To Barb, Margrit, Bernd, Douglas, Krissy, Eric and all your loves,

 This is cousin Karen from Canada.  I have waited until you near Peters' celebration of life so that this is fresh for me to feel like I'm there in some way as I wish I could be.  I was with my Mom, Tante Trudy, last time I saw dear Peter.  As from childhood I have a clear memory of Peters' laughter.  We were having a gathering in the kitchen of the "house in the woods" as I'd remember it and of course there was wonderfull food.  My Tante Ursel, Mom, grandma to you darlins, was being cared for and visited by her little sis, my mom.  35 years ago tante Ursel taught me to bake her famous buttery Poofa cake.  No recepie!  Hand over hand she guided me and I brought my latest one to test and have her and my cousins critique so that I'd be sure to carry the legacy well.  Tante Ursel praised my effort but let me know it was not as light as hers, "did you whip the egg whites to stiffness and fold them in?" ooopps, I forgot:)   Peter was sooo kind as he laughed and his eyes twinkled and affirmed his mom but put me at ease as his laughter told his mom, "now Mom, no one is ever going to make this cake as well as you"!  then he cut another big slice and passed it around for others to enjoy.  The cake is in the mail to you so look for it, Barb.  I sure hope it makes it for the 22 or 23rd.  Pete's laugh was sometimes a loud explosion of delight, I remember that it rang out at Uncle Klaus and aunty Carols when I was a teen at our family reunion in Ottawa, I remember it from childhood when we visited and it came easily in delight as he showed off his strength or teased us. Yes, I remember his teasing.  It was good.  

  Margrit, I know you will miss him when you make your business and family visits to the US.  I know your children will miss thier kind uncle, children and grandchildren will miss his big hugs and loving hands.  Barb, my heart is with you as you miss your love.  I am praying for comfort for all of you and special times of memory making in your lives and families as you continue in the legacy Hubby, Dad, brother, grandpa and uncle has left you.  I have a nephew who has recently become a stone mason as well and he loves it.  I've been able to encourage him because of what I remember of Petes' diligent and artistic work.  I will ever remember the huge and marvelous fire place in "the hous in the woods".

  As you gather, family and friends, listen for his laugh in his boys, think of the things he'd say that he'd begin to laugh at even before we would.  I bless you into a wonder filled time of peace and grace, heavens comfort and love as you are all in my prayers and heart.  PS. sometimes when I hear Dieter laugh, (as Ingrid said earlier in her condolence sent on behalf of our family of cousins and Mom), I hear Peter's  as well.  

  Love and hugs, cousin Karen and her family.