Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Bubba,

wow in a couples weeks it will be 4 years, man time flies, seems like it was just last night. we miss you so much same as 4 years ago. well all are doing well here, best we can. hunting season is upon us can't wait. godspeed

till next time
mooner

deputy klepadlo
otsego co sheriff

August 28, 2008

John-

Its been too long since I wrote last. While time goes on, you are not forgotten. So many things you have missed, and how much you are still missed.

Deputy Jason Alexander

April 18, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 26, 2007

Bubba~
I am a day late to leave this reflection. However, you were not far from my thoughts yesterday morning and of course throughout the day.. I was not able to get to a computer yesterday to write you..

We were in the Thumb for Labor Day Weekend and managed to get through town to pay our respects...
I am sure everyone is missing you this time of year, Hunting season is upon us.. I too am getting the itch to get out to the woods. I will be hunting this year back home in the thumb. The property by the river hasn't been hunted in years, so there has to be a big one in there.(Good and corn fed) :-)....

Know that I miss you and you are never far from my thoughts..
Enjoy another day of rest and I am sure you and Phil are already swapping stories...

Elyse Meyette
Friend

September 13, 2007

It's a gray, gloomy, rainy day in Northern Michigan; a fitting tribute to the day. It's been three years that your kids have not had their dad. In some ways it seems like longer, in others it seems like you were just here. They miss you. The boys will not go into school right away this morning giving them time to reflect on the day. If the rain lets up, I'm sure we'll make a trip to the end of the runway later today, just to remember. Jordan and Levi have been making preparations for hunting. Levi passed Hunter's Safety this past weekend. They would love to have you here to hunt with them. I think that's what they miss the most. It seems silly to write a note to you, knowing that you know what's going on with us already but it's a small way for us who are still here to remember that you are missed.

Kelly Gunsell

September 12, 2007

Well Bubba it has been three years ago this morning since I last saw you. I can't believe it, time flies. Well we are doing good here, Hunter is getting big. Hunting season is upon us again, I can't wait. I know you know about Phil, hopefully he is in a better place now. Well take care until next time. Godspeed

Amy

Deputy Klepadlo
Otsego County

September 12, 2007

Karissa, Jordan, Levi, Rylee and I went to the Otsego County Police Memorial Service yesterday to honor you and your fellow fallen officers. We all got through the service without tears. Rylee kept us smiling. She couldn't quite figure out what was going on. She is such an easy-going and pleasant baby. She has been a joy. It's too bad that you didn't get to enjoy her as much as I have. Your kids miss you. It was good for them to see you honored once again.

Kelly Gunsell

May 15, 2007

Bubb~
Just thinking of you today.. As I am sure everyone else is in Otsego County..
Hopefully, the policeman memorial day will have a great turn out and that the FOP wreath doesn't look too shabby... I am sure you will have family there as well as most of the department..

Elyse
Friend

May 15, 2007

Bubba~
Just going through my scheduling for the month for work and marked Policeman memorial day on my calendar. Work has been keeping me busy and it seems that I am getting less and less time to kick back.
My plans are to head down town tomorrow for their police memorial thing they do here.. Should be interesting. This will be my first year not in Gaylord for this.
Hope you are doing well and know that you are not far from my thoughts ever.. We were sitting around not too long ago having some beers with friends and I said something that you would have said..I started to laugh and had to tell a story about you..
Regards,
Elyse
Chicago, Illinois

Elyse
Friend

May 14, 2007

Hey Cousin,
Sure do miss you, it's hard since we were always far apart, but now even further. I am going to visit this summer and was thinking I would get to see everyone when I do, but then my heart aches knowing I won't get to see you, or hear you laugh, or make some wise crack.....
I love you
me ..
-

Renee
Cousin

May 12, 2007

it's been a while wish you where here to hear the bone headed thing i did on fri you would be laughing so hard you have to run to the can but i know you know what i did and said and still laughing about it it beats the one about the dog and why you call me woofy miss you

Woofy
freind

May 8, 2007

To all who check these postings: John and I became grandparents on December 27, 2006. Our little Rylee came into the world 8 weeks early by emergency c-section weighing only 3 lbs. and 8 oz. Karissa and JW are doing well. They are going to be awesome parents.

John, I can only imagine how proud you would be as a grandpa. She's amazing.

Kelly Gunsell

January 2, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 1, 2007

MERRY CHRISTMAS JOHN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 24, 2006

I’ve wanted to say something here for the longest time, but really never found the words that would share how I felt. I also thought, if I just put it off, what I had to say. It’d be easier because, I’d never have to say it. But it was hard. I thought maybe…If I pretended to be strong it would be easier for my best friend. I’d be doing him a favor, I could be the pillar for him. But inside I was crumbling.
Now’s not the time for me to say what I feel. That time was long ago. But still I need to say it. John, you meant a lot me. Even more then I think both of us knew. And I didn’t just lose my friends Father. I lost the only Father I ever really had.

John,
This is something I wrote today (September 13th 2006). In it, I say this is my “farewell letter” to you. But its not. Because I know that one day I, and all of us, will be with you again.

---

Its been two years,
And its not the same.
Well it is,
the same sadness,
the same anguish,
the same pain.
Two years is too little,
but too long when your alone.
Too long without happiness,
without the love that he’d shown.

Awaken in the morning.
It was all that she could say.
I saw my brother crying.
I saw my mother pray.
Awaken in the worst ,
With words that left stain.
I looked my brother in the face.
Green eyes glazed with pain…

John, I never really said,
what I felt inside.
Because I never had the power,
or the strength to sign.
I had to pretend, play, portray,
a strong teenager.
For my best friend, and my brothers sake.
But John, Its been two years,
I think I deserve it.
Without you here, life’s been far from perfect.
Empty days with no sun rays.
No word from you.
You were my only Father,
I still didn’t know how to make it through.

When I asked, or had something to say.
You were there for me.
The way you lived,
the way you spoke,
showed me the man I’m suppose to be.
I miss your "gentle voice, warm heart,
your laugh and your smile".
Its hard to imagine, spending so long,
being in denial.
But because of you, I knew I’ll make it through.
And yes the roads will be rough
But one day we’ll make it to you.
Until that day arrives
I’ll try to be strong.
This is my farewell letter.
I miss you John.

J.S.
Friend

September 13, 2006

Hi John,
It's been awhile, but don't think we haven't had you on our minds and in our hearts. The tears still flow, I think now more than ever. Dad is lost without you. The phone rings and he has you on his mind. He can't change things, but he wishes he could and so do I. They say life goes on but the ache in our hearts increases more each day. Little things continually remind us of you. We miss the jokes (especially Dad) and the talks. I miss everything you did, even if sometimes the things you did irritated me. You were quite the son, your warm heart, gentle touch, the hugs, the laughs and smile we'll never forget. You were always there for us in what you said or did. We are very thankful God let us have you for the time and years that he did. We were blessed to have you for a son and we loved you lots. To be loved by you was the happy times in our life. If there was a way to get to heaven, we would both be there. I think Dad would run, even though he can't. The doctor was here today and new medicine was ordered. Dad talked to Jordan and everything is fine. Joshua loves college, I'm glad he likes school and is taking something he really likes. Levi is doing good and Karissa is working on her house. Evan's driving now, and Marlee has grown into quite the young lady. Your brother, just got back from a trip into Canada. He got his bear, but its not as big as the one he got last year. With you being gone, sure has changed his life and the plans that he wanted to do with you. Grandma will be 92 on Sunday, and we plan on having a little get together for her. Well son, I guess I've told you some of the things that is going on in our world, wish we could show you. I'll write again, hopefully it won't take me so long but you know me and letters. The tears flow and it breaks my heart every time I do this.

Love you lots,
Your Mom

June Gunsell
Mother

September 12, 2006

Hi

J. Gunsell

September 12, 2006

Thinking of you on this, the 2 year anniversary of your untimely passing. God Bless your loved ones, your children and your police family.

You will not be forgotten

SHPD

September 12, 2006

September 12th. Two years have passed. I woke up this morning out of a deep sleep at exactly the same time as I did on September 12th, 2005 (last year) and September 12th, 2004. The only difference this morning was that there wasn't a knock at the door, only silence and reflection.

Jordan and Levi have taken the day off of school to honor their dad and you're on the minds of Karissa and Josh. Time passes but your kids will always miss their dad.

Kelly Gunsell
mother of John's children

September 12, 2006

John, it is so hard to beleive it's been two years since i have seen your smiling face!! I still think about you all the time and really miss you. I am still taking my criminal justice classes and someday hope to be a deputy too!! I know you are looking down on all of us and watching your kids grow. My prayers go out to them too!! Take care babe...I love and miss you soooooooooo much!!

Dana Haney

September 12, 2006

Hey Bubba I can't believe it has been two years already, time has flown by. Things are going good now, Hunter is getting so big. Hunting season is upon us now, i can't wait. I miss you lots. Keep a watch over us all.

Mooner

Dep Klepadlo
Otsego County SD

September 12, 2006

Two years have passed and you are missed more than ever by those that love you dearly. I know you are in their thoughts every hour of every day. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 11, 2006

Hello John I am on the computer right now listening to music and the song "When I look to the sky" by Train was just on, I had to keep from crying...that was the song they played at your funeral. It is so hard to beleive that it has been 2 years since i last saw you. I have had 2 very close friend join you in heaven over the past month. I love and miss you so much!!

Dana Haney

June 21, 2006

Hey John been a while just wanted to let you know I have missed you and just wanted to let you know that I had a little boy the other day but you already knew that I'm sure. We all love and miss you talk to you again bye for now.

Sheree

Sheree

May 21, 2006

HEY BABE!! I WAS OVER IN GAYLORD TODAY FOR WORK AND I COULDN'T COME IN TO TOWN WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT YOU!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!

Dana Haney

May 10, 2006