Herman Konrad Santsche

HERMAN KONRAD SANTSCHE July 28, 1914 - September 2, 2009 95 Years Old
Herman Konrad Santsche came to the end of his long and healthy life at the age of 95 on September 2, 2009, in Roseburg, Oregon, following a massive stroke. He was born at home on July 28, 1914 to gunsmith Emil Gottlieb Santsche and Ida (Cekander) Santsche in Eureka, California. He was the youngest of eight children.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Myrtle Isabel (Humberstone) Santsche and their children: son, John Edward Santsche of Los Angeles, California; daughter, Carol Christine Cole and husband Dennis of West Richland, Washington; and daughter, Sandra Kay Allen and husband Steve of Roseburg, Oregon. Herman is also survived by four grandchildren: Heather Lynn (Cole) Bain, Kevin James Allen, Brian Douglas Cole, and Kristopher Edward Allen. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Cole Matthew Bain, Kate Elizabeth Bain, Douglas Byron Cole and Bailey Kayden Allen.
Herman spent his childhood in Eureka, California, a place he remembered fondly when he talked of hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoor life with his father and brothers.
Herman attended schools in Eureka. He left high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1931, and was honorably discharged in 1935 with the rank of Fireman 1st Class. He then returned to complete his education and graduated from Eureka High School in 1937 at the age of 23.
Following his high school graduation, he attended The Academy of Police Science and began his employment with Union Pacific Railroad as a special officer for the Union Pacific Railroad, riding the trains for security reasons. He eventually became the Fire Chief for the railroad and retired after thirty-seven years. In 1944, he was called to serve in World War II. He was in the Navy for a second time until his final discharge in 1946 with the rank of Specialist 1st Class.
Herman met his wife, Myrtle Isabel Humberstone, in 1942 on his 28th birthday, while he was living with her brother. They were married on September 4, 1943 in Los Angeles, California at Wilshire Wedding Chapel.
Herman lived his life frugally, raised his children with a firm hand, and believed in the phrase "nothing to excess". He was proud of his German-Swiss background and always hoped to visit his father's homeland in Sigriswil, Switzerland. He was blessed with excellent health, and led a good life.