A man does what he must- in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures- and that is the basis of all human morality. (John F. Kennedy)

Today is the birthday of a great man named Jeff Oberndorfer. We at the Thieme house just love all the Oby clan. They are pictured above on the occasion of the recent wedding of Jordan’s marriage to Michael Bann. The birthday boy (father of the bride) is at the top left in this terrific and joyous shot! I chose this JFK quote for Jeff’s day because I think he’s just the real deal, a solid, faith-filled man!

I can’t help laughing as I look back on our first interactions with Jeff. He was helping to coach a Carmel baseball team that his son, Will, and my kid, Drew were both playing on that summer. I recall them being fairly young, grade school aged boys at that point. Jeff was all volume and passion coaching third base. If I’m honest, my biggest memory of him before we connected years later and became friends is of him getting the wrath of an umpire who was underwhelmed by his enthusiasm. He might have gotten booted from the game actually. Years later, it was his wife, Lisa, who handed me a “husher” at a high school basketball game. She literally carried tootsie roll pops in her purse for crazy people like me who just didn’t know when to zip it. Maybe she’d had plenty of practice over the years, ha? What makes it funny now is that I consider Jeff to be a pretty mild mannered guy.

In all seriousness, Jeff is an incredible father and husband. He’s done a fine job leading that beautiful family of his because great men are guys like Jeff who cultivate love. He is proud to let the loves of his life shine brightly and he supports them in everything, showing off his happy, intelligent and truly amazing wife, as well as his children, Jordan, Kelsey and Will– as well as his two new sons-in-law!

A native of St. Louis as well as a fellow Boilermaker, Jeff is quick-witted and just plain fun. He’s always game for a little tailgate action and gets sweaty palms just like me when Purdue is making us all very nervous!! He has gone out of his way to be kind to our son, Drew, over the years and has lugged him around numerous times just because he can. He’s been supportive beyond all reason with the charity work being done by Will’s Way to benefit underinsured young people with diabetes. In short, he’s an integrity-filled guy who adds a lot of light and laughter to the world, and I feel fortunate to call him a friend!

I hope your day is filled with smiles and laughter, Jeff, because you have added both of those to many of our days over the last several years! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! BOILER UP!