With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Herta Schenk on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. Thomas General Hospital, at the age of 102, surrounded by her family. Herta was born in the German colony of Topcza, Ukraine, on August 15, 1924, the daughter of the late Ludwig and Olga (nee Benkendorf) Dreger. She is predeceased by her husband William Schenk, her brother Arnold and wife Erika Dreger, her sister Elizabeth and husband Lutz Luken, and her sister Meta Eggers (surviving husband Addy Dreger). She is survived by her children, Willy, Inge (Carmine Torchia), Lori (Miles Valley), and Heidi (George Congdon); her grandchildren, Laura (JJ Brown), Keri, Bonnie (Ryan Neville), David (wife), Lucas, and Zachariah (Sara); and her three great-grandchildren, Alyssa Brown, Hannah Neville, and Ripley Neville.
Herta will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and community. Herta was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family fondly remembers their time with her at the cottage, in her home, her baking and meals made with love, and the care she showed to all who crossed her path. She was also a devoted believer of God and this informed how she lived her life.
Herta vividly remembered World War II and her family’s experiences during that difficult time. She often shared her story with friends and family, recounting the resilience and strength required to survive the harrowing journey, as well as the memories of the loved ones she lost. Herta documented her experiences in a personal memoir, Journey to Freedom, written with the assistance of her daughter, Inge. In it, she chronicled her wartime experiences and her journey to Canada. She dedicated her memoir to her family, expressing gratitude to those who helped make her journey to freedom possible.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen St. S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Wednesday, October 28 from 10 o’clock until time of funeral service in the chapel at 11 o’clock. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton. Following the interment, a reception will take place at the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
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