VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
OCTOBER
2011
Spotlight
on Unsung Heroes
Forwarded
From German Cultural Society, St. Louis
This dedicated member was born in Liebling, Romania in June,
1931. His father passed away when he was an infant, so he
was raised by his mother and step-father. He has vivid
memories of his childhood in Liebling. However, in November,
1944, when he was just 13 years old, military occupation
forced many to flee Liebling. The family fled Liebling, and
lived as refugees in Feldkirchen, Austria. They traveled by
wagons, and the living conditions were difficult with very
little food. In Austria, he went to school and worked with
the farmers in the fields.
In March of 1950, he, his parents, and half-brother Peter
boarded the S.S. Washington for the trip to America. The
family arrived in New York; His second cousin, John Hea, met
the family and drove them to St. Louis. In St. Louis, he
found a job at a rope factory. He went to school at night to
become a machinist. He learned English and became a U.S.
citizen. He enjoyed going to the Liederkranz with his
friends and other family members. It was at the Leidertranz
that he met his beautiful wife of 54 years, Lisa. They were
married in September 1955, and raised three children.
|
|
Henry
Erk truly
is a great man with a big heart. He used his talents to
help family, friends and neighbors make repairs on their
homes. He enjoyed coaching and playing soccer. He built a
Lionel train village, complete with city and airport, with
he enjoyed with his children, Henry, John and Kathy, and
grandchildren Daniel and Lisa. Family is very important
aspect of everyday life to Henry. He always made time for
family everyday and during the holidays.
Henry
always puts all of his energy into everything he does. He
volunteered to work at fests, helping with setup, tear
down, and working at the Strassenfest and the V.P. Fair,
usually all three days. He makes videos of the dance
performances for the verein library. He works with the
Thursday group, making repairs at the hall. We are
grateful to have this member and his years of dedicated
service. He also was a bartender for many years.
He loves
to go trout fishing with some of his friends from the
German Hall. He is a great gardener, growing vegetables,
peaches (which he cans) and rosemary, specifically for
Kirchweihfest. He is also a great cook, spending hours in
the kitchen. He loves spending time with his family,
especially his grandchildren.
Henry
greatly enjoyed his fifty-four year marriage to his
beautiful wife, Lisa. As all good Donauschwaben do, Henry
and Lisa worked very hard to build a new life in St. Louis
and raise their family. Tradition was important to Henry
and Lisa. They taught their children and grandchildren
good values. Henry was devoted to his wife, Lisa, their
whole life together. For the last ten years of Lisa’s
life, Henry woke early each morning to help her get ready,
and drive to and from her dialysis appointment three times
a week. He took very good care of her.
Henry
resides in the Hampton Village area of South St. Louis. He
enjoys working in his garden daily and still helps out at
the hall on Thursdays. He also enjoys visiting with
friends at festivals and spending time with his
granddaughter, Lisa. He and Lisa still run the Lionel
train set because it’s so much fun.
Submitted by Kathy Stark
|
Henry
Erk |
|
|
|
|