Obituary of Herb Gottschalk
Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, at age 70, at Freeport Hospital surrounded by his family.
Herb will be deeply missed by many and will, forever, remain in our hearts. He leaves behind his wife Jan Gottschalk (nee Crowther), daughters Jill Duken (Ralf) and Jamie Dujardin (Pierre), Grandpa to Elsa, Ewan and Abi Duken, and Sebastian and Remy Dujardin, all from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK. Best brother and friend to Jim and Kathy and Uncle to Emma and Grace of Kitchener. He will be missed by Jan’s siblings, Carrie (Gerald) Claus, Ted (Carole) Crowther and Rob (Janet) Crowther, nieces and nephews, Jake, Scott and Maggie Claus and Kim Crowther (Gabe), Kate Crowther (Joe). Survived by his devoted mother Katie Gottschalk.
Herb was predeceased by his father, Walter Gottschalk in 2019.
Herb lived his life in Kitchener-Waterloo region, went to Grand River Collegiate and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute graduating with a degree in Business. He started his sales career in the concrete industry in 1976. Known as ‘The Legend’ in the world of concrete, he worked for Hogg Fuel and Supply until 2006 and retired from CBM in 2022.
Herb loved spending time with his girls, sons-in-law and grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Over the last few years, he spent an increasing amount time at the family cottage(s), winters in Cabarete, DR and many trips to the UK to be with family.
He loved to work outside of his day job and together, Herb and Jan built two family homes, a cottage and renovated an old home, bringing it back to life. Outside of his comfort zone, he also worked and advised on builds in the UK, so happy to be helping his kids. There were many guy’s weekends with his best buds of 55 years - Bruce Haynes, Tim Miehm, Dan Greener and Tom Morton.
Active in sports such as football and baseball in his youth, this continued with Old Timers hockey and many golf trips. He was a gifted athlete.
Herb lived life large, was a man of the moment and had more charm in his baby finger than most of us have in our whole bodies. He was everyone’s best buddy.
Special thanks to Dr. P. Froese who supported Herb, Jan and Jim, Dr. J. Graczyk, Dr. A. Molckovsky, Dr. K. Leung, and Dr. D. Knibutat; and to the wonderful staff on the surgical unit at Grand River Hospital, GRRCC and the Palliative Unit at Freeport Hospital.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to the SickKids Foundation, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or the Stoidi Group, a local charity group whom Herb was involved with, may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.