A Daughter's Gratitude on FATHER'S DAY



September 1945
Dad on leave in Wisconsin
posing with his three children 



Daniel F. Baugniet served in the military during WWII. Though he never saw combat, Daniel fully realized what was expected of soldiers, and the likelihood of his being shipped to a warfront. His first cousin had joined the Army in 1941, and received the Purple Heart after being seriously wounded.

While my father served in the military, my mother accepted the responsibility of maintaining a normal home life. Once the war ended, Dad arrived home safely. He was prepared once again to support and care for his family, which had increased to four children upon my birth in late 1945.



Dad holding Gail while wading
in the cold water of Lake Michigan
1947 

Although soft-spoken, Dad's infectious laughter sent a wave of smiles around the room at any gathering. Throughout his life, he was affectionately known to family and friends as Danny. He was from "the old school" where part-time side businesses supplemented the salary of a 40-hour a week job; and wildlife, fresh fish, and home-raised chickens complemented grocery store purchases.

His family never experienced hunger - or a lack of desserts. Dad loved to finish off meals with something sweet. We didn't know we were "spoiled" with daily helpings of ice cream, homemade pies, and bakery goods. Sunday morning breakfast meant bacon and eggs, topped off with frosted coffee cake with raisins.

If he wasn't working or fishing, Dad spent his time maintaining or fixing things around the house. Then he started building and selling residential homes on property we had called "the back yard" most of our lives. Friday night was one of the few times he relaxed in front of the television. He enjoyed watching boxing (Rocky Marciano and Sonny Liston come to mind), some wrestling, and Gunsmoke. He and Mom had several card clubs that filled their Saturday evenings, late into the night with midnight "snacks" - served to counter the brandy old-fashioneds.


50th Wedding Anniversary
celebration at Fox Hills in Wisconsin

Dad died in 2004. I am extremely grateful that I was granted the opportunity to know my father and enjoy his love and quiet sense of humor for almost sixty years.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Dad, and Aloha

to all fathers on this Sunday of celebration!

*****