Hertha Kilgus Obituary

KILGUS Hertha Hertha Kilgus, 87, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at Kingston Residence and Care Center in Sylvania, where she had lived for three years. Hertha was born in Gottsche, Austria on February 29, 1920, to Pauline (Hutter) and Joseph Bachmayer. She emigrated from Vienna to the United States in 1939, and worked as a seamstress at the famous Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City. She was proud to have sewn the wedding gown for Eleanor Roosevelt. While visiting relatives in Toledo, she met William Kilgus at a German Schwaben picnic. They were married December 2, 1944, and she became the co-manager of Kilgus Meat Market that he had opened on Lagrange Street in 1943. They were a great team, with Hertha in charge of produce and imports. Thanks to her, they carried the finest chocolates and imported teas, which people would line up to purchase. They moved the store to Laskey Road in the late 1960s. Hertha had a creative sense that she exhibited in painting porcelain, stitching needlepoint, cooking and gardening. Friends said she could put a stick in the ground and it would grow. She loved to travel, and returned to visit her hometown in Austria. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, the German Retiree Society at Oak Shade Grove and an honorary member of Schw„bis Frein. During her residence at Kingston, she enjoyed playing bingo and welcoming her many caregivers and visitors who all said she had the most beautiful smile and kind words, and was still the gracious hostess she had always been. She is survived by daughters, Rosemary, and her husband Ted Landers of West Plains, Missouri, and Linda Kilgus, and her husband Rick Ruckman of Toledo; grandchildren, Christina Landers of Los Angeles, Alex Landers of Chicago, and Robin and April Zimmerman both of Columbus, and many loving family members in Austria and Germany. Visitation is Friday, December 14, 2:00-8:00 p.m., at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania. Her funeral service is Saturday, December 15, 11:00 a.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, 4727 West Sylvania, Pastor William Fink presiding. Internment will be at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials be made to the Gideon Bible Society. The family expresses its most sincere appreciation to the caregivers of Kingston and of Heartland Hospice for their kind and loving care. www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

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Published by The Blade from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Hertha Kilgus

11 Entries

Elaine Slough

December 17, 2007

Dear Rosemary and Linda, I am very sorry to hear your mom passed away and have wondered how she was doing from time to time. Your parents and mine had great fun together over the years and you are very lucky to have had her in your lives yet. Of their entire click, your mom was my mom's favorite. Sincerely, Elaine Slough (Pete and Hilda Sonnichsen's daughter)

Lois Duck

December 15, 2007

Just the name Kilgus brings back fond memories of the meat market when it started on Lagrange Street. My father, Edwin Weissenberger, worked there many years ago and I remember all the delicious home made lunch meats. My sincere sympathy is extended to all of your family during this difficult time. May your faith give you peace and strength.

Jim & Lisa Schubargo

December 14, 2007

Linda,

May the peace of the lord be with you during this difficult time.

December 14, 2007

Linda-
I am very sorry for your loss, your mom sounds like a wonderful person!

Angela Maxwell-RE/MAX Preferred

Walter and Gerda Fritz

December 13, 2007

To the family of Hertha Kilgus;

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. God bless.

Carol Smith

December 13, 2007

Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Annette Breno

December 13, 2007

Linda, I am so sorry to read about your Mom's passing. I didn't know your Mom, but I did know your Father. He was a very nice man. I met your Mom once, I don't know why I went to their home, on Shamley Green, for some reason, perhaps he had a property he wanted me to sell, or something. I also shopped at the meat market, and grew to know him better. He always helped cook the chickens for the German doings at the Oak Shade Grove. They were certainly very nice people, and will be missed by those who knew them. God Bless You, and your family. Fondly, Annette Breno and Family

Bonnie and Jim Swartz

December 13, 2007

Dear Rosemary, Linda, and the family who loved her, Both Jim and I were so saddened to hear of your loss.We truly cared about your mother. Both she and your dad were wonderful neighbors. Your mom always had a smile and she truly loved her home and her garden. She also loved talking about her family. She will be missed by all those who knew her. Our thoughts and love, Bonnie and Jim.

Debra Nazar

December 13, 2007

Linda:
Jim and my thoughts for you, and your children. I well remember your mom. You may not remember but when you arrived the first 2 months at MVCDS, she invited me to your home to spend the weekend - since you were new to the school and learning your way around. I felt very very comfortable and recall her warmth - she reminded me of my own grandmother - wonderful woman as I recall.What a wonderful story, her life. Loved reading the details. You should be very proud.

Arlene Gerig

December 13, 2007

Linda and family,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother. You will be in our thoughts.

Phyllis Stanford

December 13, 2007

Linda,Robin,& April.
So sorry to hear of Hertha passing.

My thoughts are with you and the rest of your family at this time.

Phyllis Stanford.

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