Father’s Day is Sunday.

The Tribune asked readers to share what makes their father or a father figure in their life special. Here’s what they had to say.

Brett Schultz

If you were to look up the definition of a family man in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of my husband, Brett Schultz. You might know him as the bright orange Subaru guy who decorates his car every Halloween and Christmas, but to my boys, he’s dad. He works hard but always runs home to his family and always puts us first. He’s at every event, helps with homework, helps around the house and can always be counted on. When the boys want someone to play, it doesn’t matter how tired he is, he’s outside. He teaches them to ride bikes and swim and how to fix anything I’ve managed to break in our house. Camping trips, trips for ice cream, going to the park, he’s your guy. He leads by example and shows them how to be kind, thoughtful, reliable and honest. He’s a cool head and a calm temper. He’s the neighbor who helps you shovel your driveway. He’s the guy you can count on to buy from your kid’s fundraiser. He’s the friend you can always call. He’s a good dad, and he’s a good man. If there was a calling for Brett, it was to be a dad. The world needs more people raised by men like my husband. (Written by Ashley Schultz)

Donald Griffin II

My father has always been there for me at my lowest, and he is my hero. I wouldn’t be where I am without him, and he deserves everything. He has been through a lot the past couple of years with his cancer treatment. I know it was hard for him, but he did it for me. He loves me so much and will do anything to keep me from living without a dad. He is the best dad I could ever ask for, and I love him so much. (Written by Abigail Griffin)

Mark Sentz, Eddie Summa and Steve Koerner

I have three dad figures in my children’s lives who were and are part of the village that helped me mold the best three kids ever. They are Mark Sentz, Eddie Summa and Steve Koerner.

Mark has been there, from the annual Gallion canoe trips to sledding to helping Regan with difficult homework, which sometimes literally left his hair standing on end after a long session, to swimming in the pool while the deck was being built and used for all of their high school graduation parties. Mark filled in at Girls Inc.’s annual Father Daughter Dance with Nadine and Regan. Mark and Candy have attended every important event in their lives.

Eddie is the strong, silent type that gives them an amazing example of how a woman deserves to be loved and appreciated as he does my sister, Cinda, and they have attended every important event in their lives. Eddie gave lots of advice on sports, especially softball as he played for years and we watched many games at Gaiser Park and he gave Rob a few pointers on golf.

Steve and Donna included Regan in most family vacations, especially the Disney ones, gave lots of advice on sports, guys and life, shoveled snow from driveways and sidewalks and painted the interior of a duplex. Steve and Donna both being teachers attempted to suggest she not pursue teaching as her career choice, but she has taught second grade at Brown Elementary for more than 20 years.

It took a village to raise my children, and these three men have been a huge part of it and are continuing to do so by being great poppies and grandpas to my children’s children. Mark and Candy, Eddie and Cinda and Steve and Donna have all been excellent role models of how marriage is not perfect and can endure ups and downs, sad and happy times, prayer helps everything and God is always in control. (Written by Paula Gallion)

Paul Keller

There is nothing more inspiring than a dad who uplifts his daughters to be strong, courageous and creative. Through our dad’s support and guidance, he helps us overcome challenges and pursue our passions. He is a man of faith and uses God’s word to encourage and guide us. Our dad instills in us a sense of confidence and grit that helps us succeed in all aspects of life. His unwavering belief in our abilities fuels us to be our best selves. Our dad, Paul Keller, is a true inspiration and role model. Our goofy, sweet and talented dad celebrates the spirit, courage and creativity of his daughters, and for that, we are forever grateful. (Written by Alexis, Emily, Olivia and Annalise Keller)

Kenneth “Kenny” Franklin Dunn Jr.

Father’s Day has an even special meaning this year for me. My father, Kenneth “Kenny” Franklin Dunn Jr. passed away on Oct. 10, 2022, at the age of 53 from a heart attack. He was not only a father figure to my sister and I but was a big part of the lives of many kids in Henryville. Whether he was coaching Little League baseball or helping with the middle school and high school boys basketball programs at Henryville in the past, he left his mark on a lot of people. He was a good friend to everyone he knew. He loved hanging out with his family and friends, playing golf and also going to Florida. He was always down to go watch his favorite band, The Rumor, and dance with his dancing girls. We loved going to sporting events, especially the Reds and Bats. He was a very special person who had a heart of gold and is missed dearly by his family and friends. The best part about my father is that even in death, Kenny is still giving today. He was a donor, so he was able to make an organ, tissue and eye donation after his death. Indiana Donor Network is a great support group that is able to walk families through grief and provide a lot of opportunities to celebrate and honor the donors. Please consider registering to be an organ donor today.

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