Relevant Radio is a mosaic: a mosaic of voices, countless listeners around the globe, thousands of generous supporters, dozens of regional radio companies, and souls praying for our success constitute our great mission. This month, Relevant Radio honored one of our longtime donors by dedicating a pine tree in his memory.
This donor’s virtue and generosity moved our team at Relevant Radio and we wanted to share his beautiful life story.
Peter was born in the 1930’s in Central Wisconsin. His childhood was joyful. His parish priest often remarked that he was the best Latin-speaking altar boy in the church community. In fact, Peter was often reprimanded for ringing the bells too loudly and for too long during the Consecration. After college, Peter served in the Army in Germany, operating a truck on both sides of the infamous Berlin Wall.
After serving in the military, Peter continued his life of service stateside. He worked for his community at the United States Postal Service. When his mother passed away, he retired from the USPS and became the full-time caretaker of his father, John. He chauffeured, cleaned the house, ran errands, arranged medical appointments, and dispensed medication for more than a decade. When asked about his work – Peter said he loved every minute of it. That is the kind of guy Peter was.
When his father passed on to meet our Lord and reunite with his mother, Peter took care of his father’s property. Peter loved his trees. He would harvest lumber for milling or sell it for pulp. His favorite trees were red and white pine.
Since Relevant Radio was founded, Peter has been an incredible advocate. He shared our mission with his friends and family – creating tons of avid listeners. He was incredibly generous in supporting Relevant Radio, always requesting anonymity, and refusing any premium. He started a daily Divine Mercy Chaplet group at his parish and encouraged his fellow parishioners to tune in to the Divine Mercy Chaplet on The Drew Mariani Show when they were away.
When the staff at Relevant Radio heard of his passing, we sought a way to celebrate Peter’s life of service and generosity.
This past month, Relevant Radio dedicated a White Pine on its campus in Peter’s memory. As he always preferred anonymity, there’s no last name on the sign. This article too omits his last name – as he would’ve wished.
The purpose of this article is to inspire YOU. How can you be more like Peter? How can you serve your country, your community, and your family – in silence, without seeking compliments or celebration?
Do you “ring the bells too loudly” for the Eucharist in your life?
Please come visit Relevant Radio’s new Headquarters in Lincolnshire, IL next time you’re nearby.
You’ll see a handsome, tall White Pine — Peter’s Pine.
