[All Church] Dennis

[Melissa Unruh]

Friends and Family,

 

Dennis passed away yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at home in his own bed surrounded by his family including his 91-year-old mother. Through his life, Dennis thoroughly enjoyed the company of others and was a "people person" in every sense of the phrase. His passing was just the way he would have wanted his last earthly moments to be - in the company of those who loved him the most. We were so blessed to have had these days with Jerry's dad and his family. Jerry and I were able to talk with his dad and share with him our deepest thoughts and emotions on Monday evening when he was still relatively alert. Speaking had become increasingly difficult for Dennis during this past week so he didn't say much as we talked with him, but tears rolled down his cheeks continuously letting us know he heard and felt every word. We are so very thankful that we had that opportunity with him.

 

 

Thank you all again for your e-mails and prayers. We appreciate them all. We know that prayers have been lifted up for us because some of them have already been answered. Jerry's brother, sister and their sigificant others from Colorado and California were able to rearrange their work schedules and interviews with no hassle so that they'll all be able to stay for the funeral. Jerry's younger brother, who had been facing a difficult finacial situation due to the many recent trips he's made to Illinois and due to the planning of his upcoming wedding, was just offered an job opporotunity in addition to his current employment. We feel so loved by you all.

 

You should be able to read Jerry's dad's obituary at the following: www.pantagraph.com on Saturday. The visitation will be held at the Reustman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso on Sunday from 1-5pm. The funeral will be Monday at 2pm at the Baptist Church.

 

love, 

Melissa and Jerry

 

 

 

 

Several of you already know that Jerry's dad (Dennis) is not doing well. I've received various e-mails and phone calls so I thought I would just send out a quick mass e-mail.
 
Jerry's dad has multiple myeloma (cancer of the blood). His overall health has been declining since just after Easter. Most recently, he was admitted last Monday at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago. Tuesday the doctors confirmed that his liver was failing and told Jerry's mom to have her family come home to be with Dennis. We all met in Chicago last Wedensday and stayed until Saturday. Last Friday they confirmed that the liver was in fact failing due to aggressive myeloma. So, we took him home on Saturday. Since then we all (12 of us) have been staying at my in-laws home to spend time with Dennis before he passes. 
 
Many of you have been praying for us and we really appreciate that. You can continue to pray:
 
a) that work conflicts would be resolved for our family members. Jerry's younger brother and sister and their significant others flew from Colorado and California and are beginning to have a difficult time finding people to cover for them at work. Jerry's mom has absolutely no sick leave or vacation time left and has to work from home to continue to recieve insurance for Dennis.
b) for relief of the financial strain this has been on the family.
c) for peace in our hearts about the whole situation
d) for Jerry's dad's salvation
 
Thanks once again for all your thoughts and prayers during a very sad time for all of us.
 
Jerry and I don't get cell phone reception at his parent's house (they live in rural Carlock). So we are not able to make or receive callls on our cell phones. I haven't been able to check my voice mail messages except when I drive to Bloomington to do so. His parent's also have dial-up interent. So we haven't been checking our e-mail except when we make quick trips to Bloomington. Feel free to call Jerry's parent's house number (309)376-6861 if you need to get in touch with us.
 
Thank you again,
Melissa (and Jerry)
 
Also, thanks to whoever mowed our yard last week!


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