Hertha Dederich

Hertha A Dederich, age 95, was born to Arnold and Anna (Johne) Zilke on August 21, 1926 in Racine, WI, loving wife, mother, caregiver, friend and the eldest of 5 daughters. She was received into the arms of God on September 22, 2021. Hertha was baptized at First Evangelical Lutheran Church on September 19, 1926 and confirmed there also on May 25, 1941.

Hertha was united in Marriage to Dr. Frank M. Dederich on November 22, 1951 in Racine, WI. They soon moved to Delavan, WI where Frank began his Podiatry practice. This union was blessed with five children. A son, John William, died soon after birth in January 1959. Hertha was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church from 1951 to 1984.

Hertha & Frank moved back to Racine in 1984 where she returned to and was again an active member at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In November 1993 the couple moved to Green Valley, AZ and became members of Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior. Hertha was a member of the choir, LWML, Altar Guild and served as co-chairman of the Prayer Chain for several years. She loved her Risen Savior family. She moved to Madison, WI in 2013.

Hertha was preceded in death by husband Frank on June 30, 2002 after 50 ½ years of marriage, also by son John William, her parents, a step granddaughter Gwen Engebretsen, sisters Ruth Felgenhauer, Lillian Stacy, Gloria Jean Styscko, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Surviving her are son Frank A Dederich (Colleen), daughters Mary McElligott (Michael), Ellen Engebretsen (Richard), Claudia Grabow (Marlo Foltz) and Amy Morgan (Jonathon), 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, 5 step great-great grandchildren, sister Doris Stanke, nieces, nephews, Dederich family in Germany & friends.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at St Mary’s Care Center in Madison over the past 3 ½ years, to Dr. Diana Choles, APNP Teresa Patwell and their staff for their care & compassion. These are all truly special caregivers.

Services for Hertha will be private and held at a later date.

Memorials in Hertha’s name can be made to Bethesda Lutheran Communities, a library, a school reading program, a school music program or a cause dear to you.