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Married:
- Obituaries, THE RECORD - Jan. 16, 2007 HERNER, Harley and Ruth (Leiskau) - Passed away tragically, away from home, on Sunday January 14, 2007. Ruth was born January 27, 1921 in Wilmot Township a daughter of the late Frederick and Amelia (Miller) Leiskau. Harley was born July 31, 1920, also in Wilmot Township, a son of the late Christian and Edna (Iutzi) Herner. Harley and Ruth were lifelong residents of Baden where they owned and operated Herner Wood Products Ltd., since the 1950's. They were members of St. James Lutheran Church, Baden and enjoyed cottage life for many years at Sauble Beach. Ruth had a great sense of humor, loyally supported Harley and loved her family best! Harley loved everything "wood", built homes, cottages and furniture for many years and had been a chauffeur for Baden's Livingston family in his younger days. Ruth and Harley were married 62 years ago on October 14, 1944. Sadly missed by children, David and Colleen Herner, Gail Herner and Howard Schell, all of Baden and Beth and Ken Baer of RR 2, Wingham. Lovingly remembered by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christa and Terry Gerber (Matthew and Meghan), Amie and Todd Wilker, Laura Herner, Jessica Wagler and Derek Hamilton (Emma), Rebecca Wagler, Kyle, Mark and Brandon Baer. Also remembered by Harley's sisters, Eileen Kochem of Waterloo, Helen Boldt of Petersburg and Geraldine and her husband Joseph Roth of New Hamburg as well as several nieces and nephews. Harley was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Clancy Kochem and John Boldt. Ruth was predeceased by brothers, Clarence and his wife Ferne and Harry and his wife Lula and sisters Olive and her husband Ed Diebel and a sister in infancy. According to Ruth and Harley's wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and relatives are invited to an informal visitation period at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg on Friday, January 19, 2007 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Private Family Committal will be held at Fairmount Cemetery, Baden at a later date. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation or the charity of choice.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007, THE RECORD
And the bells tolled 173 times
'Inseparable' Baden couple together in life and in death
LIZ MONTEIROHarley and Ruth Herner played board games together. They went grocery shopping together. They even had knee surgery together two years ago in Toronto.
On Sunday, the elderly Baden couple died together."They were inseparable,'' said Laura Herner, one of eight grandchildren. "It's so fitting that they go together.''"Neither of them would have lasted without the other,'' said Eloise Klaehn, a family friend. "That's what they would have wanted.''The couple were coming home from visiting their daughter, Beth Bear, in Wingham when the crash occurred.They were travelling east on Perth Line 86 west of Listowel just before noon when their pickup truck crossed the centre line and went into the ditch on the west side of the highway, striking a large tree.Harley, who was driving, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ruth was sent to the London Health Sciences Centre, where she later died.Perth OPP said the road was snow-covered at the time. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, Const. Glen Childerley said yesterday.Yesterday, St. James Lutheran Church in Baden rang the church bells 173 times in memory of the long lives of Harley, who was in his 87th year, and Ruth, who was in her 86th year.The Herners were fixtures in Baden, where they'd always lived. The village wanted to show its appreciation for the couple, who always gave generously to their community.Laura Herner said she feels lucky to have had her grandparents for as long as she did.
"We have so many memories,'' the 26-year-old said.At Christmas, Ruth prepared a turkey and her famous Jell-O salad for the family of about 20 people.
Everyone brought a side dish and Ruth did the baking."Grandma made the best sugar cookies and cherry pie,'' Laura said.Each day, Harley still went to work shortly after 6 a.m. even though he'd already passed the business reigns to his son, David.Herner Wood Products Ltd., on Snyder's Road in Baden, opened in 1950 and Harley rarely missed a day.Ruth prepared lunch every Saturday and brought it to the store.As a young man, Harley, worked for J & J Livingston, which later became the Dominion Linseed Oil Co.For 11 years, Harley worked as a driver-salesperson, distributing products across Ontario.He was also the personal driver for factory owner J.P. Livingston, transporting the boss around in a Cadillac.On occasion, Harley brought Ruth along. Livingston would often slip Harley a $20 to spend with Ruth. When the couple got married in October 1944, Livingston gave them $200.Shortly after, Harley, a carpenter by trade, left to start his own business.Klaehn said the Herners had a special bond that few couples have.At the celebration of their 60th anniversary two years ago, the couple held hands the whole time.
"It was very romantic,'' she said.A private funeral service will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home in New Hamburg tonight. An informal visitation for the community will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.Harley and Ruth Herner are survived by three children, David, Beth Bear and Gail Herner; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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