Herta Vogtmann, 74

July 3, 1940 - Munich, Germany

March 21, 2015 - Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, Wash.

It is with profound sadness that I announce that my fun-loving, devoted and giving mother has been called to join God's Angels in Heaven.

Herta was born and raised in Munich, Germany, where she earned a bachelor's degree at a Catholic University in Munich prior to immigrating to the United States in 1965. It was on board the ship taking her to America that she met her husband-to-be, another immigrant named Reinhold Vogtmann, whom she later married.

After they married, Herta and Reinhold settled for the first few years in Pasadena, Calif., before purchasing their first new home in the beautiful town of Agoura Hills, Calif., in 1970. They then moved to Newbury Park, Calif., in 1995 and lived there until 2006.

In 2006 my mother was able to fulfill her life-long dream of living somewhere overlooking the water, when she purchased her new condominium in Post Falls, Idaho, overlooking the beautiful and tranquil Spokane River where she was able to enjoy her retirement.

From 1965 to 1975, Herta worked in electronics, assembling parts for rockets and the Space Shuttle. In 1983 she decided to pursue a new career and attended nursing school, graduating with honors in June 1984.

Herta was a dedicated and caring Charge Nurse for 12 years, plus an additional four years as Director of Nurses, all at Castle Hill Retirement Village in Thousand Oaks, Calif. During her professional life, Herta was known for her integrity, fairness and advocacy. Her devoted and excellent work ethic was demonstrated throughout her career.

Herta was an avid reader, and knew a lot about European history, geography and royalty. She was blessed with a sharp mind, a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love of knowledge. She loved the mountains, the rivers, nature, the ocean and traveling. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and spoke English and German fluently. She worked hard all her life and was known for being very intelligent, loving, her giving spirit, and being helpful to those less fortunate than she - and she loved to cook. Herta enjoyed getting together with family and friends, and over the years many who sat at her table were able to enjoy her tasty German and American meals that she lovingly and enthusiastically prepared. Herta was also known and been told on many, many occasions that she was one of the most elegant dressers here in North Idaho.

In the year 2000 Herta survived breast cancer while her husband, Reinhold, was also battling cancer. She was a great role model, leader and strong lady, and will be deeply missed by the ones who knew and loved her.

Herta was preceded in death by her son Helmut; her husband Reinhold; and her mother, Therese. She is survived by her daughter, Irene Jaspert of Post Falls, Idaho; her sister Inge Cochrane of Shingle Springs, Calif., and Post Falls; and one granddaughter, Lindsey Jaspert of Germany.

At her passing, which was peaceful, Herta was surrounded by family and was a true lady to the very end.

A heartfelt thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff at Sacred Heart Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

To share in remembrance of our beloved Herta, there will be a Celebration of Life, with the date and time still to be determined.

Please visit Herta's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.