Marvin G. Weber (back row, 3rd from right) and extended family

2011 Nebraska Father of the Year Marvin G. Weber

Marvin G. Weber of Arnold is a retired rural mail carrier and father of four. He was nominated by his daughter, Devra McElroy of Cairo, who wrote:

I don't know if there are 'adequate' words to truly define the father-daughter relationship; especially when it comes to my Dad, Marvin Weber. Simply stated -- he's the best! When I first learned of this Award, I immediately was compelled to nominate Dad, but with that came the fear and uncertainty. What to say. What not to say. You see, Dad is a 'quiet' man and would he approve of this? Probably not.

I thought of a million things that I could say about Dad's selfless love for his family and friends -- all stemming from his love for his Heavenly Father. But I am limited to 500 words here. Dad serves his Lord and Savior in many ways. He served in the Army during the Korean War for two years and shortly thereafter, he and my mother settled down in Arnold, Nebraska and raised four children with God being the focal point in everything we learned. Discipline, the difference between right and wrong, and LOVE. True love -- God's love, which we saw daily in our home. My parents truly exemplify what Christ's love is all about.

I've been gone from Arnold for many years now, but I know he faithfully gets to the Nazarene Church early Sunday morning, turns up the heat, scoops the walks, and then proceeds to greet each and every individual coming to Church that day. He also delivers 'Meals on Wheels' to the shut-ins, drives several people to doctor's appointments, hospitals, and other functions, always taking this opportunity to witness of Christ's Love. People in Arnold have grown to expect it from him and he always delivers, wanting nothing in return.

As his daughter, his influences are endless. In 1983, Dad walked me down the aisle and gave me away in marriage. A short time later, I was alone again and Dad was there, with prayer and compassion. When my son, Riley, was born in 1987, Dad was there. Shortly after his birth, Riley became critically ill. Dad was again there, leading us as we prayed fervently for healing. All this as my tiny infant son clutched Grandpa's weathered finger hour after hour. Our prayers were heard and answered. In 1996, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. I still remember Dad's tears when he had to face this.

Our family has recently gone through several unexpected tragedies and challenges. My sister, Vicky, unexpectedly went to her permanent home with Jesus. A month later, my husband was killed in a motorcycle accident. After a lengthy search, Jim was finally found. Praise the Lord, I was with Dad! I can honestly say I wouldn't have made it without him! Again, Daddy's patient, loving, committed, strong, faithful hands were there for me. His sacrificial Love for us all is reminiscent of our Heavenly Father's Love for us.

In conclusion, my father's favorite verse: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

	Matthew Bruns with sons Jackson and Brandon

Matthew Bruns

Matthew Bruns of Hastings is a deli manager and father of two. He was nominated by his seven-year-old son, Brandon, who wrote:

My dad is my super hero...he always helps me fix my toys and lets me play with his old toys from when he was little. He always plays with us and never lets us get bored. My dad teaches me all about Jesus, and he helps me memorize scripture versus in the car on the way to school and back. Dad takes my cousin to church every Sunday so he gets to learn about Jesus with me. He works two jobs but always has time for fun. We enjoy playing baseball, riding bikes, playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii and using our imagination to play with costumes and light sabers. He plays with my baby brother and always reads to us. Our favorite book is "The Lorax." Our favorite thing is dad's funny songs that he sings to us, he makes up the words and always makes us laugh. He takes care of us when we are sick and never gets mad when we throw up. Our family owns Big Dally's Deli and someday I want to work at the deli, so dad takes me to practice and that's fun. He helps mom with my Boy Scout troop and takes me to all the fun things at school. When they serve fish sticks at school (that I hate) he brings me a lunch and eats with me. My dad is always there and Jesus gave me and my brother the best dad ever!!

Trent Chrisman and Family

Trent Chrisman

Trent Chrisman of Lincoln is an architectural draftsman and father of two. In her nomination essay, his wife, Andrea, wrote:

I would like to nominate my husband, Trent Chrisman, for Christian Heritage's Father of the Year. I knew when I dated my husband that someday he would be a great father. However, every day I see his role as father display itself in more ways than I dreamed. My husband is an active member of our family assuming all the same child-rearing responsibilities as myself. As we both work full-time, Trent is often responsible for getting our children to evening activities and is equally a primary caregiver. There has not been a single time when he put his own agenda above the needs of his children.

Trent is the soccer, football, and t-ball coach for my 6 year old son, Jace. Parents thank him every game for his patience and teaching with a group of unruly Kindergarteners. Yet, this man doesn't hesitate when his 4 year old daughter, Mya, asks him to paint her fingernails, put her hair in pigtails, or perfect the role of knight in shining armor. He teaches my children the importance of respect, kindness, and responsibility in daily lessons and in living by example. Our children value their father very much, respect his opinions, and feel the unconditional love he showers them with each and every day. I know that if they were capable of a 500 word essay, they would be explaining his greatness in their own precious words.

Although my husband and I were raised in Christian homes with loving families, we have grown drastically together in our faith in God. We have found a church in which we feel we belong, our children attend the Lutheran school, and we have found strength in new Christian friends. I heard the advertisement for the Father of the Year award on the radio and gave it a passing thought. But some recent events moved me to action. I realized that our picture-perfect marriage from the outside was struggling behind closed doors. The stresses of daily life were leading to poor communication, resentment, and hurt feelings. I was shocked when my husband said he wanted to talk to pastor about his feelings of sadness and anger. In the following days with the help of our pastor, we grew closer than we have been in years. Realizing that my husband was willing to swallow his pride when most men, husbands, and FATHERS would have continued down a path of destruction opened my eyes to the Christian man, husband and father that he truly is. One who places his faith and his family above any selfish desire or gain.

Finally, through the strength and opportunity bestowed by our Lord, Jesus, my husband is a few short months away from being a father to the children of foster care. Our family has nearly completed foster care training with Christian Heritage. And we are excited and blessed to open our home to children who can grow in mind, body, and soul with my wonderful husband as their foster father.

	Steve Knapp and Family

Steve Knapp

Steve Knapp of North Platte is president of Knapp Electric and father of two. He was nominated by his daughter, Myria, who wrote:

My Dad is one of the busiest Dads I know, which comes with owning a business. But he never lets this get in the way of attending all of my brother's and my events. He will take, sometimes, two days off a week to come watch us, when I know he has a lot of things to do. He sacrifices a lot to support my brother and I. He has attended every sporting event of ours sense I can remember. He coached us growing up, and continues to support us. He still supports me in college track, when the meets are 3 hours away! He takes two weeks off a year to take our family on vacation, because he realizes how important this time is to our family. I don't think people realize how hard it is to take time off when you own a business. It is hard and I'm so proud of my Dad for realize what really important in our lives.

My Dad is a perfect example of a servant leader, just as Jesus was. He never puts his needs or wants before ours, and is always calm about all matters. He treats my Mom with the greatest respect, and shows a perfect an example of what I want in my future husband. I can't ever recall a time where he has raised his voice or talked to my mother in a disrespectful way.

My Dad constantly shines God light in our household. He makes it a priority to say devotion and prayer before every meal, which we eat as a family every night. He is constantly encouraging our faith and walk with God, and also shows a great example of this by his own actions. When my Dad does get home from a long day of work, he doesn't just sit around; he is helping my Mom with supper and things around the house. I don't think I've ever heard my Dad complain honestly; he is always positive and encouraging in all areas of my family lives.

My Dad is a perfect example of a Godly man, who leads by example and servant leadership. I one day hope to marry a man just like my Dad. Someone as unselfish, hardworking, family-oriented, and most importantly a man who walks with God. I could go on and on about how great my Dad is, and how much I appreciate what he does. But all that matters is that I'm the proudest girl to call him my Dad and love him very much. I just want him to know this, and that is why I am writing this. For Dads like him need to get recognized, for their examples of Jesus in their lives.

Roger Peterson

Roger Peterson

Roger Peterson of Waterloo is president of Behaven Kids and the father of three. His daughter, Macy Kasperbauer of Omaha, wrote the following about her dad:

For as long as I can remember, I have always looked up to my dad. From fishing, skiing, and boating at the cabin, to waiting to fall asleep until he tucked me in and said prayers, every moment was special and holds an everlasting place in my heart. I just recently got the chance to have my father walk me down the aisle, and I can honestly say I have never had a prouder moment!

There are so many things that make my dad so special. He is a man of great talent, patience, compassion, sincerity, and most importantly...love. If you need something fixed, built, or created he is the first person you call. I have asked him time and time again how he learned to be so handy, and his only response has been to humbly say thank you.

When it comes to patience, I would have to say my dad is a saint. Growing up with two "ambitious" girls, my sister and I, he always knew what to say and when to say it. If that wasn't challenging enough, my parents became foster parents which led to the adoption of my younger sister Katie. I can remember how hard this transition was in our life, but how effortless and positive my father made it. He would always remind us how much Katie needed us and how her broken ways were a simple reminder of the struggles she has gone through. His words of wisdom always brought us closer together and made us stronger when we needed it most.

When it comes to love, my father exceeds all expectations. He has such a caring and compassionate heart and extends it beyond his family. His love for animals, children, and God are of equal importance and he exemplifies it in so many ways. On top of being a foster parent, my mom and dad opened Behaven Kids Specialized Day Program which is a facility for children with severe and chronic behavior problems. By giving these special children the treatment they need, he has helped thousands of families and personally touched the lives of each and every child. Just recently I walked through their business and heard a little kid say "Mr. Roger, I love you!" -- I immediately fought back tears.

When it comes to faith, my dad is a great role model. He is a wealth of biblical knowledge and is always finding ways to become more involved in the church community. Whether it is taking communion to the nursing homes on the weekend, or teaching engaged couples about the commitment of marriage, he is always extending his hand to God and others.

As you can see, my dad is an amazing person. In my eyes, he will always exceed father of the year and I can honestly say I do not know where I would be without him. He is my hero, my best friend and truly an angel and I love him with all my heart.

	Dan Schulte with daughter Annie and wife, Jolene

Dan Schulte

Dan Schulte of Lincoln is a personal advisor and father of three. He was nominated by his daughter, Annie Nienhueser of Lincoln, who wrote:

There are so many reasons why I believe my dad is deserving of the title of Father of the Year. He and my mom have been married for almost 33 years and have always provided a safe, supportive, and loving home for me and my older brother and sister. At an early age, kneeling beside my bed at night, my dad led me into a personal relationship with Jesus and has continued to encourage me in my walk with the Lord. What I admire most about my dad is that he is a living example of a Godly man, husband, father, and grandfather.

My dad was always highly involved in my life. No matter what happened during the day at work, when he came home, he was a full-time husband and father. Many of my younger memories are of my dad helping me with homework and teaching me how to play sports. Whether it was school, church, or extracurricular activities, he was always willing to get involved. He always pushed me to try harder, to be better, to rise above, and to "keep on, keepin' on."

In my eyes, my dad has always been a pillar of strength and confidence. I have always turned to him for answers and for advice.

My dad worked for the same company from the time he graduated from college. A little over two years ago, after 30 years of committed service, they let him go because of cutbacks. I know I will probably never be able to understand exactly how that affected him, but in just one short day, I saw my dad go from a place of security to a place of complete confusion. While this could have been damaging to our family and his faith, I have been so inspired to watch him take this trial and turn it into a positive thing. He has grown into even a more loving, servant leader for our family. He volunteers more at church and in the community. He is a mentor for two young boys and is such a great example for them. His faith has noticeably and remarkably grown. There is absolutely no doubt for me that God used this experience to bring my dad to a place of humility and complete reliance on Him -- it has been so encouraging to witness. He is still searching for where God wants him to serve, but he is confident it will happen at the right time. The verse that makes me think of my dad is James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I respect and admire you, Dad. Your faith is inspiring and I love you so much! God has created you for greatness! To me, you will always be the "Father of the Year."

Titus Staples and Family

Titus Staples

Titus Staples of Bridgeport is a junior/senior high principal and father of two. In nominating him, his wife, Sarah, wrote:

I am nominating my husband, Titus Staples, for the Christian Heritage Father-of-the-Year Award for 2011.

Starting December of 2007, with his first marriage ending, Titus spent five months praying for God to save his family. When the divorce was final he was hurt, confused, and nearly ruined financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Titus turned to his Heavenly Father in the midst of the pain and God faithfully began to heal those wounds and restore his life. The most difficult reality was that his children were no longer with him and he only saw them every-other-weekend.

For the past three years, Titus has not let this reality, the distance, or even the weather, keep him from doing everything he can to build a relationship with his children. He has often driven late into the night, and even through three blizzards, to be with his children. Faithfully, every-other-weekend we travel to spend time with them and each night, before bed, he spends time going through God's Word with his children and praying for all the situations going on in our lives. Through God's provision and protection he has not missed a visitation.

Every day, at 8 pm, Titus calls his children to say good night. It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing, he will excuse himself to go call his kids and ask them about their day and tell them good night. And every month he has driven down to have lunch with his kids at their school and play with their class at recess.

Probably the most impressive thing to me is how he prays for his kids. Morning and night, when we pray, he prays for his children. He prays for God to restore "the years the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25) and restore his parenting time. He prays for their salvation, their future spouses, for godly friends, and for God to raise a youth group in their small town that they may attend when they get older.

Even though we live nearly five hours away, every decision we make is discussed with his children in mind. They are foremost in his thoughts every day. Our house and his office are flooded with pictures of fun moments and experiences we have had them. He is the best storyteller, and the only person I know who can make eating Lunchables on a road trip an experience to remember and laugh about for months to come.

There are many great dads in this world who are blessed to be with their children every day. That is my husband's desire and longing, but not his reality. I'm amazed that despite his reality he has not given up hope or faith, or lost his desire to be a great dad. He praises God continually for all the ways He provides for our family and I pray someday his children will understand how much he sacrifices every day to be a part of their lives.

	Nate Tedrow, Sr., and daughter Kathy

Nate Tedrow, Sr.

Nate Tedrow, Sr., of Kennard is a retired supervisor and father of three. He was nominated by his daughter, Kathy Kofoed of Kennard, who wrote:

Much is written about fathers, both eloquent and simplistic. How do I find balance describing my Dad? Lessons learned from time with Dad for 63 years speak for themselves; years I cherish with my now 88 year old Father.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old, he will not depart from it." I learned this by examples my Dad taught and lived:

1. Honesty, humility, and integrity--when I stole a pack of gum, he made me confess and apologize.

2. Trust--always being there. When I got hurt he comforted me. When I made mistakes he corrected me. A promise was something to be kept. One gained trust by earning it.

3. Patience and diligence--teaching me to cast a line and wait, then cleaning what I caught. He encouraged me to tackle difficult challenges. When I failed, he consoled me.

4. Unconditional love--learned when I strayed in search of youthful follies. He always welcomed me back with open arms, standing by when my world fell apart, and comforting my broken heart. A prodigal's father.

5. Pride without arrogance--exhibiting pride when I graduated from college while raising three children. He showed approval for me overcoming challenges and accomplishing goals.

6. Service--Dad served his church willingly for years, even daily sweeping the concrete during the building of the new church.

7. Tears don't mean weakness--they represent joy, pride, pain or sadness. He wept openly at Mother's funeral, at seeing me in the hospital after surgery, and many other events.

8. Anger can be justified if not harmful--used for protection and defense. My children were abducted by my ex-husband, and taken to Canada. Dad bravely confronted their abductor, not fearing for his safety. He stood firm when we removed them from school and the principal tried to stop us. Dad defended us, showing controlled anger to make his point.

9. Unselfishness--Dad used his retirement savings for multiple fees incurred in an attempt to get my children back.

10. Perseverance--never giving up. He worked for one company for 38 years, and additional jobs for 15 years while doing lawn care for elderly people who couldn't. He cared for Mother when she became ill at 32, until developing his own life threatening illnesses. They moved in with me in 2004. Mom passed in 2008. Dad could give up, but he loves life and family, (3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 30 great and great-great grandchildren).

He is loved by many, generous to a fault, a gracious receiver, and with health failing, he still gains satisfaction from doing our lawn care and odd jobs. His life is a canvas depicting the art of love, sentimentality, courage, strength, patience, emotion, wisdom and knowledge. He lives life. Once my playmate, he remains my teacher, role model, friend, conscience, encourager, and defender. Every night he hugs and kisses me saying, "I love you." I love him dearly. He is my "Father of a Lifetime"--Father of the Year.

James Wagner

James Wagner

James Wagner of Riverton is a pastor and father of eight. He was nominated by his wife, Kelly, and five of his children, two of whose essays also made it to the final round.

Kelly's Essay:
I am nominating my husband for Father of the Year. He is an amazing man full of integrity, compassion and a shepherd's heart. He is a godly father. Words cannot express how special Jim really is and how much he cares and loves his children unconditionally.

We adopted 5 children, 4 of them are special needs. Jim has been an astonishing, godly father. He raised a godly young man, Dyrand, who is now 21 and heading to the mission field as a missionary aviation pilot/mechanic. He raised another godly 19 year old young man, Kyle, who is also going into missionary aviation. Jim has faithfully discipled his third son, 15 year old Dylan, who is also serving the Lord. Our adopted children have been given lots of patience, commitment and unconditional love not to mention biblical training as well.

In November 2009, our then 11 year old adopted son burned our horse barn to the ground, started our big barn on fire, and burned our house. We lost nearly everything. Rather than terminating his adoption as everyone around us recommended, Jim encouraged us to persevere and find help. We put our boy in a Christian boys' wilderness camp from March 2010 to March 2011. Feeling the necessary changes weren't happening for our son, Kyle approached us stating that he felt the Lord asking him to mentor Jeremiah one-on-one in a camp setting. He was even willing to put missionary aviation school off in August to help for the simple reason that: "I have a brother going to hell and I need to help him if I can." This speaks volumes as to the father Jim has been. Kyle is who he is because of his daddy's influence.

We have a delightful 11 year old daughter with spina bifida who has had 19 surgeries. When we adopted Ally at 6 months old, we knew life would take on new meaning. Jim has loved her and pulled her through many difficult times in therapy and surgeries.

We also adopted twins in 2010. They came abused and having been in 9 other foster homes between birth and 2.5 years old. Our little boy has severe mental health issues and has been diagnosed by the American Academy of Pediatric Psychiatry. We are told he is a "once-in-a-practice" child; only a handful of children in the USA with his issues. He rages hours daily, banging his head off of concrete, drywall, through windows, etc...Jim loves him as his own flesh and blood.

Jim has been a faithful pastor. He recently resigned for the exclusive reason that he needs to come home to work so he can be the father that our broken children need. They require much. Ministry will not end when he leaves the pulpit on April 17th but will continue on in our children.

I am so blessed to be married to a man who not only loves his family but lives out Christ.


Dyrand's Essay:
My Dad is an amazing man. When I was little, he used to take my siblings and I on Daddy Dates. These were times when he would take us each out for a day doing whatever we wanted to do. Sometimes it was canoeing, other times it was taking a hike together. One time when there were only three of us kids, we were on a hike in the mountains. My brother and I were walking a little ways ahead when we came across a hole in the ground. We were trying to figure it out when my dad realized it was ground hornets. He quickly handed my little brother to my mom and told us to run. He stood there and took half a dozen stings as we got away. I will never forget that sacrifice.

He would never cease to encourage me when he saw me having trouble with something or when something bad happened in my life. He always spoke in an understanding way that calmed me and listened to what I had to say.

Often we would have family devotions together. We would all sit down and sing, read the Bible, and pray together. What a wonderful sound it was to hear my dad leading us in the worship of Jesus.

He was also the prime example to me of how I ought to love and respect my wife. He made it a custom to take my mom on dinner dates or other romantic outings. He would bring my Mom flowers or show her other small tokens of his love for her.

My Dad had much courage, and when he lacked it, he asked the Lord for it. The Lord told him that he should adopt 5 children, 3 of which are special needs. He worked through all of the hard times and gave them better lives.

Christ called him to go to Australia and pastor a church. He sold all he had and went, knowing that he was in God's will. When we returned from Australia, he pastored a small country church in Red Cloud, NE and devoted much of his time to the people in the community who were hurting and needing a Savior. Recently, due to the growing needs of the family, he resigned and is starting an adoption ministry to help and encourage other families as they seek the Lord's will for adoption in their lives. He has been a prime example of Christ's love for me and has given me something that only he could offer, a father's love, devotion, and most importantly a strong spiritual leader for our family. That is why I am nominating him for the Father of the Year. I love you Daddy!

Dylan's Essay:
I'm a fifteen year old boy named Dylan and I was born in Pennsylvania along with two other older brothers. Our parents home school us, and make sure they provide strong biblical teaching. When I was four or five, after much prayer on our parents' part our family adopted three children. Their names are Ashley, Jeremiah, and Ally. Ashley and Jeremiah are brother and sister by birth. Ally was six months old when she was adopted, and she has spina bifida. She has had seventeen or eighteen surgeries and my dad has been right beside my mom and sister through all of them.

When I was six my dad felt called to the ministry, so we went to Michigan where my dad became youth pastor. After three months my dad resigned because God closed the doors there. We moved back to Pennsylvania. My parents prayed for God to answer and He did, so, again after much pray God opened the doors for us to pastor a church in NSW Australia. We left around January, which is summer in AU. When we got there we bought a nice four-wheel drive Nissan Patrol. We proclaimed Mondays family days and would take it up into the mountains on logging roads, which were little more than dirt bike trails. My dad bought a couple of axes and a bucksaw and us boys would go ahead of the truck to clear fallen trees. Other family days we would go to the ocean and swim or look for seashells in the tidal pools. We had always lived in the country until Australia, but there we had a small yard and the regulations differed a lot from the USA, my two older brothers bought two remote control cars and I didn't have the money to join in on the fun, but my dad decided to split the cost so we all could do it. We stayed there two years then Ally couldn't get health insurance. Then we came to Red Cloud, NE to pastor a church. We sang a lot as a family while raising support to go to Australia so we brought that with us and sang in the nursing home and other church events.

Once again we adopted another brother and sister who have been bounced from foster home to foster home. They have some mental problems and it has been a bit of a hardship. My dad has been willing to take hours out of his day to talk with us and encourage us. Last September 28, I became a Christian and my dad has been a great strength. He has taught us the importance of being the spiritual leader as well as well as the importance of being a faithful financial provider for the family. April 17 of this year he resigned from the church to come home for us. He and I are going to build garden sheds to sell this year. My dad is amazing!

	John Woitaszewski and grandson DJ

John Woitaszewski

John Woitaszewski of St. Paul is an assistant manager and father of four. His daughter, Laura Arp, wrote the following nomination:

I'm nominating my dad for this award because he deserves to feel appreciated, loved, treasured, and recognized for being such an amazing father and husband just as he makes us feel every day. He's a selfless, gentle, loving, spirit-filled example to his family and everyone he meets. He prays in the middle of Walmart, with everyone including strangers who are down, rejoicing or hurting. He doesn't care who hears or if someone might be offended by these heaven bound words. He prays so everyone can hear. I admire this about him most of all.

He knows when we need prayer or an encouraging word. He calls when things are falling apart and I know that's because God laid our name on his heart in that perfect moment. He prays with such wisdom and passion that I can't explain the feeling of being on the receiving end of God's love through him. He's recently made a huge impact in my friend Jen's life. When her faith was wavering, he knew without being told, prayed whole-heartedly and spoke just the right words to guide her back, God's hand at work.

He's the most understanding and patient person I know. He listens, doesn't judge, and simply prays, his three step solution to everything.

He gives everything for the benefit of others. He drives the ugliest car in the world but makes sure his family has more than enough and the nicest things. Even though he's often put down, he smiles and moves on trusting in God's Word. He says he smiles because, "No matter what's going on I know I am bound for the Kingdom so why worry?"

By his example, he's taught me to be giving, compassionate, and true to myself. He's never boasted that he's great at anything, although he's amazing at everything. He prays over every project, vehicle, fishing trip and countless other things. I remember when we went fishing as kids, he would pray over the lake commanding the fish to get on our hooks, something he still does. Just like Jesus telling the fish to get in the nets. It always works too.

Because of his sacrifice, my mom was always home while we were growing up and never had to have a job outside our home. We knew she could come with us on school trips or take care of us when we were sick. We had mom, not daycare, because of him. He helps me teach my kids to love Jesus just like he taught me, when I was little. He is the first one to pick us up when we fail.

He says he will never age and I believe it. He still climbs ladders, roofs houses, works ridiculous hours, fixes our cars in snow and shine, builds playhouses and additions, kills all bugs and spiders for no more than a "Thank You" and "I Love You Dad". His heart is endless and he inspires me to want to be just like him.

Ron Zimmer

Ron Zimmer

Ron Zimmer of Lincoln is the father of six and has retired from sales & marketing. He was nominated by his daughter, Carrie Stratman of Lincoln, who wrote:

My father is one of the greatest men I know. Along with my mother, he raised six kids. With a large family, money was often tight, but Dad worked hard to make sure we always had food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over our heads. He didn't just provide for us materially, though. He was an exemplary spiritual leader, teaching us by word and example the power of prayer and the love of God. I know there is a loving, merciful God because I have such a loving, merciful father. Dad loves us unconditionally; we always know he will be there for us, no matter what we do. Even today, as adults, we still turn to Dad for spiritual guidance. He lives his faith every day and has such an amazing relationship with God. We liked to say that Dad had a direct phone line to God.

When my mother's father died, my parents brought Grandma back from Arizona and let her stay with them. Dad built an addition on our house so she would have a space of her own. As she has aged, Dad continues to help and care for her when Mom's at work, loving her as he would his own mother, who is deceased. He is an amazing example of what "family" is all about.

He is always available for us, even as adults. When I was sick with the flu, he took my three boys over to his house so I could rest. When my sister-in-law was up all night with a fussy baby, he went over to their house to watch their children so she could sleep. From our childhood, Dad always stressed the importance of family over anything else. "Money and material items are not worth fighting over," he would say to us. "Our family is a gift from God." He also would say, "The family that prays together, stays together." That is true, as our family is still close, and still praying, to this day.

Today he continues to give unselfishly of himself by watching his six grandkids at different times throughout the week. My three boys love their grandpa and ask frequently to go see him, even if it's not their day at his house. He enthralls them with hero stories, reads books to them, and plays with them, always injecting bits of faith and values (such as honesty, integrity, helpfulness, etc.) into his stories and daily activities. As with us kids, he is demonstrative and open with his affection; disciplining when necessary but always done with love.

Dad is a jack of all trades, willing to help at all times. He is a carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, painter, gardener, teacher, and healer. Dad doesn't just help, though, he teaches as he works so that we learn from his wealth of knowledge.

There are many wonderful men who deserve recognition as wonderful fathers, but none of them can top my Dad; he is truly the Father of the Century!