Wolfgang was born on February 13, 1936 in Petzer, Trautenau in the Riesengebirge (now Czech Republic). He was the oldest of five siblings born to their parents Berta and Reinhold Berauer. Leaving their homeland at the end of the war created unforgettably sad memories for Wolfgang – he talked many times about the hardships he and his family had to go through to find food and shelter when they were assigned to new living quarters in Bavaria.
Eventually, after the war, Wolfgang’s dad was able to create a home for the family. He also arranged for a three-year apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker for Wolfgang in the Monastery of Benediktbeuern in Bavaria. Wolfgang completed all the requirements to become a journeyman cabinetmaker, including building his “Gesellenstück,” or journeyman piece, a wonderful cabinet we still treasure in our home.
Before Wolfgang decided to leave Benediktbeuern, he went to a New Year’s Eve Dance close to my hometown in Bichl. This is where he and I met and danced and fell in love. It was 1956.
In 1958, Wolfgang travelled to America in search of better work opportunities. During this time, we wrote many letters to each other. I still have those letters.
While in New York, Wolfgang booked a flight to visit me and his family in Germany. Shortly before his trip, Wolfgang received a letter from the U.S. Government saying he had been drafted into the Army. This meant if he left America, he would not be allowed to come back into the country.
Even though I longed to see Wolfgang, I did not want him to surrender the freedom to return to America. Fortunately, he was able to work out a short temporary stay in Germany. We were so happy to see each other. We prepared to get married at the end of May, 1961 in Bavaria. Then we packed our suitcases and travelled by ship to New York.
Once in the U.S., we moved to California and Wolfgang found a good job in a cabinet shop in San Diego. We were both so happy in our new apartment as we built our life together.
Our two daughters Alexandra and Patricia were born in San Diego and Los Angeles in 1962 and 1966, making us a happy family together. Wolfgang loved his family and provided well for us.
Our daughters grew up, got married and each gave us two wonderful grandsons. Alexandra’s two sons are Jesse and Bucky. Patricia then blessed us with two more grandsons, Mitchell and Spencer. Whenever possible, Wolfgang would take them camping, hiking, or on skiing trips with the family and we still treasure those magical times together. And now we are very blessed to have our three great grandchildren: Gardner, August, and Ellis, whose middle name is Berauer. Wolfgang loved them all very much.
In October 2022, shortly before Wolfgang became ill, our family took a trip to Bavaria to visit our relatives. He enjoyed the time with his siblings and visiting the Monastery in Benediktbeuern where he learned his trade.
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Wolfgang is preceded in death by his sister Marianne Stonex, who lived in Kentucky with her family. Wolfgang is survived by his wife Theresa, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as his brothers Otto and Günther and his sister Gitta, who live in Bavaria.
Wolfgang is...
...the much-loved father to our children Alexandra and Patricia
...the much-loved Opa to our grandchildren Jesse, Bucky, Mitchell, and Spencer
...the much-loved Grand-Opa to our great grandchildren Gardner, August, and our newest great grand-baby Ellis.
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MISS ME – BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me – but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me – But Let me Go.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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