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Bertha Hespe Obituary
AGE: 94 • Whiting
Bertha Hespe (nee Zink) of Whiting died on Wednesday August 10, 2016 at the age of 94. Born in Fairview, she resided in Park Ridge before moving to Whiting 20 years ago. Bertha was extremely proud of her military service during WWII. As an Army Veteran of the Women's Air Corp, Bertha learned airplane mechanics and developed a lifelong interest in engines and systems.
Bertha was predeceased by her husband James William Hespe in 1974 and raised her family on her own working at a number of manufacturing jobs. After the last of her children left home, Bertha traveled across the country and the world relishing in learning about other cultures and peoples. Bertha will be remembered for her religious faith that she lived everyday through her compassion, humility and kindness. She was dedicated to service through her work with numerous charitable organizations including driving housebound residents in Crestwood Village to doctor appointments well into her late 80's. Bertha is survived by her three children, Sandra Klotzbach, predeceased by her husband Robert, of Oakdale, NY, James Hespe and his wife Jane of Park Ridge and David Christopher Hespe and his wife Cindy of Belle Mead. She also has five grandchildren, Brittany, Geoffrey, Tyler, Sarah and Nicholas, and one great-grandchild Emma.
Memorial gathering 11:30am Wednesday August 24, 2016 at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst. Interment to follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bertha Hespe
Sponsored by DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home Inc..
August 23, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry for your loss and extend my deepest sympathy.--Jane Krause
Eric Rodney
August 18, 2016
With Heartfelt Sympathy, Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Sincerely, Eric Rodney (NJDOE)
Mark and Lisa Molla
August 17, 2016
We echo my brothers beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman, Aunt Bert. Wonderful memories of a truly inspiring woman.
We have a maple tree in our backyard here in Versailles Kentucky that was a gift from Aunt Bert. That maple has over its' 31 year life survived ice storms, blizzards, and drought. During one ice storm it split and half the tree was left to carry on. Much like Aunt Bert, not only has it survived, but it has thrived . We view that tree as a living tribute to Aunt Bert's life.
We give thanks for a life well lived . We all benefited greatly by her presence her on Earth.
John Molla Jr.
August 16, 2016
One would think that heaven is impossible to improve upon, but if it's possible, it just did, now that Aunt Bert has joined the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Aunt Bert always strove and succeeded to find the best of things, despite the tribulations that life put into her path. Her faith was tested, but never wavered. She remained steadfast and kind-hearted throughout.
In the summer of 1939, Aunt Bert arranged for a blind date between the couple who became my mother and dad. In so doing, she set the foundation for a 61-year marriage that was the most important and most valued accomplishment of their lives.
Thank you, Aunt Bert. The gift of eternal life is surely yours, as well deserved as for anyone who ever walked the face of this earth.
Helen Tinsley
August 16, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Hespe. May your memories comfort you now and in the future.
Sincerely, Helen Tinsley (NJDOE)
August 14, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Memorial Events
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Aug
24
Memorial Gathering
11:30 a.m.
DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home Inc.119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst, NJ 08733
Funeral services provided by:
DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home Inc.119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst, NJ 08733
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