My Grandpa passed away in his sleep this morning, September 30th, 2013 at 4 am. It is bitter-sweet as he has longed to be with Jesus for some time now. A little bit about my Grandpa you should know…
My Grandpa was one of the most godly men I’ve ever known. From the time he accepted Christ, he truly lived out what he believed. Just as no one questions a caterpillar morphing into a beautiful butterfly, so it was with Kert. It was the end of his cursing, drinking and smoking, and the beginning of his witnessing about what changed his life. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, became his tune, and heartbeat.
His former drinking buddies asked his girlfriend (my grandma), “Bev what happened to Frisky?” His mom thought he’d lost his mind completely! He studied the scriptures , memorized verses, and went to Bible school where he finished in the top with fabulous grades.
He loved the Word, and he loved his precious Lord! After he married my beautiful grandma, he taught Sunday school for years and did a lot of preaching all over. He was always encouraging his wife to memorize the scriptures.
After they had my mom and aunt, he served at the Mission. My grandma played the piano and their girls would sing. Grandpa was so proud of them! Many came to know Christ as their personal Savior through this ministry.
You could also find him soul winning, and he would come home dripping with excitement because someone had accepted Christ as their Savior. He was BOLD for Christ as an outward response of a miraculous, inward change.
Every day he was on his knees praying for a very long time. Sounds of crying out to God, echoed from his room. His children all knew to respect this special time with His Lord and never interrupted him. How would you know he was finished? You could hear sounds of blowing his nose after a good cry.
My grandma respected the godly man he was and was filled to the brim with deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving him to her.
Everything about Christ’s character, flowed from his life. Suppertime was not an exception. He would go over and over a verse until the kids memorized it.
My sweet grandfather has been sick for over fifteen long years now, with a debilitating disease, similar to Parkinsons (Lewy Body Disease). But today he is sitting at breakfast, sipping coffee with his Jesus. What joy we have that we will see him again in eternity!
His Bible is worn, and contains many stains from his tears. What a legacy he has left to me, his granddaughter! He loved to read about D.L. Moody, William Barkley, and greatly admired Billy Graham. But this man, Kert Frisk, is now at the top of this great line up of men of the faith!
Thank you for always calling me your precious lady! Your tenderness and affection taught me a lot about what to look for in a husband.
I love you, Grandpa Frisk. Thank you for showing me what true manhood looks like! Meekness, treating women with respect and honor, and loving your Savior and the Word of God. Goodbye for now, we’ll see you in Heaven very soon.
Conny says
So sorry for your loss … however, sounds like it is definitely heaven’s gain!! You are very blessed to have had such a godly grandfather.
Lynn says
Wow….beautiful Traci. Thanks for sharing….
Laurie A Boland says
The most beautiful Tribute I have ever read. Having known your Grandfather years ago, I can say wholeheartedly, what a wonderfully understanding and kind man he was. God Bless you and your family.
Christy B says
Thank you for putting this so eloquently into words!!! Hope you read this at his memorial! Love you Sis!
AJ Collins says
What a beautiful memorial to what sounds like an amazing man! Brought tears to my eyes and I didn’t even know him. I am sorry for your loss, but I am happy for him and the fact that he is no longer in pain… and he gets to hang out with Jesus. Sounds like a blessing to me!
Heather says
That’s beautiful, Traci! So sorry that you all will be missing him, but that is wonderful that he is in Heaven!!
Susan Allen Panzica says
That was a beautiful tribute. What a gift to be raised in a godly family. My mother-in-law passed away last week. I wish I could say some of these things about her. She was very good to me, don’t get me wrong, but neither my in-laws nor my parents had any true understanding about the Lord. I do believe they accepted Christ before they died. God gave us confirmations on that, but how wonderful it would have been for them to know His peace, love, and grace this side of eternity. What a blessing for you and your family.
Anonymous says
Beautiful tribute to your grandfather Traci. My condolences on your loss. May your memories, God’s grace, and your faith and knowledge that your grandfather is with Him sustain you through your mourning.
Hugs and love, Amy from GSL
Melody Olson says
I am sorry for your loss Traci but, oh my goodness what a sweet tribute to an amazing God loving man. Thank for writing this. And yes, when a christian man or woman leaves earth it is never good bye but, until we meet again!!! love ya.
jenni ho-huan says
what a lovely testament. thanks traci.