09/13/2025
I lost my grandpas when I was just child. When I met my friend Amber, I was in awe of her super hero grandpa, Foot. If you didn’t get to meet him, Foot was a larger than life teddy bear. He was stern, direct, hard working, and kind. He took on my grandpa role, even walking me in my Miss Riponfest pageant. His son, Jim, was the same way; but way more goofy. Ambers dad is singing to the radio, like a crazy “old” guy to Nelly, in many of my memories. He literally sang Nellys Country Grammar to me the entire way from Waukesha after we dropped Amber at college. Here I was crying and the man was rapping me back to happiness.
Foot and Jim were superheroes in our community. Both serving on the fire department and EMS squads in Ripon. We lost both of them far too early, although forever would still be too soon.
Jeremy is the beautiful reminder we have every day of these 2 great men. I was so happy that he humored his favorite, non blood auntie, to do a surprise senior photo shoot for his mom.
This memorial proudly stands in front of Ripon Area Fire Department in honor of two great men, he follows in the footsteps of. Jeremy is talented, funny, compassionate, smart, and is ready to take on the world.
Jeremy, I’m so proud of you. For all you have been through and all you will be. Your passion for people, family, friends, doing the right thing. Wherever you land in this world, I know you will work hard and spread good in the world. Keep believing in yourself, keep striving for your goals, and I hope someday you prove me wrong and end up in the MLB someday without having to eat your vegetables. 🤭 I love you kiddo 🥰🥰🥰