Carl Lee Herth

Carl was 78 years of age and passed in Redlands, California after a 5-year struggle with dementia. In April of this year, he went to live at Blossom Grove Memory Care where from day one, he was lovingly cared for by his new family. Prestigious Hospice was there every step of his final journey.

Carl was born in Colfax, Washington, to Margaret (Bartkowski) and Carl Herth. He was the third of 8 children and was known to his family as Butch. When he was very young, the family moved to Bloomington, California. As a young boy, Carl enjoyed his role as an Altar Boy, and in high school, he played football at Bloomington High. As well as English, Carl spoke Latin, German, and Spanish, and freely used all languages to tease and confuse Gerri while telling one of his jokes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret, his brother Larry, and sister Cathy. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Geraldine (Gerri), two stepsons, Kevin (Teresa) Carlson of Michigan and Eric Carlson of Calimesa, California. Two grandchildren, Tyler (Gina) and Hannah Carlson of Michigan. Sisters, Judy (Richard), Debbie, Theresa, Donna, and brother, Donald (Carol). His brother-in-law, Carl DEE (Sheila), sisters-in- law, Linda (John) and June.

After graduating from Bloomington High school, he went to work at Kaiser Steel in the open hearth. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the cruiser, USS St Paul. While serving on the USS St Paul, he was a Dental Technician. He saw a lot of the world, but sadly saw combat in North Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. After 3 years in the Navy, he went back to work at Kaiser Steel working nights. During the day, he attended Cal Poly, earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1974. He went to work for The State Board of Equalization as an auditor for sales tax. He made lifelong friends there and enjoyed many years of annual golf tournaments. He retired as District Principal Auditor in 2009.

In 1977, when Gerri and Carl married, he welcomed Gerri's two sons, Kevin and Eric, into his life. Also, Gerri, Kevin, and Eric were now a part of the large, funny, and loving Herth family. Carl's favorite title besides Grandpa (Papa) was Uncle. His nieces and nephews, here in California, called him Uncle Butchie. To Gerri's large family in the Midwest, he was Uncle Carl. When his grandchildren, Tyler and Hannah were born, they became the center of his world.

He was very supportive of all his family and proud of the lives they made for themselves.

When he retired, he planned to play a lot of golf, which he did. What he didn't plan on, was Gerri roping him into helping her at The Garden Club of Redlands, and the big plant yard in Prospect Park. He spent many hours hauling concrete blocks to build beds and was the cashier for all their plant sales, where he loved seeing all the customers year after year. He also found a new group of dear friends in the plant yard crew.

Gerri and Carl shared a love of American History and travel. They spent 48 years seeing this beautiful country (all but three states). Yearly trips to the Midwest in the summers. When the boys were younger, they stayed at their grandparent's ranch, which made for wonderful memories. There were also 20 years being "camp followers" when Kevin and Donald were both in the Army. A favorite trip, taken a few years ago, was to his mother's hometown of Courtaney, North Dakota. While visiting, Carl and Gerri were welcomed by many, many Bartkowski cousins. It was a full-circle moment for Carl to see where his mother grew up on a large farm.

He leaves behind so many wonderful friends and neighbors. He had the life he had always wanted and has left too soon. He was loved by all and will always be remembered for his keen sense of humor. There will be a viewing at Emmerson Bartlett Mortuary in Redlands on Sunday the 24th of August from 2pm to 6 pm.

Burial is private.