Remembering Timothy Series

Tim Dauenhauer Remembrance

May 25, 2007

Willoughby Cemetery

1. This is Memorial Day weekend, a day on the civil calendar for remembering and honoring those who have given their lives in battle.

2. It is also a special weekend for another reason. Our brother Tim Dauenhauer went home to be with the Lord on this weekend. Last year on May 28, Tim was suddenly transported from earth to heaven to be with the Lord.

a. We have gathered here at the Willoughby Cemetery almost a year later to remember Tim and honor his name as a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend.

3. Scripture Reading - Psalm 84.

4. We gather in this cemetery to consider the place marked for remembrance. Many people visit this place and put flowers on the graves of those they have lost in years past.

a. By Monday this piece of land will look much like a flower garden. It will be like a beautiful park representing the precious memories of loved ones.

b. It is the place where people come to place their mementos upon the markers to assist them in remembering.

5. We remember several things about Tim today. What is it that Tim loved more than anything else in the world?

a. He loved his family and friends.

i. He felt passionate about the people around this place. God placed into his life a beautiful wife and daughter. They were the heartbeat of his life. Every day was a joyous moment to interact with them.

ii. He loved his circle of family and friends. It showed in their remembrance of him. Remember the memorial service we have last year? The amount of people that came out to pay respect was a remarkable tribute to his relationships.

b. He loved the City of Willoughby

i. It is so apropos that his memorial marker would be here right behind downtown Willoughby. He worked for the city of Willoughby. He kept it beautiful, safe and effective.

ii. This is his resting place. It is right in the heart of the city where each day the traffic and commotion of the streets remind us of the quality of life he helped make possible. The sounds of the city surround him.

c. He loved soccer

i. It is the open space of a field that kids and adults enjoy the game he coached.

ii. This park is a place where people rest after the life they lived is over.

iii. There comes a time when the game clock stops for everyone. This place is a constant reminder of the grass Tim loved for the game he coached.

d. He loved the Lord

i. This is the most important thing to remember. Because Tim loved Jesus he is with the Lord.

ii. Tim was a man of faith. Tim’s hope for the future is that his life would still be used by God and his influence of faith would be imprinted on his daughter, his wife and to all that knew him.

6. It is a beautiful thing to know that there are those who remember us even after we are gone.

a. This park is a place for people to gather in remembrance. It is a place surrounded by the handiwork of God.

b. The presence of God is seen among the flowers, the wind, the people and the memorials. The wind that passes through the gate, past the headstones are reminders of Tim’s presence among us. He cannot be seen, but he can be felt.

c. Here is a place to connect to the hope of reunion. We know Tim is waiting for us. Someday we will join him.

7. May God bless you.