Erika Imgard Washington, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Konigsberg, Prussia, March 10, 1926, the oldest of five children born to the late Bruno Leonhard and Anna Charlotte Terese Mex.
Erika’s education was cut short when she was 16 due to the Russian invasion and political unrest. During World War II, Erika served as a nurse caring for injured German soldiers. It was during that time she met her first husband, Hans Josef Stollenwerk. He helped her and her family escape in 1945 on the ship he was assigned to. They relocated to Kiel, Germany. Together they had two sons, Wolfgang and Hans Peter. Erika married Herman B. Washington on February 21, 1964. For the next two decades they travelled to numerous locales in support of his military career. Erika worked at AAFES (Army & Airforce Exchange Service) until she retired. The final military move placed them in Colorado Springs and they lived in Widefield since 1984. She remained married to Herman for 56 years until his death on November 21, 2020.
Erika loved her family and had great compassion for all living things. Always generous and kind, she was happy to give to causes that helped those in need and she was a great supporter of animals. She loved flowers and sunshine. Erika was quick witted and smart. She loved to read and learn. She was stubborn and loyal. She held her convictions closely. She always gave credit to God for her blessings and longevity.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Hans Peter Stollenwerk of Oftersheim, Germany, her granddaughter, Elke Stollenwerk of Ulm, Germany, great grandsons, Tobias and Niklas Kronert of Ulm, Germany; and friends who cared who cared deeply.
Funeral services will take place Wednesday at Pikes Peak National Cemetery Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 1:00p.m., at 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.
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