Father's Day: Celebrating the Men Who Show Up, Love Deeply, and Reflect the Heart of God

From Dad Jokes to Lifelong Wisdom: SJE Families Share What Makes Their Fathers So Special

Father's Day invites us to pause and reflect on the men who have shaped our lives.

Some dads are funny. Some are thoughtful. Some are quiet. Some are larger than life. Most are a beautiful combination of strengths, imperfections, sacrifices, and unconditional love.

No father is perfect. Yet every father is wonderfully and intentionally created by God.

As Catholics, Father's Day also reminds us that no matter our earthly experience of fatherhood, we are never without a Father. God reveals Himself not only as Creator and King but as a loving, merciful, and tender Father who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.

Earthly fathers give us glimpses of that divine love. Through their sacrifices, protection, guidance, laughter, and presence, they help us understand something of God's fatherly heart.

This Father's Day, several St. John the Evangelist families shared what makes the fathers in their lives so special. Their stories remind us that often the greatest gift a father can give is simply showing up—with love, faith, patience, and sometimes a really good dad joke.

A Dad Who Makes Every Moment Count

LOUIE CAIN, from his wife:

"Louis was made to be a dad!"

Both of our girls are absolutely obsessed with their daddy. His family is his number one priority, and it shows in everything he does. Whether he's hosting dance parties to Disney princess songs or asking our daughters, "How did you get so cute?" before covering them with kisses, his joy in fatherhood is unmistakable.

At every stage of their lives he says, "I'm already so sad thinking about them growing up. This age is just so precious."

His daughters may adore him, but it's clear he treasures them just as much.

Providing More Than a Home

BOB STEFANIK, from his wife:

Bob is not only a physical and financial provider for his family; he is a spiritual provider.

He models faith in daily life and shares his joyful spirit with everyone around him. Parishioners know that whenever Bob is nearby, laughter is likely to follow because no one ever knows what he might say next.

The Power of Showing Up

RON RADO, from his children:

"One of the best things you can do for your loved ones is to show up."

Ron has spent a lifetime doing exactly that.

Whether attending school events, sporting competitions, birthdays, or offering support from thousands of miles away, he consistently shows up with compassion, calmness, selflessness, and love.

His children recognize that his faithful presence has been one of the greatest gifts he has given them.

Bringing Joy Into Everyday Life

DAN KUNDRAT, from his wife and son:

Dan is the official family errand runner, but his greatest talent may be making people laugh.

His creative Lego adventures and stuffed-animal skits produce some of the biggest belly laughs in the house, especially from his son Grayson.

When asked what makes his dad special, Grayson offered a simple but powerful answer:

"My dad is happy, kind, and funny. He is always good. He is the best dad ever!"

A Father You Can Always Count On

JOE SKREZYNA, from his daughter:

If something needs fixing, building, repairing, or creating, Joe is the "genius" for the job.

More importantly, he is the kind of father who never fails to show up when it matters most.

From rescuing his wife during a blizzard to rushing behind an ambulance carrying his daughter, Joe's reliability and love have become hallmarks of who he is.

His daughter sums it up beautifully:

"God has blessed me with an amazing dad, and I pray that this Father's Day he feels the love from the Lord and from those around him."

The Rock of the Family

RICK ZIEGELHOFER, from his wife:

Rick is the rock of his family. Strong, dependable, hardworking, and protective, he has given his children the confidence and security that come from having a father who is fully present.

He also keeps everyone entertained through his ongoing battles with wildlife invading his landscaping and his legendary "Rick Z" stories and rants.

Faithful Through Every Season

LORENZO VEGA, from his wife:

Parenting two children under three is no easy task. Yet through sleepless nights, potty training adventures, and building a business, Lorenzo continues to provide comic relief with his signature humor.

His wife says his favorite line, "We can always make another one," has become a memorable source of laughter during the chaos of raising young children.

Remembering Fathers in Heaven

MIKE MILLERICK, from his wife

Father's Day can also be bittersweet.

Mike's wife remembers a life filled with blessings: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family vacations, boating adventures, and countless home improvement projects.

While she misses Mike deeply, Father's Day reminds her that love does not end with death.

She turns to her Heavenly Father and asks Him to wish some of her favorite dads a Happy Father's Day.

A Coach, Mentor, and Partner

RICHARD GOGGIN, from his wife:

Rich worked hard so his wife could stay home with their children, but his contribution extended far beyond providing financially.

Whether helping with the younger children, coaching sports teams, or spending decades teaching young athletes, he invested himself fully in his family. After 25, he is still coaching today.

His wife remains grateful for the faithful partner God gave her to help raise their family.

Dad Through the Eyes of His Daughters

MICHAEL LAURENTI, from his children:

Sophia:"My dad always puts us first, he protects us, and loves us with his whole heart."

Vittoria:"I love my dad because he makes me feel safe and loved. He helps me with sports and school. He grills really good, too."

Lucia:"I love my dad because he is nice and sweet and does so much for me. He also gives me really yummy T-bone steaks."

Sometimes children capture fatherhood best through simple truths.

Teaching Lessons That Last

JOSH SCHULTZ, from his wife:

Josh is a devoted father who intentionally teaches his son valuable life lessons.

Whether encouraging him to "keep your head on a swivel," sharing business lessons through sports card collecting, or grounding him in faith, Josh is helping shape the man his son will become.

Reflecting the Heart of the Father

KHALIL HATTAR, from his wife:

Khalil's patience and love for his children offer a beautiful reflection of God's love.

He creates memories, sparks laughter, and makes each child feel uniquely loved and valued.

His wife says it best: "Khalil's love for his children gives us a glimpse of the heart of the Father."

The Father We All Need

These stories remind us that fatherhood is not measured by perfection. It is measured by presence.

It is found in the dad who coaches one more season, fixes one more broken toy, attends one more game, says one more prayer, tells one more joke, or offers one more hug.

This Father's Day, we thank God for the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and spiritual fathers who have helped shape our lives.

And we thank our Heavenly Father, whose perfect love is the source of every good fatherly gift. Happy Father's Day from all of us at St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Share Your Favorite Dad Story!

We're collecting more stories for a future Father's Day feature.

Is your husband the king of dad jokes? Does your father have a legendary one-liner, unforgettable wisdom, or a hilarious mishap that your family still talks about years later?

We want to hear it!

Send your favorite funny memory, heartwarming story, or meaningful quote to Lynda Hemmerling at lhemmerling@stjohnparish.org. Photos are welcome too.

Your story could inspire another family, spark a smile, or remind someone of the incredible gift of fatherhood.

We can't wait to celebrate more of the amazing fathers who help make our parish family so special.