Obituary of Gerda Benedikte Herzog

HERZOG, Gerda Benedikte January 16, 1938 – January 10, 2017 In the late hours of January 10, 2017, Gerda left this earthly world to join those who live above and watch over us all. Gerda was married to Wilhelm in November, 1958 in Denmark. The two of them spent their life together sharing adventures in Denmark, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, before finding themselves here in Vegreville. Wilhelm and Gerda spent every day together in their last years, and over the last days he has reminisced fondly over how special Gerda was, and in particular how wonderful she was at working with seniors and how much she enjoyed it when she worked as a health care nurse when she was younger. She truly had a gift and the most nurturing, caring soul. Gerda and Wilhelm were blessed with 6 children: Mike (Rhonda) Herzog, Garry (Tracey) Herzog, Pia (Ross) Williams, Finn (Brandi) Herzog, Diane (Rob) McGowan and Maj-Britt (Frank) Herzog, as well as 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Gerda’s family was one of the most special parts of her life. She was unconditional with her love for them all and was always welcoming to new members of the family, treating them as one of her own. Gerda had a practical and relaxed approach to life, never worrying about what she couldn’t change and just dealing with life as it met her. She had the most amusing sense of humour and a laugh that will never be forgotten. Some of her happiest times were spent in the garden. She often said the best gift she could receive were flowers-there wasn’t one she found that she didn’t like. Quite fittingly, however, tulips were her favourite. Perhaps it was the similar ability and determination to thrive and together, or perhaps it was just a natural pairing between two of this world’s most simplistically pure beauties. Gerda’s family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of the members of the Vegreville EMS team, to Dr. Edgcumbe and Dr. Hollins and the excellent nursing staff at St. Joseph’s General Hospital and to Gordon and Patty of Autumn Rose Funeral Home. At this time, cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of Gerda’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta” or “Canadian Diabetes Association.”