He was born March 17, 1926 in Calbe/Milde Germany and raised by his Grandparents. They taught him the meaning of hard work and ethics. His responsibility as a child was to deliver shoes that his Grandfather repaired. In his youth, he worked as an apprentice in a factory that fabricated and assembled parts for airplane engines as well as building and repairing air gliders. He trained to fly those air gliders as well. He graduated in Mechanics, Business Administration and Accounting. After graduation, he was expected to serve in the Workforce (Peace Corps) where he dug trenches and after serving for three months, he was drafted into the Air Force and stationed in Vienna, Austria.
Erich was baptized into the LDS church by his future father-in-law, in a canal in 1948 and soon after married Esther E. Riewe in a very simple 10-minute ceremony. Food was in short supply, but because his mother-in-law worked in a flourmill, they were able to enjoy a little cake. Esther was the love of his life and his sweetheart for 73 years prior to her passing in March of this year.
Erich and Esther had a strong desire to raise their children in a free country so with only one piece of luggage, they traveled to West Germany and stayed in a refugee camp where they shared living quarters with other families for a year. They arrived in America in February of 1962 and once in America, Erich, along with his family, worked by cleaning office space. Erich also worked as an accountant, conducting auditing for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
They started attending the German Speaking Ward, which was organized in 1963. They had many wonderful years with their close-knit German Ward family. Visitors could not sneak in without some acknowledgement and a strong German handshake. He had a great love for Genealogy and spent countless hours doing research. He served in many capacities including High Priest, Bishopric, Sunday School President and Ward Clerk. The gospel of Jesus Christ was very important to Erich, which he deeply felt had helped them get through many difficult times.
We are so grateful for Dad’s dedication and sacrifice for his family. Everything he did was for his wife and family. We will forever be grateful for his sacrifice, honesty, integrity and selflessness and his strong desire to keep his small family close together.
We are very grateful for Community Nursing Services and their tender, constant care. Thank you Edith, Marina and Myrna!
He is survived by his children, Jerry (Lillian) Vergin, Cornelia Barth and his grandchildren Tessa, Monique, Melissa and Chris. He is preceded in death by his wife, Esther Vergin and his son Andreas and his Grand-parents Gustav and Bertha Hentze.
Family and friends, please join us for a viewing at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. A short service and Graveside service will be immediately following the viewing.
