Well, that's important, of course. It makes him a little less dead, his wife a little less widowed, and his son a little less fatherless.
Just as long as he had a big old smile on his selfish face when his hobby finally caught up with him, that's all that matters.
And by the way, I don't believe you are the jumper's brother. The real jumper's brother wouldn't be the least surprised to see comments like this, and wouldn't be here acting like it's the first time he's ever encountered such sentiments.
He shames us and then thanks us?
I'm confused....
True, I should have reconsidered posting here. But I'm his brother-in-law. He lived in Brooklyn Park. Max's full name ends the same as Erich's: Max John Wagar. His mother Judy was at our house in St. Paul for Thanksgiving. Gretchen and Courtney still live on Jersey Ave. The green urn from the memorial service still sits on the dresser over Gretchen's bed.
Believe me, we had our bouts of inappropriate comments. But moralizing about it was not part of the program. Selfish? Not hardly. Gretchen gave him full permission. She is still angry over the fact that it happened, but Erich knew that would be the case before every jump he made.
The only thing that surprises me is that a group of people who claim to be from a party built on "moral values" have reacted so callously and childishly to a tragic event that hits so close to home for me.
So go ahead, call me a troll. Call me a fool. I know who I am and I knew who Erich was. And when little Max grows up, I can't wait to tell him all about his daddy and how great he truly was.
So yes, Erich screwed up. We know. Gretchen knows. I'm sure HE knows. But think about how your words affect the rest of us.
I would say the colleges are out for Winter break.
The nuts are out.
He got it wrong....David is the BIL.
Erich John Wagar
Wagar, Erich John - 32, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Passed out of this world On November 17, 2004. Erich was a man like no other we can hope to meet in this lifetime. We are all blessed to have known him. The hole in our hearts will never be filled. Erich is preceded in death by his daughter, Alyssa. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen Elaine Niemiec Wagar; and son Max Wagar of Brooklyn Park, MN; mother Judith Wagar of Minneapolis, MN; mother and father-in-law Glenda and Robert Niemiec of St. Paul, MN; brother-in-law David Niemiec of Mitchell, SD; sister-in-law Alice Niemiec of St. Paul, MN; father Terry Olson of Sheridan, WY; grandparents Gene and Barbara Wagar of Halsted, MN; 13 cousins; many aunts and uncles; and more incredible friends than could possibly be listed here. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 20 at the CREMATION SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN. Visitation will begin at 1PM with a 2PM memorial service and reception to follow. Donations to the Erich Wagar Memorial Account can be made to Wells Fargo Bank at 8041 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 or by phone at 763-493-1230.
Published in the Pioneer Press from 11/19/2004 - 11/20/2004.