Man of Steel

My fiance comes from a very large (and loud) family. Before we moved to Chicago I was cautioned many times that I might feel overwhelmed in the presence of the entire clan. For a semi-accurate mental picture, think My Big Fat Greek Wedding... except Swedish. Since my family was very spread out from our extended family when I was a kid, I had no experience of opening presents with a dozen cousins at one time. When the Thompson/Peterson/Kunz family is all together; expect laughter, expect volume, expect insanity (in the best possible way).

At the head of this family was PAPA (Robert Kunz). He recently celebrated his 88th birthday and thanks to fighting off cancer Several different times his family dubbed him the Man of Steel. They even made him a t-shirt which we all later signed.
Despite his age and battle for health, PAPA was exceptionally quick witted. He was often quiet (at least in the time that I knew him, I'm guessing not so much in his younger years) but when he did feel inclined to contribute to the conversation it was usually a quip that made your drink come through your nose if you happened to be taking an untimely sip.

So much of the life that the Thompson/Peterson/Kunz children enjoyed growing up, was formed by the traditions Bob and his wife Bette fostered for their children and then passed on to their grandchildren. There are even a few great-grandchildren who can attest to the crazy beauty of growing up T/P/K. As someone who didn't happen upon the scene until much later, I was welcomed into the family just as if I'd always been there.

This morning PAPA passed on. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. He has left behind a family that truly loves him and each other. Since this morning, many of the family members have been sharing favorite memories, updating Facebook profile pictures to ones of themselves with PAPA and sending encouraging notes to each other. It is truly great to know that in PAPA's absence, the family will carry on his legacy of love, strength and hilarity.

I know that my blog is regularly fueled by my own thoughts and ramblings but I have to share a few of the statements being shared by PAPA's loved ones. They serve as such a beautiful reminder that in the end, love is all that really matters.

"I love you all, and if there's anything any of us need, let's make sure we lean on the strongest thing Papa gave us.... Each other." - Cousin Sarah


"We are so blessed to have this wonderful crazy family...lets help each other stay strong during this difficult time. Lets celebrate how amazing Papa was & how strong he was...he's with Mormor now [: that alone makes my heart smile" - Sister-in-law Rachel

"A role model to many who had a number of names through the years, to say the least. Bob, Robert, Son, Husband, Father, Friend, Plumber Bob, Scouter Bob, Scout Master Kunz, Flat Top, Papa, Pops, The Duke, Bingo Bob, ALL CAPS BOB, The Man of Steel, and most importantly Dad." - Uncle Scott





We love you PAPA and we're so glad that you and Mormor are reunited in love. We can never thank you enough for all that you've given to us but we promise to live lives full of love, laughter and strength, just like you modeled for us. Love, love, love.