, June 9

After another night at Lake Shabbana, we took at 20 mile ride south and west of the state park.  Today was a little muggier but the ride was great – mostly rolling hills.   After a great lunch and visit with Beth’s Uncle Dewey and Aunt Kathy in DeKalb, IL we headed for Wisconsin.   We received a call that afternoon that Ted’s Dad was being taken to the hospital and Ted’s brother would keep us informed.  We proceeded to Yellowstone Lake SP in Wisconsin.  We were well out of cell phone range, but planned to be back in Monroe, WI the next morning.

Joe in his garden

Wednesday-Saturday (June 10-13)

By 9:30 the next morning the news was not good and we turned around to head back to Eldon, MO.  Unfortunately, he passed away within a few hours before we could make the 9 hour drive from Wisconsin.  Thankfully we had visited with him as we passed through Eldon the week before.  He had led a very full life at the age of 91, with many family and friends attending his funeral service on Saturday morning.  All of his grandsons were pallbearers, including both of our sons, Jim from Seattle and Ben from Albuquerque.  The family had the opportunity to gather several times to share stories from his life.

Sunday,  June 14

We have decided that it was time to return to our vacation plans.  Leaving the Jefferson City/Eldon area, we are camped at Wakonda State Park south of La Grange, Mo.   Our plan is to resume riding in the mornings while slowly making our way north and east through Iowa and back into Wisconsin.