FLIEGEL – Erich Where to start to give some insight to the life of a great father, teacher, mentor, and human being. As a young boy he had a simple yet sometimes tough upbringing as did a lot of people back in those days. He was athletic and very much mechanically inclined and always willing to learn and strive to be the best no matter what he was doing. In his earlier years, he loved anything mechanical be it a car, bike, or even a simple clock that needed repair. His earlier days of working were more in the mechanical field and later on he decided to start the trade of welding which was his trade for years to come. Going through the process of learning his craft he rose to the top to be in the elite few that you can truly call a master craftsman. In his chosen profession he also taught and helped several others to be the best at what they did. If you were willing to learn, he would always make the time to teach and encourage you to be the best at what you do. In his spare time dad had a true love for the outdoors, fishing, and camping were always great times spent together even if it meant cleaning fish until 1:00 in the morning, he would be ready to do it all over again the next day. Along with the love of the outdoors he had a true love for modeling especially planes and large scale ships. Nothing was made from a kit, but rather scratch built from a few simple plans and hand crafted to perfection and authenticity right down to the most minute detail. In his later years, as does happen so often, aging and illness started to take its toll as a form of MS virtually left his hands, etc. without feeling and strength. With the progress of time he no longer was able to go fishing but still managed to find a way to carry on with the creation of several large scale works of art. Seldom asking for help, his determination and drive is a true inspiration. As with mother before, you left for a better place with peace and tranquility, reunited as before for eternity. We thank you for the years of nurturing teaching and so much more. You were always there giving your all through good times and bad and never asking for much in return. You taught us patience and kindness to all and so much more which we will carry with us for the rest of our days. Without words being said we always knew you were there and a comfort to know that we had the best friend and father any one could possibly ask for. I watched you take your last breath and words can't describe the great loss that we felt but knowing you are at peace lets us continue our journey of life. Erich is survived by his son Dietmar, daughter Doreen, grandchildren: Liz (Chris) Myhre, Mike (Melodie Briand) Fliegel, Candace (Craig) Kenny; great-grandchildren: Michael Fliegel, Caden and Carleigh Kenny. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.