The following is an excerpt from Hermann’s funeral service:
“The life of the deceased reminds me of a little story which I want to tell. A simple story, beneath the surface meaning there hides another one. It’s about a tree and a little boy. The boy loves the tree more than anything. He could climb on it and hide in it. Day after day he went there. As he grew older, the days became less; when he came, the tree told him to play. “I need money, I don’t have time to play,” said the boy. The tree answered, “Take my apples, then you’ll get money at the market.” He shook the apples down, and the tree was happy. But soon the tree was alone again; the next time, the boy was grown up. “I want to marry; I don’t have time to play. I need a house.” :Take my branches and build yourself a house.” The tree was happy he could give something. Another time, the boy wanted to travel, so out of the trunk he built a ship. Only after a long time the boy returned. Sadly, he looked at the tree – at the stump. “You can’t climb anymore; I’ve given you everything,” the tree said sadly. “I don’t need much. I just want to rest by your side; I’m tired.” “Oh, said the tree, “sit down,” and he was happy.
A part of Hermann’s life reflects itself here. The readiness to give to others, to want the best, to wait, to hold out for things to fall into place. Hermann grew up with his grandparents on a small farm. His grandfather was a sailor, so it was only natural that Hermann had to help when he was very young. The farming, the struggle for one’s daily bread determined his first years. They were hard years, everybody tried to find a livelihood. There wasn’t much work. Everybody was glad for what they could work for. In 1942, Hermann was drafted. Surely these were very dark years for him.
Hermann’s health was affected, especially his legs. After his return from imprisonment he immediately looked for work. You, dear Mrs. de Vries, met :”over the fence”. On January 20, 1956, you were married in Remels.
Hermann never put his hands in his lap. There was always work to do and it waited for him – so you and your little family, the kids were born, moved to Lindern, to Klampen and later to Apen, before it led you to Westertede. A house of his own. It certainly made him proud. Both of you made this dream come true under very difficult circumstances but you knew we both will make it. Like the tree in the story, you both were prepared to give to each other what you needed and trusted each other.
The house became the place of the family, the door was always open, a cup of tea waiting, not only for the children, the in-laws and the grandchildren – no, it was for everyone. Sitting in the annex in his room with a view of the garden, between the flowers, his secret safety hobby — it was part of the quiet and relaxation which Hermann needed so badly in his last years. The joy of singing. For many, many years he was a member of the choir. He found rest on his vacations, on his trips with the “Reichsbund”.
His family made his life rich. Family not only in this area but also relatives in the USA with whom you have pleasant bonds. For him that was a very special gift which rested deep in his heart.”
