I would like to acknowledge my dad, Arnold Biedermann, on his 80th birthday, Dec. 15, 2009. He has been a pillar in the community for nearly 64 years. Below are memories, for which I am thankful of my dad:

Wow, do I ever have an awesome dad.

My dad could blow his arm up. I remember when I was little; I could not get enough of asking my dad to blow his arm up. I would sit on his lap and he would put his thumb in his mouth, his cheeks would be full, and he would blow and make his arm huge.

My dad always had our bikes in working order.

My dad would take us to Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone or to A&W for a root beer.

My dad kept the vehicles in working order and the cleanest in the neighborhood.

My dad would take us for motorcycle rides.

My dad is the most gentle, kind man I know.

My dad is a good listener.

My dad always held his tongue, until this last year, when he would start in about my cat in front of my nephews and niece. (He’s been out of politics for a long stretch.)

My dad water-skied over a jump on the Mississippi River near Guttenberg, Iowa.

My dad had the neatest aunt and uncle. (Haulda and Carl who lived in the hallows of Guttenberg, Iowa.)

My dad looks good in whatever he wears, be it jeans, shorts, a T-shirt, swim trunks and even a polyester suit.

My dad is the only dad that I know who has a 78. (A 78 record of him singing The Lord’s Prayer.)

My dad could do the coolest little man in the water. We would ask him to do his little man every time we went swimming.

My dad is so considerate; he helps with the dishes, vacuuming and other chores.

My dad has a green thumb. The yard always looks green and lush and the shrubs pruned.

My dad spent hours clipping and grooming our dog, “Pepi.”

My dad rarely ever raised his voice or hand.

My dad would take time to show me around or talk when I would stop in to see him at the office while at the library.

My dad has kissed another besides my mom; Annie, “Rescue Annie” that is. We would go camping with the other firemen’s families when my dad had fire training or instructed CPR classes.

My dad took his vacation time and helped me with my bathroom faucets and floor. I learned a lot.

My dad took time off work to take me to the doctor to stitches in my chin after falling on the ice in second grade.

How many kids have lived with Santa for most of their life?

My dad gave me a tennis racket the summer before 10th grade. He made me feel very special. (I still have the tennis racket.)

My dad treats my mom like a queen. He loves her, cherishes her, is patient, kind, considerate and more.

My dad bought me a pair of blue earrings and presented it to me at breakfast the morning of a swim meet. Thank you, Dad, for making that special.

Wow, do I have an awesome dad.

Anita Biedermann

former Tribune paper girl

Sacramento, Calif.