Royce Schweitzer of Henderson (2009 Nebraska Father of the Year)

Nominated by Jeff James

Royce Schweitzer would be the best choice for Father of the Year. Royce has five children. They are in their 20s and 30s. Royce's wife left the family when the children were very little. He has done an incredible job of raising them on his own. He has been selflessly dedicated to them, always setting his own interests aside and spending every spare moment with them. They have been raised in a good home and a good church.

Royce's daughter Rachelle has had over 25 surgeries in her 30 years. She has been hospitalized a good deal of her life, including multiple trips to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and many other hospitals. Many of her visits there started out with the intention of being a brief visit, but turned out to be many weeks or even months. Usually Royce is with her, attending to her needs as if he were Florence Nightingale himself! Rachelle's illnesses and surgeries have caught the attention of well-known people such as Billy Graham and Ron Brown.

Royce has been an incredible example to his children. He lives a life of high moral integrity. He is extremely hard-working. And through all the difficulties and challenges, he remains cheerful, enthusiastic, and prayerful, always ready to praise and thank the Lord. Royce is also famous for a good sense of humor and optimistic outlook on life.

Royce is a band director at Heartland Schools in Henderson, NE. His work demands a lot of time in addition to a typical 40-hour week. He often has pep band on evenings and other band events on weekends. His band is large and always competes well in concert band and marching band events. Royce's love for his own children and the children at school have gained him the love and admiration of everyone in the school, city, and far beyond.

I've had the privilege of seeing many outstanding fathers in my life. I've seen many in churches, schools, and elsewhere. None can match Royce Schweitzer. He would be a perfect choice.

Phillipp Peterson of Blair

Nominated by Melissa Peterson

We all have role models in our lives. People we admire and look up to, who influence and inspire us. People we wish we could grow up to be just like. My role model is my dad: the man who, next to God, has made the biggest impact in my life. At age five, he brought me to Christ. I remember driving down the country road in his old pick-up when he asked me if I wanted to invite Christ into my life. I owe him a lot for leading me down a path that has changed the meaning of everything I do.

Since that moment, I have looked to him to see what it means to be a Christian. I have found that everything he does is centered on Christ and serving others. He is a veteran of the Navy and knows the definition of hard work. As an electrician, his job consists of hard, manual labor. He is now the oldest man working for his company, still doing a young man's job. He gets up for work in the early morning when it is still dark, and after a long day's work he comes home and continues working into the night. He is our "fix-it" man; the one that fixes the dryer when it stops working, keeps the cars running, and picks weeds by hand to make our yard a beautiful place to play and spend time together.

All the while, he still finds time to devote to his six kids. My mother works weekends, so during the time when most fathers would be resting, he was always driving us from place to place, never missing a concert or sporting game. Our school projects were his specialty. I once was assigned to build a bridge for class. He stayed up all night building, even making a run to the store in the middle of the night to get extra supplies. When I fell asleep, exhausted at the table, he didn't wake me. He finished and then, with no sleep, left for work.

There are many reasons that my dad is a good role model. One of those is that he always taught us wrong from right. When my sister was younger, she stole candy from the store. As soon as my dad found out, he drove her back to the store to return the candy and learn her lesson. He always made sure to practice what he preached. I grew up never hearing my father raise his voice to my mother or any of us. I have never heard a bad word or anything negative about anyone come out of his mouth.

He is always humble, letting small and unimportant issues pass when he could make an argument. He has the most unconditional love imaginable for the people around him, and has taught us so much. I can say that I have two of the most amazing fathers in my life: my dad and Christ.

Mark Blowers of Davey

Nominated by Jessie Blowers

My Father, Daddy, Dad--These titles bring to mind countless snapshots of my childhood--late night adventures catching fireflies on the lawn, Sunday evening walks on the "Country Trail" at a park near our home, innumerable books read aloud, and bedtime snuggles listening to splendid stories of "When Daddy Was Little". But beyond my treasured memories, "Daddy" brings to mind a man who has dedicated his life to faithfully raising a godly generation after him. It doesn't matter to him what the neighbors think, or whether we have the fanciest house on the block--what matters most to him is his commitment to follow Jesus Christ, serve his family, and persevere in raising his three daughters and six sons to know the Lord.

Daddy's devotion to Mom is the foundation of our home. He makes her his first priority, taking her on long walks and dates into town; and he is always her first volunteer to help. Whether it's washing the dishes or changing diapers, Daddy sets an example of service for the rest of us to follow.

Regardless of his schedule, Daddy always makes time for his children. He loves to teach us from the Scriptures every morning and diligently lifts us up in prayer. His free hours are most often spent playing football with his boys, dancing with his girls, and reading piles of picture books.

He loves simple pleasures and family togetherness--things like stimulating discussions around the dinner table, a lovely sunrise, listening to one of his children read for the first time, camping trips in the back yard, and fresh, home-baked bread--and he faithfully begins each day with a smile and cheerful greeting. He teaches us gratefulness by his example.

Daddy is also a faithful provider for our family. He works with diligence and honesty, refusing to compromise his integrity even in the face of pressure. When faced with difficulty and conflict, my Dad characteristically responds with grace and dignity, rather than spiteful retaliation.

Last but certainly not least, I am thankful for my father's perseverant spirit. When I am tempted to give up, he forever brings my gaze back to Christ and challenges me to keep on in obedience, even if I can't see the results. His confidence in the Lord's promises are a constant encouragement and example to me of a truly godly man.

Dad, I am so thankful for your influence in my life. I could never repay you for the blessings you have given me; but I want you to know that when I look at you, I thank God for the work He has done in your life. I want to follow your example. I love you very much. Lovingly, Your Daughter, Jessie 

Tim Garvey of Omaha

Nominated by Kylie Garvey

My dad is my hero.  Throughout the last two years I have really learned what my heavenly father is like through my dad. My dad never lost faith in me. I am a twin and I have a sister (7) and a brother (5).  Needless to say, there is never a dull moment in the Garvey house.  

Right before I graduated high school I got into some trouble and I didn't want anyone knowing -- especially my dad.  But I can remember that day sitting in the chair at church when he leaned over my mom and gave me this hug -- a hug that only a father could give.  The moment that he hugged me it was as though it was God saying -- everything is going to be okay.  I felt as though whatever could happen in this world my dad would never stop loving me.  He walked with me through counseling and never stopped telling me each morning that he loved me -- even when I didn't want to hear it.

Then this last year my dad had to rebid to get his job and my mom's mom moved in next door.  Can you say stress?!  I have never seen my dad get stressed about anything but having to rebid for his job -- he knew that if he didn't get it then he was out of work and would not be able to support his family.  The morning of taking his test to rebid...he had to have an emergency surgery to take his gallbladder out.  My dad never once doubted that God had everything under control.  I am a nursing student so I went down to prep my dad for surgery.  All he kept saying was that he knew that this is all in God's plan.  His job allowed him to take the test the next week and he got his job back!

I hope that one day I can marry a man like my father.  His character and his passion for the Lord are things that I long for in a spouse.  Dad is a quiet man but speaks up when he needs to.  Being a dad for him does not mean just playing outside with the kids. He has invested in each of our lives and continues to love each of us how God would.  One of the biggest things about my dad now that I am in college is knowing I can tell him anything and he is there with support.  My dad may just be Tim Garvey to some, but to me he is truly my hero.  I don't know where I would be without him and I continually thank God for placing me in this family.  

My 7-year-old sister asked my dad "Dad why did God make you my dad?"  and Dad so gratefully answers, "Because I needed you in my life" -- now to me that is the perfect answer and I am so glad that he is in my life.

Jerry Hall of Morse Bluff

Nominated by Rebecca Campbell

Honor thy father and mother was taught to us by example. Growing up with seven children in our home it would have been easy for our parents to lose their temper or to have some of the children feel lost in the chaos. My father never once lost his patience nor made any of us feel that we weren't important in his life.

When it came to chores such as stacking wood in order to heat the house for the winter, he had endless patience with grumbling kids who would rather stay inside and watch TV. He taught us the value of hard work without ever raising his voice.

Whenever one of us would have a sporting event, art show, or school play, my father was always committed to being there to watch us, even if the event was hours away. Because of his loving and committed relationship to our mother and God, he has raised kind and productive adults who have taken his life lessons and incorporated them into raising their own families.

In our home we never missed church and now, raising our own families, we too never miss a Sunday service. He is an active leader in his parish and humbly does more than need be without ever expecting praise or recognition.

Over forty years ago he followed his heart and became self-employed. While struggling to get his business on its feet, he always provided for his family so that they would never go hungry nor know of any of the financial struggles. He has always run his business as he has his life, with integrity and honesty. Our father taught every one of his children that if you don't have anything else in this world you always strive to have a good name and a reputation that people can count on. In our community, I continue to meet people who have nothing but the utmost respect for my father.

There has never been a time in any of our lives where our father wasn't there to encourage us to take chances and know that even if we fail he will always be proud of his children. Specifically, he and my mother opened their home to my husband and myself who were moving back home from a different state while I was 9 months pregnant with our first child and were unable to sell our home and purchase a new one. It was a difficult circumstance that my father handled with such unconditional love. He converted one of their bedrooms into a nursery for our expected newborn and took on some of the financial burdens that accompany more people living in a home. Since then their house has truly become our home as well and I watch as my father silently shows my husband how to act as a man, a husband and most importantly the greatest of fathers.

Larry Stauffer of Humboldt

Nominated by Janice Plummer

On my 11th birthday back in 1971, my two teenage brothers instantly became surrogate fathers to me, as our dad died of a sudden heart attack at the mere age of 41. My mother was left with the unenviable task of raising 3 young children by herself on our rented farmstead. With help from extended family, neighbors, friends, we turned to our Heavenly Father for strength to sustain us as we continued to work the farm throughout our high school years. Both of my brothers were forever keeping a fatherly eye on me, his younger sister, through our trials.

Both of my brothers eventually attended and graduated from business colleges; however in my last year of high school, tragedy struck our family once again as my oldest brother, at the age of 21, was tragically taken from us in a violent automobile accident. Through prayer and patience, we again drew strength and courage from our Lord.

God truly blessed my remaining brother with broad shoulders and a big heart as he loved and encouraged me through graduating high school, going to business college, and getting a job of my own. After graduating from business school himself, Larry met and married a wonderful woman and settled in southeast Nebraska to work in the farm implement dealership business.

His new family soon welcomed two bright and beautiful daughters, and I continued to witness his endless ability to lavish his fatherly love and attention on those girls -- he was born to be a father. As they planned for and awaited the birth of their third child, he quietly yearned for a son in the midst of his house full of little ladies. While they planned, God surely laughed, as they were blessed with not one, but TWIN daughters! He was destined to be the lone man in their one bathroom house filled with women!

Without a single regret, he embraced and encouraged his girls. Barely missing a banquet, sporting event or contest, Larry along with his wife, faithfully encouraged and participated in the nurturing and daily activities of raising their girls into the lovely young women they are today.

Although all of their daughters are recently out of the nest and either in college or gainfully employed, where their well being is concerned, he continues to be the best father and a source of strength, inspiration, comfort, and encouragement.

His legacy will be the one he learned and nurtured in our early years: The common thread that binds them with the assurance that their father on earth will love them all the days of his life, and that their Heavenly Father will be with them all the days of their lives and through eternity.

Nebraska would be enriched beyond imagination to have an abundance of fathers like my brother Larry, and our family would be blessed by your recognition of his efforts.

Jeff Sutter of Aurora

Nominated by Emma Sutter

My dad is an inspiration to me everyday.  He is the best dad ever.  He has a lot of characteristics that make him the best dad.  My dad is committed to loving others.  He always wants to help others before himself.  He knows the importance of prayer and he is really good about praying for and with people. Just the other day, he had a friend in the hospital and he made a trip to the hospital to visit the man and pray with that man to get better and to glorify God.  

My dad has to be patient everyday as well.  My dad is a special education teacher and he is very patient with the students that he works with.   He tries very hard to meet their specific needs.  He sometimes has to teach kids in different ways or give them extra time and he is really good about giving them a second chance.   My dad is very patient in all that he does.  He also shows patience as he helps coach my basketball and softball teams.  I am a fourth grade girl and girls can sometimes be hard to coach, but my dad is the best at it.  He is very patient as he shows the girls the needed skills to play the game.

Integrity is a very important thing to my dad.  He not only lives it but he tries to teach me integrity as well.  Ever since I was little my dad taught me the two sets of three.  The first set is no lying, no stealing, and no cheating; and the second set is no whining, no complaining, and no making excuses.  Any time that I am whining or complaining, my dad says to me, "What are the two sets of three?"  This makes me think about my actions and helps me to make a better choice.

Character in difficult circumstances is a big characteristic of my dad right now because my dad was diagnosed in March with cancer.  He is in stage 4 and has diffuse large b cell, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but my dad has the attitude that "With God on our side anything can happen."  He wants to stay positive through this situation and won't let himself get down.  My dad keeps life in perspective and remains humble.  He feels blessed to have the experience of cancer because he is growing stronger and closer to God through this adversity and is a testimony to me.  My dad's favorite Bible verse through all of the experience has been Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  My dad is an inspiration to me everyday.  He is the best dad ever.  

Marc Wittstruck of Martell

Nominated by Stephanie Hemje

How do I explain in words why the father of four girls and a deceased son deserves the 2009 Father of the Year award? Some may think being the father of four girls and a husband for more than 30 years, should earn an award just for that, but my father, Marc Wittstruck, has done so much more.

He has helped shape each and every one of us girls into becoming the successful women we are today. Although we range from 27 to 19 years old, we have our unique talents that our dad has been able to be a part of throughout our lives.  He sang numerous duets at church with Alexa, ran "Fun-Runs" with me, coached Mallory in basketball, and swapped teaching stories with Lindsay.  He has always made time to be a part of each one of our lives in very special ways.  There is not one activity or event where our dad was not found in the audience or on the sideline.       

He taught us leadership skills and the world of agriculture as our teacher at Crete High School.  He showed us how to help people and take care of animals throughout 4-H and as our FFA adviser.  And he taught us technique and dedication as our little league basketball coach all the way to the varsity level.  He even taught us how to enjoy life and be a responsible citizen as we made the 20-minute commute to school and back together.  Some students thought it awful to have a dad as their teacher, FFA and FCA adviser, their coach, and their personal driver, but all four of us cherished every moment spent with our father.  Most importantly, he inspired us to have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior as our Fellowship of Christian Athletes adviser and as an elder at our church.  

Every learning point in my life and my sisters has been and continues to be guided by our father.  By the inspiration of our father, Lindsay is a 7th grade guidance counselor, I will graduate with a masters in higher education, Mallory is finishing her third year studying agricultural journalism and Alexa started working toward a career in elementary education at the university.  Although the 'big two," as my father calls us, are married and have careers, while the "little two" continue to learn their place in the world, our father is a solid source for support and sacrificial love.

Our father's dedication and desire to enlighten and educate students, his peers and his daughters, has inspired my sisters and me to pursue careers where we can make a difference in those around us too.  We want to follow in our father's footsteps.  And for that and so much more that is not written in this essay, Marc Wittstruck deserves the 2009 Father of the Year Award.

Jerry Wonderly of Broken Bow

Nominated by Rachelle Clason

Reflecting on my childhood some of my fondest memories are centered around my dad. Dad was great about giving us his time. Contrary to belief, it wasn't my mom who dried and brushed my hair or fixed my breakfast, it was my dad. Saturday mornings were special. He would fix us animal shaped pancakes or walk my brother and me to the donut shop, we sat on bar stools eating donut holes and drinking chocolate milk. My dad taught me to dance, to ride a bike, to sing along with the radio, and to play basketball. He blessed me with a pink corsage for the Father/Daughter Valentine Banquet. He knew even little girls like pretty flowers.

He grounded me two weeks for gossiping about my dearest friend. It was humbling to have to decline invitations from friends because I'd been talking about them behind their backs. A valuable lesson was learned, gossip hurts and isn't pleasing to the Lord.

He protected me from harm and loved me when I let him down. He was my biggest fan, at each event hollering his support from the stands. He picked me up when I crashed my bike, cleaned off my bloody knees and wiped tears from my face when I tripped over the final hurdle.

He came to my side as I grieved the loss of my unborn child due to miscarriage and reminded me of God's unfailing love and plans. It seemed that no guy was worthy to date me but in due time he walked me down the aisle and lovingly kissed me goodbye as he gave me away to another.

My father has not been a perfect man but he is perfecting his life in his steadfast love for Christ and his family while facing the trials of life. He's been persecuted for righteousness sake and still chose to press on. He's taught me to get up and try again.

As a child it was dad whose advice I would seek and approval I longed for. As a grown woman, I still seek and long for the approval of my two fathers whom I love dearly, my earthly and heavenly. My dad passed on a legacy of salvation, that I might know eternal life.

I deeply appreciate how his example has taught me two of life's greatest lessons. He's taught me to be slow to speak and quick to listen. He doesn't always have the answers but points me to Christ who does. Secondly, he's shown me that forgiveness, while often painful, is taking the higher road and the benefits out weigh the difficulty of the choice.

My dad also has been a model to me by honoring his own parents. We were able to, side by side, be there for my grandparents during their great time of need. Just a dad and daughter, who sought to be the calm during the storm as my grandfather's body ailed physically.

I'm truly thankful for my father and blessed to be his child!

Robert Riddle of Aurora

Nominated by Jamie Riddle

I believe that my dad, Robert, should be father of the year because he has sacrificed so much in order that I may have a great life.

He adopted me around age one, after he and my mother met at work.  He is not my biological father but seems even closer than one could ever be.  My mother left when I was in second grade and my dad could have given up his rights and placed me in the system but he chose to keep his promise to me.  He took me under his wing like one of his own, he never gave up.

He has stayed with me through the good and the bad, the hard and the easy, and not one time has he left me in the dark.  It is just my father and I at our house and it's such a blessing that we still have a home.  Our landlord decided to sell our home out from under us with out informing us and my dad searched all over for a week to find a house to make sure that we did not end up out on the streets.  He has sacrificed many things in order that I may have a nice house, new clothes, and the newest "necessities."

Looking back the one thing that I love most about my father is that he has always stayed faithful.  I have gone through some rough things but he has always been there to hold me those nights I cried myself to sleep.  He prays for my present, my friends, my future, and my family.  He never stops praying, no matter how rough things may be for him at that point in time.

When my mother left us she also left her mother hanging out on a limb.  She abandoned and stopped talking to her and seemed to stop caring for her in general, while my father did not.  My dad gave up his weekends so that we could take my mom's mother shopping for groceries or to run errands.

Also, I have a brother that has been in and out of trouble for quite sometime.  My dad is not his biological father nor did he adopt him because it did not work out but his heart for Anthony is no different than his love for me.  He visits my brother more than any other person I know.  He never has lost hope for my brother and makes sure that we are constantly in prayer for my brother's sake.  My dad has given up many things, nights with friends and many hopeful relationships.

I have not been grateful in the past for the blessing that he has been to me for so long and I owe him so much for all that he has done.  He has done so much for my family, me, and all that he has come in contact with. I am asking that you take him into consideration because he really deserves it.

Nyal Rowse of Bradshaw

Nominated by Rebecca Ries

My dad is a true blessing from God.  All my life he has been a dedicated father and now grandfather to my children.  He has always set an amazing example to me and my brother by "walking the walk".  An extraordinary Christian man, some of my early memories of my dad are of him reading his Bible, and he always made sure we had devotions each day and would usually expand on what we read to make sure it was something we understood.  Another way my Dad has always set a great example is through prayer.  Dedication each morning and evening my dad always took time to pray and always before each meal as well.  I also know that being in sales; he spends time in prayer each day while driving as well. To this day I know I can count on both him and my mom to pray for me and my family, and that is so comforting to know.  My dad has always been the leader in our house and I don't think we ever missed church, unless it was a blizzard or something.  That showed my brother & me great commitment.  

I also have to say that he has also been an amazing partner to my mom, as they have been married over 40 years.  Their commitment to one another always has been a great example to others.

My dad is very hard-working and compassionate.  He has always given of his time to help others, and was always one of the first to volunteer to help with church projects or for those who needed help.  Now in his 70's he is still willing to help with anything he can.

Growing up things weren't always easy and he worked his hardest to make sure we were always provided for, but one lesson he taught us during these hard times was that God never fails and he always provides.  I specifically remember that he continued to give a tithe at church even when we didn't know where our next meal would come from.   I can't imagine any other Father setting a better example in the life they live than him.  I can always count on hearing I love you each time I see him or talk to him and that is one thing about my family that is so very special, especially in today's world.  You know that our family loves each other, cares for one another and will be there.  That all started with my parents and my dad's leadership in the home.  

Now at the age of 35, I thank God each day for my parents, because together, with dad's guidance, they brought us up in a Christian home, with great morals and values that continue to help us in our lives today.  I do believe my dad is the Father of the Year (always has been to me).  Thank you for the opportunity to recognize him.  

Thank God for a Christian Father!

Delbert Sackschewsky of Waco

Nominated by Lois Klone

Dad continues to be a shining example of the Christian father I wish everyone could have. He married a strong Christian woman. Dad led us in prayer before and after meals. He sent us to Christian Day school. Sunday was not complete without church and Sunday school. We had to be in church at a specific time. (Watching the rest of "Davey and Goliath" was NOT an option.) VBS was always a part of our summer. Youth group was just the natural progression of our Christian up-bringing.

Many dads can do all these things, but Dad lives his faith in a quiet manner. He doesn't have to carry a Bible for anyone to know he believes in Jesus. Dad has been a farmer all his life. In the retail world I have heard many times that farmers always complain, never satisfied. I can honestly say I have never heard my Dad complain. One year when I was in high school, our crops were hailed out. Dad showed me where it appeared that a tornado may have touched down in what used to be our corn field. This was in late June. Dad just said "We have been blessed, haven't started irrigating yet. God could have given us the hail storm right before harvest. He took His crop now. It's okay, God gives us what we need. We always have food and a roof over our head. All of this can be replaced. He'll take care of us." This was the seventh consecutive year we had either been hailed out or had extensive hail damage. He always gives the glory to the Lord.

Dad & Mom both sang in church choir. Dad made sure all of us kids sang and played piano too. A song is just a prayer set to music. We did a lot of singing. Loved the devotions too, when we could pick out the lesson we wanted Mom or Dad to read.

My parents never argued. As an adult, I realize now, there were rough times, but Dad and Mom didn't discuss such matters in front of us kids. Dad continues to be a loving husband, caring for Mom who has dealt with Parkinsons the last 10 plus years. I have grown to appreciate this more as an adult than I ever could as a child.

Dad was a good neighbor. He taught us to do for others without pay or even a thank you. It was the right thing to do....you helped and went on, expecting nothing in return.

Dad is the most humble man I have known. My Dad is 84 years old and continues to help my brother farm. He still doesn't complain, finds blessings in everything, loves to laugh, loves his Lord and loves his family. We have never been rich with material things, but Dad made sure we were rich with the knowledge of Jesus and love of family.

I am blessed. Thank you Lord for my Father! Happy Father's Day, Dad!