Grant Schlotman and family members

2010 Nebraska Father of the Year, Grant Schlotman

Grant Schlotman of Milford is a maintenance manager for Suburban Air Freight and the father of four. He was nominated by his daughter, Tracy Fuller of Seward, who wrote:

I nominate my stepfather Grant Schlotman for Father of the Year. He was married to my mother by the time I was two and a half.

While my parents were getting married, there was this curly blonde girl in the back of the room begging to join her mommy and soon to be daddy. My aunt's grip was not tight enough as I ran down the aisle saying, "Are you my daddy yet?" And this wonderful man scooped me into his arms and was pronounced "husband, wife and daughter."

In the six years following, my parents brought into the world two more girls to our family. Eventually my parents took on the task of also bringing a young foster daughter to our home. Now I had an older sister to look up to, and two little sisters to love. But through those years, he loved us all equally and we always knew our daddy was special to us.

My father showed his unconditional love to our family by being the backbone of our household. He worked hard, sometimes working two jobs at a time. He always put us first and was our protector when the local boys picked on us. When he needed new steel toe boots for work, I got my class ring instead.

My stepfather walked me down the aisle and gripped my arm tightly reassuring me all would be well. Seven years later when my husband left me, my dad drove over 3,000 miles to Florida to bring his daughter and granddaughters home.

Through the last 14 years my father has continued to be my biggest supporter and father figure to my daughters. In all actuality those two girls had their "grampy" wrapped around their tiny little fingers and still do to this day.

My mother became ill and nearly died back in 2001. For the next 9 years after that my mother's health continued to worsen. She eventually ended up on dialysis 6 days a week at home. My father would drive to Omaha five days a week for work, then come home at night and put my mom on dialysis for six hours. He worked hard, was my mother's caretaker, never missed church, and somehow remained the most amazing grandpa to his grandchildren.

On September 23, 2009, my father was the first person I called when I found out I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He was very quiet on the phone and said, "OK, we can get through this, God will get us through this." This new diagnosis threw my family into turmoil. On November 2nd, 2009, my mother died from H1N1. We were a very broken family, but my father continued to stand strong and held his four girls together as we struggled with the loss of our mother.

Even if my father is not awarded Father of the Year, I believe many people would agree that he is nothing less than a Saint.

Ray Balderson with wife Maxine and sons Kevin (L) and Darren (R)

Ray Balderson

Ray Balderson of Benkleman is a farmer and the father of three. He was nominated by daughter Shauna Balderson of Seattle, who wrote:

There he is the 80-year-old man with the 5-year-old boy sitting at the edge of the lake fishing. The man is my father. The young boy is my grandson, his great-grandson. My father, Ray Balderson, has been raising children for over 50 years. The first 25 years raising his family. The second 25 years assisting his grandchildren. The last three years raising full-time two of his great-grandchildren.

As a young farmer with two boys and a girl, he spent endless days on tractors with one son or the other teaching them to take care of the equipment, the earth, and all of God's creatures. As they grew, he taught them how to take care of their own cars and motorcycles by spending endless hours in the garage working side-by-side. My Dad was a youth group sponsor, a Sunday School teacher, a 4-H leader, and a member of the church choir. My folks loved to square dance, round dance, and ballroom dance. He taught me not only how to drive a tractor but also how to waltz.

He continued to share his love of life with his grandkids. One of the highlights of summer is the camping trip with the grandparents. My folks take all the grandchildren to the lake for a week to fish and swim. My Dad spends most of the time putting on worms and de-tangling fishing line.

My brother's wife went back to college after having four boys, when the youngest was less than a year old. My folks stepped up to help. My Dad again had a little boy sleeping on the tractor with him as he went about his daily farm life while Mom kept the baby. These boys also learned to appreciate God's world guided by Dad's love of the land.

My Dad is always there is help me in any way he can. He helped me move many times, even the year I moved three times. Once he drove 80 miles to wait for a plumber, so I would not have to miss my daughter's speech contest. My girls spent a great deal of time with Grandpa counting the new baby calves in spring, riding bikes on the farm, playing his prized guitar, and learning to change a tire or the oil in their cars. And he taught them to waltz.

Now here my father is again keeping my 5-year-old grandson and his 7-year-old sister as their single mother trucks cross-country for weeks on end. And again, a small boy goes about farm life learning to tend to the land and care for the animals. And a small girl learns to waltz.

For all these reasons and more, I would nominate Ray Balderson for Father of the Year. He has lived his entire life in Benkelman, Nebraska. He has been married for 54 years. He has been a great father for his three living children and a father figure to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other local kids.

	Byron Brown and Heidi Reinsche

Byron Brown

Byron Brown of Hickman is the father of three and works as maintenance manager at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. He was nominated by daughter Heidi Riensche of Roca, who wrote:

My father is the ultimate role model! He is the father of 3 girls ages 30, 28, and 25. Besides raising 3 girls and teaching them the true morals and values of this world he continues to model this same behavior to the grandkids. He currently has 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. He teaches the boys what is it to be a man of God by not only modeling this behavior but showing them where to go to learn this. Recently his oldest daughter went through a divorce; he assisted her in moving back into his home with my mom. They sacrificed not only their time but their lifestyle in allowing my sister and her 3 children to move back home in order to help in this difficult time. My dad hasn't skipped a beat, he continues to be positive, show integrity, and be that role model I saw as a child to these 3 grandchildren. I hope and pray I am able to be this energetic at his age of 59 years old! He has shown these 3 kids how a husband and wife are supposed to be, how a family can function together, and how Jesus continues to be his source of life.

My dad has served as mentor to my husband whom I have been married to for 7 years. My husband turns to my dad for advice on marriage, parenting, and life in general. My father is involved at Lincoln Berean Church on a regular basis. He currently hosts a Bible study at his home every other Monday for couples in the community; I am part of this group also. He is a leader in every way. Just a few months ago he started a men's bible study which meets on the opposite Mondays of our Life Group. My father sacrifices everything he has for the Kingdom of God, he never asks for anything, and God continues to bless him in so many ways!

Even though the above makes him super dad, he continues to impress me! The past 4 months have been spent at Country Bible Church on Sunday afternoons preparing for a week long missions trip to Mexicali Mexico. I was able to be a part of this and see my dad interact with his high school students, he has such a love for those kids. His role in Mexico was to be on the construction team assisting in building a church. He worked 3 days straight without complaining in the heat (and no shower as there was no running water). I know he was tired, I could see it, but he continues to press on.

I would love to see my dad get this recognition, he deserves it in so many ways. It is hard to sum up his work in 500 words! I can only tell him so many times what an incredible person he is, please consider him from the very bottom of my heart!

Phil Connatser with wife Niki and family

Philip Connatser

Contractor and father of six, Philip Connatser of Lincoln was nominated by his wife, Nicole, who wrote:

Phil Connatser is the hardest working most dedicated father and husband that you can imagine. For the last 3 years he has held down 3 jobs waking up at 3:45 a.m. to work to provide health insurance for his family. He still makes it home to have dinner with his family and makes family time the priority. He is a strong Christian example to the men that he works with. One of his jobs is to frame new construction homes in the Lincoln area, if you are lucky enough to have him frame or roof your house one of the things he does is uses roofing disks to make the biggest sign of Psalms 127 that he can so that every person driving or walking by sees it. He has witnessed to many people through this one small act. He ends each day with reading the bible to his children and having a devotion time. He has volunteered in the children's ministry area at our church for the last 13 years and for the past 10 years has sang with the praise team at church. He takes time out to go on church trips with his children and helps in anyway possible that he can with church functions. He is a great example to our 4 sons and 2 daughters and each of them are stronger Christians because of the example that he has set for them. Phil would never put these things out there for others to hear himself so I wanted to share these things with you to nominate him for, father of year 2010.

	Michael Dubbs and family

Michael Dubbs

Michael Dubbs of Wood River is a mechanic and the father of three. He was nominated by 20-year-old daughter, Markeya, who wrote:

Being a father is about loving your children, taking care of the family, and above all setting a Godly example. My dad has faithfully fulfilled all these duties--and then some! Not until the last few years have I really come to appreciate the blessing my dad has been in my life. He faithfully attended several years of sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, and piano recitals my sisters and I participated in. I never once heard my dad complain about doing the things asked of him by the family. He still does most of the repairs around our house, changes the oil in our vehicles, hangs Christmas lights annually, and helps my mom with whatever she asks. Most importantly though, he was always available to listen and share wisdom when any of us were discouraged, frustrated, or heartbroken. In the last few years I have come to treasure our deep discussions about our faith, politics, current events, philosophy, and everything else in between. He is a mechanic by trade but a teacher at heart. He challenges me to be thorough in my thoughts and opinions in a way that few others can. My dad is a large part of why I am passionately devoted to my beliefs. He has taught me to not back down from the questions of the world. Our conversations often turn to faith related topics, which isn't surprising considering how strong of a spiritual leader my dad is for our family. He has taught a Bible study for over twenty years and also mentored my sisters and me in our relationships with God. He is a faithful student of the Word and is continually pursuing spiritual growth. His Christian walk is an inspiring example for me and my sisters, and I hope to someday find a husband who is serves God as faithfully as my dad does.

He has been there for me with open, loving arms at times when I didn't deserve it. Recently my life changed drastically because of some poor decisions I made, and repercussions are rippling through my family (forgive me for not being more specific, the wound is still raw). I have disobeyed him and broken his trust, and he never once turned away from me or failed to forgive my apologies. At no point did I feel like he loved me less or was abandoning me in my struggles. He had every right to yell, stop talking to me, disown me, or somehow retaliate showing his anger. Instead he gave me a hug and told me he loved me. It was the most humbling reaction I never expected. Few people have an earthly father that mirrors the unfailing, unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. I know that no man is perfect or can compete with God for the title of Best Father but my dad is the greatest earthly father I could hope to have. This year especially, he deserves to be recognized as the Father of the Year.

Melody and Waldo Goff

Waldo Goff

Handyman and father of five, Waldo Goff of Crawford was nominated by 18-year-old daughter Melody, who wrote:

When my mom died when I was six, my dad took on the difficult challenge of raising us five kids on his own. He taught us to be kind to everyone and to grow in our love for the Lord. Though, my dad has made many mistakes in his time, he has pushed through those hard times and is now a man I admire greatly. His love for Christ shines through almost everything he does.

As a father, he has come to almost every single one of us kids' school activities and has supported us in all that we do. Every morning he takes time out of his busy day, to make breakfast for us, before we go to school, even if we have to be up there by seven or sometimes even six, he always wants to know what is going on in our day so he can pray for us. Even at lunch, he makes it a point to be home, just to see us those few extra minutes during our day, to try and be an encouragement to us.

As a spiritual leader, he gets up every morning around five so that he can have time to spend a few quite moments with our savior before he starts out his usually very busy day. This is a great example in our lives, to be persistent and to follow in what is right. My dad has stood up in his beliefs and held fast to The Rock in which we cling. Every Sunday he goes with us to Sunday school and church and participates in the discussions. He always tries to help in any way he can, even if it means giving up part of his day.

I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father gave me my earthly father, for I would not trade him for anyone in the world, even with all of his weaknesses. He has been such an encouragement and good example for me. I look forward to the moments that God will allow us to be together in this short lifetime.

	Randy Hayes (front right) and family

Randy Hayes

Randy Hayes of Imperial is a pastor, music teacher, and father of four. He was nominated by daughter, Janelle Corman, of Clay Center, who wrote:

Our father is the Father of the Year every year to us. Dad has been an exceptional example of Christ throughout our lives. He has always been committed to our family. While growing up, he spent time with us: he played ball with us, he took us on numerous trips, he even played "Grampy's Pancake House" with us on nights when our mom went to work and he cooked supper. He came to all of our ball games, banquets, and music events for four children! My dad worked a job that barely paid the bills some years (preaching) because he loved changing lives. He chose to be home to eat meals with us, to help us with homework, and waited up every night of our high school lives until we arrived at home safely.

My father is one of the most honest men you will ever know. He preaches it, but he also lives it. His integrity is known by everyone: his church members, the community, his students at school, and especially his family. Dad's decisions are based on Bible truths. He is loyal and goes beyond all comprehension to show us love. Mom and Dad would drive ALL night to come watch college baseball games, or to come see their grandbabies. They drive across the country to be with us in the hospital, or to visit us grown children when we all live states away. Dad's sacrificial love is one of the most obvious traits he possesses.

Dad is a man of great character. He may be in great back pain, but no one would know. He may be exhausted because he was up nights studying the Bible with families or counseling couples who are struggling, but he will not complain. Dad will drop everything and come if an emergency arises. Dad now works full time teaching high school music, preaches at two different congregations on Sundays, and teaches Bible class on Wednesday nights at church. He just loves helping others. In addition, our father has taken on greater responsibility since our mother was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease. Mom has had to quit working, and has lost endurance to perform some daily chores. Dad has therefore added even more to his list of responsibilities. It has been an emotional stress for both of them and an enormous change of life. Yet they are learning to adjust, TOGETHER. Staying committed to their marriage despite hardships demonstrates our parents' dedication to God and family. Faithfulness is a trait hard to find today, but easy to find in our parents.

Our parents have been the greatest reason that all of us children are Christians today. We love Jesus because our parents have lived the life of loving and serving others, daily striving to show us Jesus. Our father has been a spiritual giant in our lives and for that we will always be on our knees thanking God for men like our father.

Sherry, Brent, Britney and Keaton Schweitzer

Brent Schweitzer

Brent Schweitzer of Milford is a barber and father of three. He was nominated by daughters Brooke and Britney (22) and son Keaton (17), who wrote:

For as long as we can remember, our father has been involved in coaching and leading us in activities like softball, baseball and basketball, singing at community events, and volunteering. He also encourages us to be active too, in our small community.

He positively pushes us to find and improve our passions and strengths in life, and to work hard and stay optimistic about our weaknesses.

Our dad is the father of twin girls (22) and a son (17). He is a barber in a small town (Milford) and also volunteers his time working for the Milford Volunteer Fire Department. Both of our parents are very active in our church where our dad is an elder. As we have grown up, he has grown immensely in his faith and has taught us a great deal about living life in the eyes of God through his actions and guidance. A few years ago our family was thrown a curve ball when our mom had a brain-stem stroke at the young age of 47. After spending weeks in the hospital, she went to Madonna for therapy. Around this same time, one of us kids experienced a type of seizure, eliminating an extra driver at this time. Our younger brother also broke his leg for the second time and needed surgery to fix it. Our dad was given a heavy load to carry; not only worrying about all of us, but also worrying about how to pay for all the medical bills, two college tuitions, and other expenses. In order to provide for our family, he took on two extra jobs. It was truly a trying time for our whole family, and he held us together.

In addition to his work, he finds time to volunteer many hours into the building and construction of our new church. He has spent many of his evenings and weekends helping to complete the project.

We think he is the greatest father and we would not be the people we are today without him. We are so proud to have him as our dad. He is extraordinary. He goes out of his way to provide for our family and is always there for good advice, or a shoulder to cry on. He provides an exemplary image of good moral character and Christian faith in situations good and bad.

Wherever help is needed, he can be found. Whenever hope is ceded, his courage is all around. He is a man of many faces, but must most of all, he is our father.

	Marcie and Kent Tobler with daughter, Kelsi Amen

Kent Tobler

Customer service specialist and father of one, Kent Tobler of Sidney was nominated by 22-year-old daughter, Kelsi Amen, of Grand Island, who wrote:

I listen to My Bridge radio every morning during my commute to UNK from Grand Island, and I heard that nominations were being taken for Father of the Year. Instantly I knew what I needed to do. My father is the most giving, caring, loving person that I have ever known. Almost everyone with a father in their lives would say the same thing, but I believe that my father goes up and beyond the call of duty of being a wonderful dad, husband, and son. I am an only child and as I've grown, he has exemplified father of the year, no wait, the century! Not only is he a great father, he is also a wonderful supporter of our family.

My mother, who has had numerous health problems, is assisted by my father every day. She can't do everyday things but my father is always there to cook, clean, and take care of her since I have married and moved away. He is the only one working due to my mothers fibromyalgia but remains positive during hard times. Also, my dad has been by my mother's side throughout a total of 5 miscarriages and various surgeries. Ever since I can remember, my dad has been my mother's shoulder to cry on and has never once felt sorry for himself.

His father, who is almost 90 years old and has suffered from a massive stroke, and relies on my father to help him do everything from fix things around the house to paying his bills. Out of 5 children, my dad is the only one who still visits daily and makes sure that his laundry is done, bills are paid, and the house is maintained. My grandfather calls my dad at least 5 times a day but the phone never goes unanswered, no matter how inconvenient the call may be, for him or my mother.

Last year, after we moved to Grand Island, I was involved in a grease fire at our new home. 10% of my body had 2nd and almost 3rd degree burns. In the ER my husband called my dad to let him know what had happened. Although Sidney is approximately 3.5 hours away, my parents dropped everything they were doing at 8 o'clock at night and rushed to Grand Island to care for me. My father had work the next day but took off the entire week to take care of me while my husband had to go to work. If we ever need something done, my father is there, if only for the day.

My husband and I are so thankful to have a father that would do anything for anyone, regardless of what his plans are. I believe that for the year 2010, my father should receive the Father of the Year award. As a father, husband, and son, Kent Tobler is a hard-working, selfless, and a simply wonderful person. He is definitely one of a kind!

Katy and Dan Weller

Dan Weller

Equipment dealer and father of nine, Dan Weller of North Platte was nominated by 15-year-old daughter, Katy, who wrote:

My dad is an amazing person. He and my mom have been married for over 24 years. Over the course of 9 years, my parents have taken in over 40 children and have adopted five. They are looking to adopt a boy with special needs. Currently, there are three foster kids in our home. Almost four years ago, he received surgery on his knee and not a day later, he was back at work just so that he could put food on the table. He also is a great spiritual leader. He serves as the deacon of our church and has seen many souls saved. He also serves as our church bus driver and wakes up early every morning to start the buses. As a child, he was reached by the bus ministry and the Lord has given him a love for it- It's a love that he has passed onto my oldest sister and me. He is a living testimony of Jesus' love. I'll never forget the day when he stopped at a hotel for business and saw a stranger and his family with a broken down car. He spent over two hours fixing their car for them and when the man offered to pay him, he rejected it, saying it was for the glory of God. He teaches us that when you have nothing else to hold on to, you have Christ. My sister had an illness called puffy eye tumor that was life-threatening. He took work off just so that he could stay with her. Before that, I had an illness called spinal meningitis, which was also life threatening. He was right there holding my hand through it all. He always puts us first and will do anything he can for us. He has taught me so many useful tools for life. He has this great sense of humor. Even when I'm upset with him, he knows just how to make me laugh.

My dad is my hero. I love him more than words can express. He's not a perfect parent, but he is the best father I could possibly ask for. Thank you so much for considering him.