I am the Grandaughter of two Heroes

Today is Veteran's Day. The kids are home and are settled watching Lighting Baqueem aka CARS. I wanted to take a minute to post some pictures of the heroes in my life.

I am the proud granddaughter of 2 Heroes. Both of my grandfathers served in the US Military; Grandad in the Navy, and Grandpa in the Army.

Commander Otto R. Noetzelman, USNR, Ret.

Grandad is my dad's dad. He passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. I miss him so so so much. I am so grateful for the memories that him and Grandma gave us (she passed in 1996). That is something that no one can ever take away. They had two children, my dad and my Uncle Duke. He had 13 grandchildren, one of which he never met (my sister was pregnant when he passed).

Last Christmas, he was able to come visit for a short 24 hours. It was so wonderful to have him here. He fell in love with Matthew and just loved cuddling him. He was so content to sit and listen to the banter of 5 of his now 13 grandchildren.

The best picture we could get of him with all the kids :) It was very important to me, and I was very glad we at least got this. This was the last time that the older 3 kids were able to see him before he became an angel.
Another picture with Matthew
About a month before he passed, we (Pete, Matthew, my dad and I) went to visit him. He was in RARE form that day. He was so happy, so chipper, so excited to see us. He instantly latched on to Matthew and held him for as long as he could handle. This was the last time I saw him before he passed and I am glad that this 'last' memory of him was such a great one.
Grandad was a US Navy Pilot. He flew in the Korean war (and maybe another?) He had a bunch of model planes, some of which he flew. He LOVED flying and boating. Here he is showing us one of his planes. I have them all upstairs in a basket; eventually they will hang from the ceiling in the boys' room.

This is a favorite picture of him. He is on the right, so young! I am not sure what plane this is but its one of the kinds that he flew!
Although he's no longer here with us, his memory and his legacy lives on. We all miss him dearly, but we know he is in a better place, living a pain free life.


Walter C. Venema


Grandpa recently celebrated his 90th Birthday! He served for 4 years in the Army and was involved in the invasion of Normandy. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart. Him and my Grandma raised 7 children while he taught English in school.

The next generation; cousin Kyle and Grandpa. They have 18 Grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 - 39. I think. Close enough :)
Here is Grandpa with Tyler. Grandma and Grandpa have 33 Great Grandchildren (I hope I counted right!) with many more to come.

I am so proud to be the grandaughter of both of these amazing men.