We live on, in the memories we leave behind.
Hans was born on 26 October 1934, in Liegnitz, Germany, in the province of Silesia (Schlesien). In 1957, Hans immigrated to the United States and was soon drafted into the United States Air Force, although he was still a German citizen and could barely speak English.
Helga was born on 9 March 1937 in Herford Germany, shortly before WWII . After passing the “Abitur” in 1957 and at the age of twenty, she decided to take a year off from attending the university, to spend some time in the USA. She did not flee poverty, persecution or the law, she was simply hungry for adventure.
While in 1958, Hans was stationed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he met Helga Poertner (Pörtner) at a Dance Party at the local YWCA. On 1 November 1958 in West Allis (near Milwaukee), Wisconsin they married.
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- Helga’s Corner
- Hans’ Corner
- Together
- Daughter
- Son
Hans and Helga are laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio Texas. Both loved the 23 Psalm in the Bible “The Lord is My Shepherd”. During both life services, this Psalm was read as part of the ceremony. On Hans’ side of the tombstone is the first line of the Psalm, and on Helga’s side is the last line.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul.
He leadeth me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
King James Version (KJV)
Hans and Helga's Corner 
