Encouragement from the family bible

A typewritten letter to my father is filed in the hardbound bible on his bookshelf (apparently at a random page, 2 Esdras 6). Walter P. Rynkiewicz was 28 when his father Walter V. Rynkiewicz died at 1 p.m. May 25, 1959 at St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee. Michael J. Dunn was an attorney for whom my father had done legal work.

Milwaukee
May 28, 1959

Dear Wally:

Mrs. Dunn and I were indeed surprised when we learned of the death of your father and she joins me in extending our sympathy to you.

You face a rather unusual experience. A few days ago you were a son with a father with whom you could discuss problems and upon whom you could call for advice. Now, however, it will seem as though a veil has lifted, you must make your own decisions and now you take over solely as a father.

You will miss your father very much but don't forget, Wally, that you are well on the road to success. You have an excellent reputation and a good future, all of which your father shared with you and, no doubt, pleased him immensely. That meant a great deal to him and should ease your grief very much.

Sincerely yours,

Michael J. Dunn