Memorial Services for Louis Anthony Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

Family and friends gathered together yesterday, May 6th 2010 to celebrate the life of Louis A. Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

The service took place in a little church in Upland California that was built in 1910. It was a lovely old building.

Pastor Don Roy from Pathway Church in Garden Grove, opened with a beautiful prayer and noticed there were baby birds chirping. (It sounded like they may have nested in the rafters of the ceiling.) He made mention of how appropriate that was...a symbol of new birth...Daddy has just begun his new life in heaven. Pastor Don's kindness and comforting words meant so much to Richard and me and our family and friends. The Lord used him in a wonderful way.

My husband Richard sang a very sweet song called Goin' Home". One of the verses say,"one day I'll be sleeping when death knocks on my door and I'll awake to find that I'm not homesick anymore...I'll be home...I'm goin' home...where I belong." (That's just how it was for Daddy. He passed so peacefully from this life into eternity.) A few stood and shared sweet memories and stories.

The service ended with a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah...one of Daddy's favorites. )

Everyone seemed happy to receive their little kiffles in remembrance of Daddy.

We then had a police escort to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The service there was so moving. It was extra special to see that the color guard were veterans of WWII.
Some of them looked very frail, but, they proudly stood on both sides as Daddy's casket was carried into place. We all followed after. My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and Richard and I sat in front to receive the flag.

A gentleman stood and welcomed us and spoke so beautifully thanking Daddy for his service to his country and offering his condolences. Next those dear veterans gave Daddy a 21 gun salute. Then we heard the sound of taps being played very slowly and sweetly.

Next was the presentation of the flag that was draped on Daddy's casket. Two soldiers carefully removed it. It was amazing to see the care and respect they showed as they slowly and reverently folded it. Then, one of the soldiers holding the flag knelled down and personally offered his condolences to the family as he presented the flag.

Pastor Don then shared a beautiful poem and comforting words and Scripture.

At the very last, Richard stood and invited everyone to sing Daddy's favorite song "God Bless America". I could just imagine him smiling and singing along waving his arms directing the "choir" just like he did the day before he passed.

There was a lovely reception for family and friends at Louie & D'Ann's house. (my brother & sister-in-law)

It was all beautifully bitter-sweet. Sad to think Daddy is no longer here with us in the physical sense, but, ever so sweet knowing he is safe with Jesus reunited with my mother and so many who have gone before.

Needless to say, there were many tears shed yesterday. Even as I write they are welling up. I expect that will happen from time to time for a while.

I love you and will miss you sweet Daddy...untill we meet again.

If you would like to listen to the the song "Goin' Home" by B.J. Thomas, just click on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQgx98jmZQ

This is a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory Hallelujah) by Andy Williams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVF6uFanJxs&feature=related

My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and I want to thank our family and friends for the lovely cards, flowers, food, prayers and comfort so freely given at this difficult time.

IN LOVING MEMORY-MY DADDY

Louis Anthony Heringes
June 14, 1919 ~ April 27, 2010

Daddy was born June 14th on Flag Day in 1919 to Hungarian immigrants, Frank and Sophia Heringes in Cleveland Ohio. He had five brothers and two sisters. When he was 12, his father passed away, leaving his young mother to raise 8 children during the depression. They were very difficult times.

He was proud to be an American and served his country in the US Army in WWII. He fought on the front lines in New Guinea and was awarded "The Purple Heart of Bravery". All of the Heringes boys served in the Army in WWII, and, thank God, all of them returned.

Soon after returning from the war, he married his sweetheart Stella, my mom, in early December 1945. Darla, Linda and Louie Jr. came along to complete the family.

In 1957 the family traveled cross country in Daddy's beloved 1951 chevy pulling a 20 foot trailer. He loved that car! Over the years, he actually wore the paint off in spots from polishing it so much. Did you see the Lucy and Desi movie "the Long, Long Trailer"? (personal story) "It was late August and very hot. While climbing the rocky mountains, the car kept overheating. It seemed like every time we turned a corner we'd have to stop and let the car cool down a bit before adding water to the radiator that was stored in canvas bags that hung off the bumpers of the car. When that ran out, he resorted to draining the toilet tank in the trailer. We just made it over the mountains using every last drop of water we had."

Our mom Stella passed away in 1964 after a very long illness.

Daddy loved to cook. Especially Hungarian food. He made the best Kolbas (coal-bas) sausage, and keflis (keeflees) cookies. He loved to sing funny songs, joke around and do gardening. He used to have the most beautiful landscaped house in his neighborhood.

My husband Richard introduced May Wilson to Daddy and they were married for 23 years. She passed away in 1996.

Daddy is survived by his daughter Darla Heringes, his daughter and son in law Linda and Richard Gurule, his son and daughter in law Louie Heringes Jr. and D'Ann, his grand-daughter and her husband Courtney and Ron Olivas, their two boys Tanner and Aiden, and his grand-daughter Jordan and her husband Christian Szabo, and step children, Marge, Steve and Carlene.

Just this past Monday, the day before he passed, Tinkerbelle and I spent precious time with Daddy. The past couple of months, He hadn't felt up to coming to the activites room for our little singing time with the residents, but, when I walked into the room there he was. He had a big smile on his face and said excitedly, "the war is over!" When someone has dementia, it's best not to tell them they're not right about something so, I quickly said, "that's wonderful, Daddy, lets sing some patriotic songs!" We sang two of his favorites, "God bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Daddy was so animated. He was waving his arms like he was directing the choir and making funny faces at me making me laugh while trying to sing. After the program, we went outside on the patio for a while. He suddenly got very tired. It was time for lunch, so we went inside. He didn't have much of an appetite and kept falling asleep. I sat next to him and Tinkerbelle rested her little head on his knee. I woke him after a while to tell him I loved him. He answered, "I love you, too", and we said goodbye.

Less than 24 hours later, he was taken to the hospital. My sister Darla got there first. He was still alive when I got there, but only for a few minutes and he was unconscious. I told him I loved him and not to be afraid, and that Jesus was with him. Just a few minutes later, he just stopped breathing. He left this world very peacefully.

Daddy was right. The battle for him is truly over. He has no more pain, no more feeble body, no more dementia. He's with the Lord in Heaven now. The tears are bitter sweet... I miss my precious Daddy so much, but, it gives me great joy knowing that he is with Jesus and we will be together again one day.
Lord Jesus, please give my Daddy a big hug and kiss for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWB-OvMTK5M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I&feature=related