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Hometown, state: Hubertus, Wis.
Age: 70
Family (spouse/partner; child, grandchildren): My wife Wilma and two grown children.
Hobbies/Interests: Building equipment from scrap parts (example: wood splitter trailer for hauling). Gardening, hunting and traveling.
Favorite quote: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Date of ALS diagnosis: December 1, 2006
Tell us about your life before ALS: I repaired heavy equipment before and after retirement from Miller-Bradford & Rifberg, heavy equipment dealership. We enjoyed turkey and goose hunting. Flowers and vegetable garden, plus traveling, were our big things.
Tell us about your life with ALS: My wife still took me hunting even in the wheelchair until I couldn’t hold the gun. We made a trip to the east coast in October 2007, went to bluegrass concerts and out to dinner with friends.
Do you have a “life motto” or profound words to live by? “Make the most of each day and love one another.”
Has there been an “aha!” moment or a specific turn of events that has helped you live with ALS? My son moved back to Wisconsin from Colorado with a lateral job move and his wife got a new job back here in order to be here to help.
Tell us how ALS has brought new significance to any aspect of your life — family, attitude, hobbies/passions, career, etc.: I always loved my family, but with all the sacrifices made by my family, my wife’s family, neighbors and friends, my appreciation is much stronger.
Is there anything else about you and/or ALS that you want to share with people who read your story? ALS has made me so thankful for the 67 years of good health that I had before ALS struck. Love, appreciate and do for family and friends while you are able because what goes around comes around.
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