1916
2013
Arthur Hertager
May 19, 1916 to June 7, 2013
In the early 1900s, Heine and Ruth Hjertager immigrated to California from Norway. Heine moved his family from town to town in search of work in lumber yards. During those years Ruth gave birth to five children: Henry, Arthur, Elsie, Viktor and Viola. Like many immigrant families, they ultimately wanted to become Americans in a big city. As a step towards being American, they changed their surname from Hjertager (pronounced yer-tah-ger) to Hertager.
Despite the hardships of being immigrants, moving frequently and coping with The Great Depression, Art still went to school and received an education. This perseverance in the face of adversity was one of his defining character traits to the end of his life. Unfortunately, Art's generation faced another great challenge: World War II.
Art served in the Army in the Philippines, New Guinea, and on a passenger transport ship. He didn't talk much about WWII, but if you asked him what he did after WWII, he would smile and his eyes would light up. After the war, he moved to Oakland, California where he met his future wife, Ione Taylor. They married on September 16, 1948. Art and Ione moved to Medford, Oregon, along with Ione's children from a prior marriage (Stephanie and Daniel). They had three more children (Pamela, Annette, and Gregory), and eventually adopted Art's niece Jo Dell when she was 12.
Art wanted more stability for his family than he had experienced as a child, so he began his own business as a residential and commercial painter. Since Oregon weather wasn't conducive to year-round painting, the family moved to San Diego, California, where his business flourished. Art lived the American dream that his father had started, but challenges continued. They lost their daughter Pam in 1988 and their son Greg in 2006. After 58 years of marriage, Ione also passed away in 2006. Annette returned to San Diego, providing him care and companionship for his remaining years.
Throughout his life, Art was known for his dancing, cribbage playing, tenacity, stubbornness, compassion and above all, his unwavering love for his family. He is survived by 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
His Memorial Service will be held at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Lakeside, CA on Saturday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
July 17, 2013
Annette Hertager
I miss you dad more than words can say. You taught me a lot and will always remember the short time we got to spend together. Thank you for everything you did for me.
July 15, 2013
Sue Mix
I first met Art & his wife Ione when I became their Park Manager in 2006 . Ione & Art was such a happy couple whenever I'd see them . I remember the last dinner Ione and Art attended together we had a 50's Theme and what a site it was to see Art dancing with Ione . I remember Art being a Lady's man lol. I use to tell him every time he'd hug and kiss me that he was such a flirt. Art has now once again joined Ione and hopefully he's a happy young man once again. Art we will miss you but , I know God had better plans for you . Stephanie & Annette I hope you both know even though Art had a way about him at times he loved you all very much and he was tired and wanting to go home He's now at Peace and he will forever be in your minds and Hearts :(
July 8, 2013
Nischa Roman
What I enjoyed about Art was his enthusiasm for life. He always greeted me with a hug and expressed interest in things he didn't know about. I always felt special around him and will miss that. I feel lucky I got to know him a little while living at cypress hills.
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