We have just received news that Gene Herr, who has been struggling with brain cancer, is in the hospital and may be nearing death. Gene has been a friend and mentor to many in Bridgefolk. Many of the Mennonites who participated in the early years of Bridgefolk credit him and his decades of ministry in the Mennonite Church with pointing them toward the contemplative and liturgical resources of Catholicism. After years of pastoral and youth ministry, Gene and his wife Mary founded The Hermitage in Three Rivers, Michigan. He was one of twenty-five people who participated in the first exploratory “bridging retreat” in Laurelville PA in 1999 that led to Bridgefolk. A few years ago, after retiring in Kansas, Gene was received into the Catholic Church, while continuing to participate actively with Mary in their local Mennonite congregation.
Yesterday, December 23rd, Gene’s daughter posted the following on his CaringBridge page.
These days we are sitting by dad’s bedside and he is mostly sleeping. When he is awake he is often still sweet and funny. At times he is disoriented and confused. There is a pump administering morphine and his system is slowly shutting down so that the digestive problems cannot cause him so much pain. We know these are the last weeks or maybe last days.
Recently Allie, granddaughter from the Washington, DC area and her fiance Brian came for a couple of days. It was a wonderful visit. Karl, Mary Lynne and Jes are here and Heather comes in tonight. Phil and Magda arrive the 26th. Ellen’s daughters have all been by recently as well to see their grandpa.
Lots of beautiful friends have come by to say goodbye as well. Many great memories, laughter and tears are shared. Tonight as my dad was talking to granddaughter Amber he said, “I am most grateful for two things- my faith and my family.” Because of his faith, many of you are in our lives and we have been richly blessed.
Pray for comfort and peace for our dad’s journey to Heaven. Please pray for strength of body and spirit for our mom. We are so grateful for this time and for this man who continues to teach us so much.
Peace, love, and Merry Christmas to you all.
Please join us in prayer and gratitude for Gene and his family.
For further updates, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/geneherr.