Jun

2

Surgery Day

Steve had his shoulder surgery today. 7 holes and 8 hours at the hospital, he was able to go home. He has to make sure to move his fingers and wrist around, so I guess that will give him a reason to play xBox – not that he ever needed a reason. No need to worry about pain at the moment, since he has a pain pump, and a script for some happy pills.

Doctor said there will be about an 8 week recovery period after his surgery. Off to college in the fall, so he’ll be ready for wresting season.

May

29

Steven receives the Ackerman Award

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On May 16′th, Steven received the Ackerman Award at the Allegan High School Hall of Fame dinner. The Ackerman award, named in honor of Bernard Ackerman, is given to a male and a female athlete who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout his/her athletic career at Allegan High School.

Take a look at the video below of the event to see Coach Rose presenting Steven the award.

Sep

17

Proud Moments

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As a parent, there are a lot of times you are proud of the accomplishments of your children. Whether it be an A on a test, or that first job they get, or even the first tooth they let you pull out without crying. However, the most proud moments are those that are shared with the entire family.

It was 2007 and Steve had to win his match in the Michigan State Wrestling finals in order for his team, Allegan, to win the state championship. Along with Marilyn and Russell, we witnessed that accomplishment. It was a moment that not only Steve will remember the rest of his life, but it is something that his Brother, Mother and I will always remember.

If you want to get an idea how much pressure was on Steve, check out the video of that match.

Steve has a creative writing class in high school, and he wrote about that moment. I will let him finish.

28

Letters to Dad – Julie

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Dad I know that it has only been a few weeks since your death, but I miss our bantering back and forth, I am so glad that I was able take care of you over the last several years.

27

Letters to Dad – Sue

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For all of you who have known my father John Poffenberger, you know that he was a very strong willed man, and a character, and a man who was doing it his way, right or wrong.

26

Letters to Dad – David

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John Poffenberger, John P, JP, Old Man, Puffy, Little Brown Jug, Johnny, John, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Dad. For those that knew him, these are at least some of the names we called John Poffenberger. Personally, I called him dad.

25

Letters to Dad

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Over the next three days, I’m going to be posting letters written by Dave, Sue and Julie. These letters were written to my Dad, and all of them (including I will miss you Dad) were read at his memorial on Saturday. Peggy read Sue’s and Mine. Julie read hers. Kelsie did a particular good reading of Dave’s.

First up on Tuesday will be Dave’s. On Wednesday, I’ll be putting Sue’s up. And finally on Thursday, I’ll be posting Julie’s. If any family member reading this wants to write a letter to Dad (or Grandpa), please send them to me and I’ll be glad to put it on the site. Even if you are not a family member, but would like to have something posted regarding my Dad, please let me know and I’ll put it up. Or, you can just write something in the comments.

Aug

25

Wish Granted

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I took my Dad for a ride this morning. I talked about the weather (his favorite subject). Told him that Russell is starting college next week. Let him know that Steve’s first football game is on Thursday.

3

I will miss you Dad

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My Father, John Poffenberger, passed away on Friday, August 1, at 2:42pm. He leaves a loving Wife of 50 years (+-11 years) Barbara Poffenberger. He had 2 sons (David and Mark) and 2 daughters (Sue and Julie). He will be missed by all that knew him.

Updated Aug 6 : Dad’s memorial service will be held at on Saturday August 23, 3pm to whenever at North Christian Church, 5201 Camden Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825. You can read Dad’s obituary here.

21

Today it’s your Birthday

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Are you gonna have a good time?

I hope so, considering you are at wrestling camp today. And let’s see… It’s going to be in the mid 80’s and the gym is not air conditioned? I say that’s a good place to spend your birthday.

We all love you.

Happy 17′th Birthday, Steve.