Harold "Bud" Mondorf - 2/6/01

We gather together this morning to remember the life and mourn the death of Harold “Bud” Mondorf.

In the Bible we read,

Ecc. 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot

a time to kill and a time to heal

a time to tear down and a time to build

a time to weep and a time to laugh

a time to mourn and a time to dance

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them

a time to embrace and a time to refrain

a time to search and a time to give up

a time to keep and a time to throw away

a time to tear and a time to mend

a time to be silent and a time to speak

a time to love and a time to hate

a time for war and a time for peace.

This is a time for remembering, a time for grief, a time to comfort one another and a time to seek God.  So with that in mind, will you pray with me?

Our Father, we bow before you at this gravesite stunned at how hollow and empty it all feels.  We need your comfort, we need your perspective, we need You.  Help us to remember and lead us to hope.  Amen

Mr. Harold J. better known as “Bud” Mondorf Sr. was born August 11, 1932 in Keokuk Iowa to Harold W. and Dorothy I Stice Mondorf.

Bud served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict.

Bud married Helen Allen in Galesburg on June 13, 1968 after dating for many years.

Bud worked at the Burlington Basket Company until he had a stroke in 1982.  Many thought he wouldn’t have much of a life after the stroke.  He proved them all wrong. In 1999 He and Helen moved to La Harpe.

Mr. Mondorf died suddenly on February 5, 2001.  he was 68 years old.

He is survived by his wife; 3 daughters:

Cheryl Ann Sears of Springfield MO.

Kathy Fisher of Burlington Iowas

Christy Kienast of La Harpe

Two Sons,

Charles Waterman of Fort Madison, IA

Harold Mondorf Jr. of Burlington

In addition, there are 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and one uncle, Wayne Mondorf, of Carman, Ill, which survive him.

I really didn’t know Bud except for meeting him at Christy’s wedding.  It sounds like I would have enjoyed him.

Bud Mondorf was a strong man.  He had a strong spirit, which helped him through his recovery from his stroke.  And he also had strong opinions.  He wasn’t afraid to let you know what he thought about something.

He had a good mind.  He loved to read anything he could get his hands on.  He especially liked history and politics.  Bud was one of those guys who was able to remember all kinds of trivia.  In fact, his love for trivia would often lead to Jeopardy debates during dinner.

Bud was a man you could talk to for hours and still be fascinated by what he knew.  He loved the Internet and the wealth of information that was available online.

Bud enjoyed going camping, fishing, hunting and though not a “craftsman”, was also quite handy.  He enjoyed playing pool.  He admittedly liked to drink.  He was fond of saying ,”just one more and I’m going to bed.”

Bud saw grocery shopping as a challenge.  He would save his coupons and study the sale flyers.  He knew where to go to get the best price on everything.  He hated the crowds but enjoyed the adventure.

Bud loved baseball.  He watched or listened to all of the Cub games . . . which says something about his endurance.

He loved Riley and Peanut (his dogs) and though at times he would tell you he didn’t want Riley around any more, he would have never let that dog go.

Bud enjoyed Dixieland Jazz, (and Jazz with Judy on KBUR), he liked the Big Bands and was particularly fond on Ernie Tubbs.  He was frequently heard singing, “When the world has turned you down, I’ll be there.”  To Bud that really was more than a song, it was the way he felt about his family.

Bud didn’t have a good home life as he was growing up and so he felt very insecure about his own fathering abilities.  He wanted to be a good dad but didn’t know what that meant.

He wasn’t a real demonstrative guy.  But if you had a problem he would make you feel better.  He loved to take Christy for walks and ice cream at Crapo Park.

He wanted to be friends with his kids.  He wasn’t real comfortable around babies but he sure loved watching the kids.  Everything the kids ever gave him he kept.  They were his special treasures and he remembered the occasion of each little trinket.  To him, they were declarations of love and affection.

He supported the choices of his kids even when he didn’t agree with them.  When he was asked for advice, he gave it.  He welcomed the spouses of his children as part of the family.

Bud Mondorf may not have felt adequate as a dad, but he had a Father’s heart and his kids cherished him for it   They wouldn’t have traded him.  Bud was a loving husband to his wife, Helen for 33 years. He was a happy man that savored life and cherished his family.  Not a bad epitaph when you think about it.  All those who knew him and loved him will miss him.

In the Bible, King David wrote,

 Psalm 103:13-18 (NLT) The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.  For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.  Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.  The wind blows, and we are gone as though we had never been here.  But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him.  His salvation extends to the children=s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments.

I share these words with you because as you grieve your loss, I remind you of several things.  First, I remind you that this life is not all there is.  The Bible tells us that everyone who has placed his or her faith in Christ will live beyond the grave.  So we entrust Bud to the Lord who knew His heart.

But the second thing I want you to see is that even though death takes those we love from us, the Lord has promised to stand by our side forever.  He understands your loss.  He knows all those things you wish you had done or said.  He is aware of the regrets that you carry.  He can help us through the tough times.

The Bible tells us that Jesus came to earth for the sole purpose of giving his life for us.  He wanted to give us a new start.  He wanted us to know life as it was meant to be.  God loves you.  He is there for you in this time of sadness.

When you love somebody greatly, you will miss them greatly when they die.  So, it is right and proper that you grieve.  There is nothing wrong with tears. They can be a testimony of love.  But in your grieving I encourage you to turn to the Lord.  Tap into the strength that the He gives.  Place your hope in God’s promise of life beyond the grave.  Let Him help you.

It sounds to me like you have many rich blessings to be grateful for.  I know this loss has been sudden.  I know there was more you wanted to do and share together.  But I also know that you have been blessed.  And as you mourn your loss I hope you will also celebrate your blessing.

Will you pray with me?

Father, we entrust Bud now to you.  You alone know his heart.  We ask that you would deal with him in your mercy.

I pray Father for this family.  I ask that you draw them close to each other.  Help them also to draw close to you.  Keep their memories rich and clear.  Help them to remember the things Bud taught them.  And to remember how much he loved them.  Give them the strength they will need for the days ahead.  I ask in the name of Christ.  Amen.