Erika Gertrude Splittgerber, 78, of Mondamin, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, December 16, from a suspected blood clot. She was born in Karolinenhorst, Germany on September 3, 1936 to the late Lucia and Paul Szemkus. Erika attended school in Germany. Following her schooling, she worked at the US Quartermaster Laundry. It was there where she met Duane Splittgerber, the love of her life. Erika and Duane were married in Germany in 1964. Upon completion of Duanes military service, she and Duane moved to Mondamin, Iowa. Erika worked as a technician at the Wilkenson plant in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska for a period of time before becoming a full-time homemaker. Erika was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She had a heart of gold. Erika enjoyed making Easter baskets and Valentines for the neighborhood children. She loved giving gifts and always got more out of giving than receiving. Erika also enjoyed cooking and will be remembered for her famous German Goulash. Erika also had a special place in her heart for her granddog Tucker, a golden retriever who could always make her smile. Her wealth of selflessness, kind heart, and German ways will sorely be missed by many. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Reilly for the kind and compassionate care she provided to Erika throughout the years. A viewing and prayer service will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Erika is preceded in death by her brothers, Franz and Ewalt Szemkus of Adenbach, Germany. Erika is survived by her husband, Duane; her children: Patricia (Jeff) Sanford, of Hobbs, New Mexico; Stefan Splittgerber (Garla), of Modale, Iowa; Karen Huston (Tim), of Omaha, Nebraska, and by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Lucie Winkler, of Adenbach, Germany; and brothers, Verner and Herbert Szemkus, also of Germany. A committal ceremony will be held at the Wisner Cemetery in Wisner, Nebraska at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2014. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center or the Methodist Hospital Geriatric Evaluation and Management Clinic. In Loving Memory Of Erika Gertrude Splittgerber Born September 3, 1936 Karolinenhorst, Germany Entered Into Rest December 16, 2014 Omaha, Nebraska Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014 St. Paul Lutheran Church Missouri Valley, Iowa Officiating Pastor Stephen Pera Organist Claire Cowing Congregational Selections Silent Night How Great Thou Art Casket Bearers Roger Rife Nick Clark Brandon Camden Tim Huston Jeff Sanford David Nelson Final Resting Place Wisner Cemetery Wisner, Nebraska
Sign Guestbook