Gretchen Hersman 1950-2003

STEVENSON

Posted By: Michael (email)
Date: 12/19/2003 at 09:51:39

Gretchen Hersman, 53, of West Branch, died of breast cancer at her home Wednesday, December 17, 2003.

There are no services planned at this time with burial to be at a later date. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

On line condolences may be sent to www.lensing funeral.com please click obituary.condolences.

Gretchen was born in Albia, Iowa on August 11, 1950 the daughter of Vernon and Betty Stevenson Hersman. Her family moved to Iowa City in 1956 where Gretchen spent her formative years. She attended Iowa City High School and the University of Iowa. She was baptized in the First Christian Church. In 1980, Gretchen answered her lifelong passion and co-founded the Johnson County Humane Society and began her life’s work in animal protection. Gretchen’s journey in art and in animal protection began at a very early age. Throughout her life she rescued many homeless and abused animals both domestic and wild. In 1996, Gretchen went to work as the director of the Midwest Regional Office for the national group, In Defense Of Animals. Her duties included managing the IDA 1-800-Stolen Pet Hotline and investigation of the nationwide theft of companion animals. She was also active in exposing the plight of breeding animals in facilities known as “Puppy Mills.” She coordinated the nationwide action alerts program for IDA which reached thousands of caring people across the nation and around the world. Through her work, Gretchen sought to educate the public about the cruelties of greyhound racing.

As a visual artist, Gretchen produced a large body of works featuring scenes of nature and animals in pastel, watercolors, and oils. Her dedication to her art, her efforts on behalf of the animals and the environment were known to all her friends and associates. She was also vocal in her support of cruelty-free products. She found much inspiration during her many visits to the beloved Mississippi River and their festivities. She did her work with diligence, heart, and grace. She stayed on the front lines, listened to the most plaintive weeping and stood her ground in the face of evil. She stood her ground and fought with courage. She was in the breath of every animal she saved and in the prayers of every person to whom she gave solace.

Gretchen is survived by her mother, Betty Hersman of West Branch, and her aunt, Marion Jeffries of Iowa City along with numerous cousins living around the world. She was preceded in death by her brother Jeffrey who died in infancy and her father, Vernon Hersman who died in 1997.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Animal Lifeline of Iowa, Inc., The Washington County Humane Society, The Muscatine Humane Society, or In Defense of Animals’ Project Hope Sanctuary.

But Westward, look. The land is bright. God Bless.