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Mike Potpinka posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
RIP John. (from a Roebling friend from many years ago)
M
Michael Csik lit a candle
Thursday, October 15, 2020
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I was fortunate enough to share with my Uncle John what he meant to me, while he was still alive. For that I am eternally grateful. Nothing is worse than realizing another's value only after they've gone.
My memories of my uncle are many and they all helped to formulate parts of who I am today. The most impactful experiences were between my ages 4 to 10 years old. Memories of him simply reading me bedtime stories are wonderful, and so teachable looking back. These bedtime stories he would read to my brother and I and were the only thing that would have me quickly bathe and get into my P.J.'s without a fuss.
He drew from a collection of "Hardy Boys" books that I can still envision the covers and smell the paper till today. He'd find the page where we had left off the night before and With a mighty clearing of his throat, he'd begin to read.
Immediately I'd be transported to a wonder world. Sometimes the words used by the author were beyond my school grade, but he would never use a simpler word in their place. He had noticed my attentiveness and knew I would interrupt if I couldn't understand by the context. When those times did arise, he'd simply reply "Where's the Dictionary?" He always encouraged me to put in the effort and now those words are mine forever.
As he would read, I paid attention to his tone and inflection as he unfolded the story for us. This would be paramount in my later overcoming a speech impediment for classroom presentations.
So less about comprehension and grammar and more on what he, the experiences and our discussions bestowed upon me.
He taught me to think before I acted, to conserve, be mindful, have a sense of humor, live up to my beliefs, always be charitable, but most of all live up to my word. Admittedly, I have not always lived up to such values, but they remain in me as my NorthStar. Which reminds me. I recall staying up late enough to see the stars one night. as we gazed, He reported that the number of stars in that sky that night, represented the possibilities within our lives. Wow, I thought to myself.
On a more comical note, my uncle was slow as molasses in ALL that he did. Whether driving, eating, speaking or just buttering a piece of rye bread. He was so intentional and thorough that no single nook or cranny on his slice of bread lacked butter, from edge to edge and with the most minimal amount of butter might I add. Looking back, I think he actually chewed his food the exact number of times as medical professionals suggest, before swallowing.
Yes, he was a little quirky and probably the reason I loved him even more. He and my aunt took us on historical trips, wildlife excursions, to see plays, musicals and endless carnivals. They encouraged us to be children as they broadened our minds and horizons.
My uncle may now be gone, but his love for me and worldly education will reside in me until MY last day. I'll end here as I did at the end of every storybook night. Good night Uncle John, Love you.
J
James, Becky Stadvec purchased flowers
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
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We will cherish our memories of you. Until we meet again, rest easy big brother. Our condolences to our family. Love, Jim, Becky, and kids.
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J
The family of John Stadvec Jr. uploaded a photo
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
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