Frederick Cecil Gelzleichter came into my life in 1994 when I became engaged to his nephew, Mark L. Haskett. He and his wife Louise threw a "Welcome to the Family" party for me at their country home in Portland, Indiana, in May, 1994, three months before Mark and I married. Uncle Fred and Aunt Louise opened their home, their arms, and their hearts to me that day and I quickly came to love them and view them as my de facto father and mother-in-law as my husband's parents had perished in an automobile accident the year before.

Uncle Fred had a generous heart and a quiet, hilarious, sense of humor. I cannot say that the went out of his way to help people, because to help people and be a thoughtful listener was his way. My husband is a Marine, so we did not live close to Fred and Louise, but we kept up through occasional visits, phone calls, cards and letters, and a wonderful visit they made to see us in the middle of the Mojave Desert in Barstow, California in 1998. Everyone has always remarked how Mark was more like Fred and Louise's son than his nephew, and I counted my blessings that I had such wonderful in-laws in my life.

In 1999, Fred knew that something was not right with his health. Doctors' office visits revealed back pain and trouble, but not the silent killer that was even then stalking him and claiming him. by very late 1999, Leukemia came out of hiding and showed it's ugly face. Aggressive treatments gave some fleeting, faint hope, and then hope was gone. In the Spring of 2000, Uncle Fred decided that he did not want to die in the hospital and went home to spend his remaining time with his wife Louise, daughter Michele, and his sister Mary close by along with extended family & friends.

The local Hospice stepped in and became a great support both physically to Uncle Fred and emotionally for Aunt Louise. The doctors had given Fred six months to live; he had but six weeks and they were painful weeks, with laughter mingling with tears of saying good-bye to a dear man who did not deserve the horrifically physically painful dying thrust upon him. My husband flew home from Macedonia to change his uniform for civilian clothes and catch a flight to Indiana just days before Fred passed away. I know I bless Hospice for being there to help, and am grateful that our then nine-year-old son and I were there for Uncle Fred's last day on earth that next weekend. We arrived June l0th and I prayed for a miracle, as I had been doing at home.

June 11th was the day of Uncle Fred's journey to Eternal Life. At the end, to see him on his way, five women stood by his bedside. His beloved wife Louise, his dear daughter Michele, his much-loved sister Mary the wonderful Hospice lady, and me. He was there one moment, then gone the next. Later, after Louise's nephew, who was a minister, led us in prayer, all of us holding hands near Fred's body, I thanked the Hospice lady for being there. She told me that she was honored to be at Fred's passing and considered it a great privilege. This lady exemplifies the courage and dignity and honor common among the caring people involved with Hospice. I was grateful that she had been there for Uncle Fred and his family, for all of us....

"It Is In Dying...That We Are Born To Eternal Life"...Uncle Fred's soul soared on it's wings to Heaven June 11th, 2000 and it is to him I dedicate my Hospice square and love.

Lida Stout Haskett