Arno J. Klinger

When he was only about 23 years old, my father took the biggest risk of his life--he came to America with his wife and two small children. He had no support system here, and never depended on anyone to help him care for his family. As the family grew to include five children, he did the only thing he knew to do--work.

Dad’s main occupation, to which he devoted 40 years, was as a press operator at General Motors. But he was never satisfied with just one job because he wanted a better life and more security for us.

Some of his second jobs included delivering mattresses, working in a putty factory, driving a taxicab, and doing handyman and yard work for a wealthy doctor in Shaker Heights.

Even when he came home from work he got busy around the house. The first house he bought came with a sagging garage. He single-handedly poured a new concrete foundation after jacking the structure up with a few car jacks! At the last house he bought, he dug a well, totally by hand, to water the large fruit and vegetable garden he put in.

Dad had no time for hobbies. Even TV watching was limited to news shows, Lawrence Welk, and sometimes wrestling. But after he retired, I think he secretly had one eye on Mom’s soap operas when he was home!

My father was never a warm, fuzzy kind of Dad. But how he lived and raised us came from love. At times, he appeared to be a stern task-master, but he never expected more from us than he did from himself.

Often, near the end of the day, he would only half-jokingly say, “Well, another day shot to hell and nothing accomplished!”

No, you’re wrong, Dad. You accompanied us to church every Sunday. You instilled in all your children not only a strong work ethic, but also honesty, persistence, and a good moral compass. I would say that’s quite an accomplishment!

Dad shared with me not so long ago that he would have liked to have been a pilot. He would have loved to fly, but was afraid of the uncertainty of persuing that dream. He didn’t want to take the risk because he had a family to support.

Well, Dad, I wish you Godspeed as you finally soar to heaven on angel wings!

With love and gratitude,

Helga Fullerman