Klaus Pirngruber
1942 – 2025
Dear Daddy,
I thank you with all my heart for the love you gave me.
For all the time you shared with me.
You never smothered me — quite the opposite.
You gave me my freedom when I needed it, yet were always there when it mattered.
With your enthusiasm, you showed me how to enjoy life, to appreciate it, and not take everything too seriously.
You never held me back. You always trusted
that I would find the right paths and make the right decisions.
You taught me what truly matters in life —
that sometimes you have to say no, and not just follow along in silence.
“Heike, you can do it,” you always said.
“Heike, go for it!”
You praised me endlessly, you were my biggest fan, always on my side.
“Don’t get hung up – keep going!
Making mistakes is human.”
You showed me how to face things with ease and confidence — that fear only gets in the way, but that one must always know when things get serious.
You showed me the world, and what freedom really means.
You taught me that in the end everything will be all right, as long as you stay true to yourself.
I don’t just owe you my life, but also the many opportunities you gave me to make my life into what truly matters to me.
What great luck I had to have you as my father.
Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart.
Have a good journey, Daddy. Take care of yourself.
Love Heike
Sorry for your lose Heike, and thank you for sharing with us the wonderful impact your father has had and will no doubt continue to have in your life. He will still be there to keep you going.
Hugs for the road ahead
Thank you dear Ronny 🌻🌻🌻
Much appreciated.
Hugs from Heike and cute little Butch
So sorry for your loss 😔
🌻 Thank you ❤️
Be strong. Sorry for your loss.
🌻
Lucky
and Beautiful
❤️
beautiful letter, my sympathies to you, Heike. I’m sure he was proud of you!
He was!
Thank you Patti
Heike and Butch
Liebe Heike!
Mein Mitleid tiefst vom Herzen!
Übrigens, wortwörtlich wie mein Abschied von meinem Vater., vor fast genau 55 Jahre. Welch ein Geschenk vom Leben!
Lieber Gabor!
Herzlichen Dank. Es freut mich für dich!
Ich bin gespannt ob und wann wir uns wieder über den Weg laufen.
Alles Gute Heike und Butch
Heike
I rode with you for a few days on the Divide in 2016, the year of you being hit by a car. It was a great few days. I am so sorry for your loss. Klaus was a wonderful father and his support of you and your travels benefited all of us. Loss is never easy but it is part of our life experience, and you have had a grand life experience shaped by your father’s love.
Allan
Dear Allan,
big thank you for your kind words. Yes, he always wanted only the best for me!
Of course I remember you – hope you are still pedaling.
Sending you best greetings from Sicily because we are back hiking …
I will blog about it soon.
Take care, Heike and Butch
quel bel hommage, quelle perte pour toi toutes mes condoléances flo
Merci beaucoup, Flo. Ça me touche.
Heike & Butch
I’m sorry for your loss Heike.
Thank you very much dear Rosco
Sending you my deepest condolences Heike. I am so saddened that your father’s time is over. You’ve shared a wonderful and loving tribute to Klaus Pirngruber. RIP
Onward Heike! Onward Butchka! I wish you Peace!
Your friend always, John D.
PS I spent last week ..11/8 – 11/15… on an elk hunt in Seneca vicinity and spoke with people (locals) who had memories of you & Butch.
Big thank John. Appreciate your kind words.
Yes, we keep going….it’s our life!
Nice to hear that you have met people who know us. I have so many great memories of Oregon.
Hugs from us
Butch & Heike
so much love for you while you navigate this planet with your dad in your heart
Thanks for your lovely words ❤️
Sorry to read about your loss Heike. You wrote beautifully about your Dad, and the impact he had on your life. He’ll be missed but thankfully you have everlasting memories.
Safe travels to you and Butch as you travel the road less traveled. 🙂
Big thank you Heather 🎈
Dear Heike,
My sincere condolences on the passing and loss of your beloved Dad.
What a beautiful tribute in writing and photos to him.
I too was a dad’s girl growing up and miss him so dearly. They planted such hope and encouragement in our lives, believing in our ability and potential. Now you carry the torch forward in your new and continuing adventures.
Rest in peace to you beloved Dad. May your heart heal and may his loving memory stay with you always.
God Bless Heike.
Thank you Anita ❤️
My heart goes with you, Heike. Your father will be watching over you from above. Be strong and safe on the road.
Love
Bart
Thank you Bart for your kind words.
🌻🌻🌻