A Louisiana Little Bit: April 2012

Honored to know you

April 29, 2012

There are very few men I've loved the in my life, but even fewer that I've lost. My paternal grandfather was someone I've only heard about-he died long before I was brought into this world. My maternal grandfather, Poppop, born Lionel T Ortego, was the best grandfather anyone could dream of and I credit most of my love for Louisiana, LSU and Baton Rouge to Popop.

When I first met Ben's Nonnie and Paw Paw Kleinpeter, I couldn't help but think they and Pop and Grandma Rose would have been great friends had they not lived many miles apart. Both sets of grandparents served their country in the military, valued family, the Catholic faith and loved their grandkids.

It wasn't until after Poppop left this world I realized just how similar he and pawpaw Tom were, regardless of their many professional differences – Poppop was a liquefied petroleum gas manager and Louisiana public servant while PawPaw Tom was a dairy farmer that helped build a great local business. I can't help but think those two men would have been up to no good on the weekends had their lives crossed paths.

I have wonderful memories of playing at Pop and Grandma’s and specifically remember being outside in Pop’s camp and running in the yard. I often wish I had the chance to spend time with my grandfather again, especially as adult. PawPaw Tom and Pop were so similar; I sometimes felt my visits with PawPaw would have been parallel to the wishful visits with Poppop. I treasured every minute, visiting regularly with PawPaw Tom and sitting around his table listening to stories from his childhood, Mr. Bud’s childhood and Ben’s upbringing as well as his time at St. Stanislaus and in the military. It warmed my heart to hear PawPaw talk fondly about his visit to my hometown church, Immaculate Conception Church, for Ben and my wedding. It reminded PawPaw of his old St. George Church. He was always a gentleman and asked regularly about my folks and sisters.

More than my visits, I am delighted my Graham was able to spend so much time with him. Graham looked forward, even as a young toddler, to visiting his PawPaw. He woke each Wednesday and asked if it was his day with PawPaw. Following a visit, he came home talking about PawPaw’s tractor and the corn to feed the deer. PawPaw and Graham sat and counted deer over and over. I know Graham will forever remember his time with PawPaw Tom and for that I am thankful.

Rest in peace PawPaw Tom. I know you will be delighted to reunite with your love Nonnie.

Pop, Grandma Rose, PawPaw Curry and T-Will please take care of this man that was loved so much by so many, especially by this cajun girl that only knew him for 14 short years. I am forever grateful he was the type of man my husband and son can strive to become and extremely honored to have known him.

Thomas Gibbens Kleinpeter, Sr.

August 9, 1923 - April 29, 2012