Obituary of Herta Marta Obkirchner

Mrs. Herta Marta Obkirchner, 93, of Amsterdam. NY died peacefully in her home following a short illness.  Born in Nuremberg, Germany on May 9, 1928 she was the daughter of the late Fritz and Margaret Tanhauser. 

In 1939 she and her family immigrated to the United States aboard the S.S. Westerland from Antwerp, Belgium to the Port of New York to escape Hitler’s Germany.  For over 20 years, Herta was employed by the Greater Amsterdam School District as a Teachers Aide retiring in 1986.  She loved having her summers off to spend time with her children and tend to all of her geraniums planted around her home. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Emil in 1981 and her sister, Lottie Zink in 2009. 

Survivors include her two children, Stefanie Obkirchner of Amsterdam, NY and Stuart Obkirchner and his wife Kelly of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Caroline Obkirchner, Gabrielle Obkirchner and Kenneth Obkirchner; nieces and nephews, Corinne Zink and her spouse Paul Sciabbarrasi of Long Island, NY, Cort Zink and his spouse Janeann of Long Island, NY and Christine Muller and her spouse Andi of Germany; several grand nieces and grand nephews. 

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 12:30p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY with Peter J. Rose, CFSP presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service beginning at 1130a.m. at the funeral home.  Masks are required. 

Herta was a true animal lover, having raised several dogs, birds and even a frog.  In lieu of flowers, in her memory, please consider donating to the Montgomery County SPCA, The Ironwood Pig Sanctuary of Arizona or Feline Guardian Angels of Amsterdam.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com