GOEGGINGER, ERIKA 1928 – 2019 Erika took her final breath on January 4, 2019, in the presence of her godson Harold Sturm and his wife Brenda. Up until her last brief hospital stay she lived almost independently and courageously in her home, assisted tirelessly by her niece Karin Goegginger.
She was predeceased almost 20 years ago by her husband Pastor Dr. Wolf Goegginger (formerly of St. George’s Lutheran Church) and is survived by her brother Dr. Karl-Guenther Zelle of Germany, who visited her often and brightened her spirits while her health gradually declined.
She led a full, exemplary life as a nurse trained in England after the war, then continued to work in Canada and in the United States while dutifully engaged in the role of a Pastor’s wife and keeping the family together after the early tragic death of the mother of his children. Her love of travel took her around the world and her inquisitive mind to landmarks, museums and galleries in distant places. Her concern for others, being kind, helpful and generous has become almost legendary to everyone that touched her life.
Erika is survived by many relatives in Canada, Germany, Spain and the US. She will be lovingly remembered by her step-children Ellen, Bert and Eva and their spouses as well as her extended Sturm, Wolfe, Michels and Zelle families.
It was her wish to be cremated and buried in the Goegginger family plot. There will be a family-only service in the St. James Chapel with a graveside Memorial in the Spring.