Ernest Fred Herzberg
from Arliss Powell - Arlissann80@comcast.net
 

Ernest was born and grew up on his parent's farm in Nodaway Twp., Page Co., Iowa. He was baptized at Immanuel Luther Church on March 24, 1895 with Ernest H. Fruedenburg and Friederich Herzberg being his sponsors. He was later confirmed in the same church.

He and his wife farmed until their retirement. A small creek called Snake Creek went through their pasture which afforded some fishing for family members. Ernest exchanged help with his brother-in-law Walter Baumgarten for such things as putting up hay and also butchering. As soon as it was cool enough, the two families would butcher a small hog and each take half of the meat. Keep in mind this was prior to either household having electricity or even frozen food lockers in Clarinda, Iowa.

He tended to be somewhat morose at times. His sister-in-law Laura some times referred to his moods as "dark brown funks". Other times he displayed a keen sense of humor. He enjoyed playing cards with the Baumgartens as well as other family members.

The writer remembers putting up wall paper at the Herzbergs and the Baumgartens. As I was growing up, Uncle Ernest and I got the dubious honor of actually putting the paper on both the ceilings and the walls. Aunt Gussie and her sister, Laura (my mother) cut and pasted the strips of paper ready for us to hang. Paul just kibitzed! One of the things we decided was that there should be a rule that all openings between doors and windows should be divisible by 18" as that was the standard width of wall paper at that time.

After they retired from the farm, they moved to Villisca, Iowa where they lived the rest of their lives. [written Jul 17, 2006]

 

Obituary of Ernest Fred Herzberg

Ernest Fred Herzberg, son of Herman and Anna Freudenburg Herzberg, was born in Page County, Ia., February 28, 1895, and passed away April 25, 1983, at the Clarinda Municipal Hospital at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 25 days.

On April 30, 1916, he was united in marriage to Augusta Rurode.

They farmed northwest of Clarinda until 1952 at which time they moved to Villisca.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife Augusta, two brothers, and one sister.

He is survived by his son Paul and daughter-in-law Gracka of Grain Valley, Mo.; four grandchildren: Terry of Albany, Ga.; David of Sedalia, Mo.; Steven of Livingston, Ca.; and Kathleen of Bernardsville, N.J.; one great-granddaughter Jennifer; and a brother Paul of Clarinda.

In behalf of Paul and his family, we wish to express their gratitude for the many acts of kindness evidenced in thought and deed and for your attendance at this Memorial Service for Ernest.

Arrangements by Sutphen Funeral Home, Villisca, Ia.