Martin Herleman was a proud, honest man, who believed in hard work and loyalty. He was also, our favorite Uncle.

I became a member of the Herleman-Kissinger family when I fell in love and married Jack Martin Kissinger 25 years ago. Jack was named after his Uncle Martin and wasted no time telling me wonderful stories of his family growing up and spending summers on the farm in New Jersey. One of the first stories I heard was of Uncle Martin putting Jack in the milk cooler when he was a boy because Jack wouldn't stop pestering him.

Through the years, Aunt Lydia and Uncle Martin visited us about every 6 months. We always looked forward to seeing them. Jack and Uncle Martin spent hours fishing and hunting together, and every evening we'd laugh about the day's events around the dinner table. Uncle Martin had a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. Jack is so much like Uncle Martin in that respect-- when the two of them were together there was always pranks, jokes, and laughter. Jack says Uncle Martin told him, "Don't ever grow up!"

Thankfully, we all have the precious memories of good times spent with Uncle Martin that will remain with us forever. We'll remember his firm handshake and his famous "bear" hugs. Family reunions camping out by the creek, telling tales and laughing around big barn fires, the taste of freshly picked sweet corn, hot-air balloons, getting thrown into the pool. Jack belly-bumping Uncle Martin in the pool, and Gene yelling run for the hills because we all knew when Uncle Martin crawled out of that water with his long pants, belt, and work boots on we were going to be in for it!

Uncle Martin and Aunt Lydia would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in July. This special couple has always been an inspiration to Jack and me. They were soul mates who raised two beautiful children together, loved and cherished one another through happy and sad times, triumphs and hardships, celebrations and disappointments, sickness and health. They traveled life's road supporting and loving one another right to the end. Their faith in God and eternal life held strong and their devotion to one another never faltered.

Uncle Martin, with your passing, we've all come to realize the importance of family heritage. Values and beliefs, traditions and lessons are passed down through generations. Thank you for instilling in us strong family bonds . . . strong enough to celebrate joy and withstand pain. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace.

Wanda Kissinger