Greta A. Gerhardt

Just two weeks after celebrating her 91st birthday with family and friends, complications from congestive heart failure resulted in Greta Gerhardt deciding that she was ready to leave this world. Her children were by her side. Gigi (to her husband), Mom (to her kids), Omi (to her grands and great-grands) or just Greta (to her many friends)whatever you called her, she was one unforgettable lady! Born on March 30, 1926, in Ptuj, Yugoslavia (Slovenia), Greta was her parents\u0027 little princess and enjoyed a fairy-tale childhood. At the age of 14, however, when her father died and their home was taken over by Nazi soldiers, her life changed drastically. She ultimately moved to Graz, Austria, where she later met and married John Gerhardt and where their children were born. In 1956 the family moved to Vienna, Austria, so that John could complete his medical training and in 1958 they emigrated to the USA. Flying into NYC on July 3 to fireworks and then to flag-lined streets on July 4 in Chicago, she marveled at the reception the USA gave its immigrants and immediately loved her new country! From that day forth, Independence Day was always a special holiday for the Gerhardt family. After several more moves, the family settled in Prophetstown, Illinois, where John set up his medical practice. In 1966 it was again time to move, this time to Milwaukie, Oregon, where John and Greta happily spent their remaining years. Greta was accomplished in all of her many interests. She was an avid stamp collector, an amazing gardener, an astute investor, a phenomenal knitter and crafter, a consummate cook, and the ultimate hostess. No one was ever turned away or left hungry, and she always made sure that her loved ones got her oh-so delicious homemade Gesundheitskuchen on their birthdays. She donated generously to social causes, was well-read and inundated her family and friends with clippings of interesting information that they might want to (or should) know. She told the truth as she saw it, hated lies and despised hypocrites, but always put others first and was deeply loyal and supportive of family and friends. Butterflies, mushroom hunting, slot machines, cacti and daisies were among her favorite things, but slugs in her yard and dandelions in her lawn were always quickly eradicated. Greta was the \u0026quot;mama bear\u0026quot; of the family, the proverbial \u0026quot;wind beneath the wings\u0026quot; of her husband and an absolute treasure to her friends. Greta is now reunited with all the loved ones who predeceased her, including her husband, Dr. John Gerhardt (in 2014), her first-born son, Kurt (in 1948), her brother, Otti (MIA), her sister, Vera (2016), and her many life-long friends. She is survived by her children, Liz Iverson (husband Bob) and Nick Gerhardt (wife Marci) and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Justin Iverson (wife Kim and children Opal and Jonas) and Katrina Iverson Brown (husband Jeff and children Grady and Duncan). Those who knew Greta will remember an incredibly special person - one who made a difference in the lives of many. We will all greatly miss her love, strength, and guiding spirit. A private graveside celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Ioana \u0026amp; Florin Handolescu and to Suemi Zapata for their many kindnesses and devoted care, as well as to all the special friends who faithfully called and visited Greta up to the very end of her days. They would also like to acknowledge the compassionate care of the staff at the Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center and Hospice. Please consider remembering Greta by donating to the Oregon Food Bank or to OPB, or by planting something or doing something that reminds you of her. If you wish to share your memories of Greta, please leave them at www.peakefh.com or www.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon . The family would cherish reading them."",