Herman Wrede passed away suddenly at his Hollister residence on June 8th at the age of 74 years.
Herman was a native of Toledo, Ohio had graduated from Toledo University with a degree in Journalism, entered into the Army and served as a Tanksman in Germany, and upon discharge returned to Toledo before coming to California. Herman moved to Hollister in 1968 from Gardena, CA where he had been the paper’s City Editor, to accept a position at the Hollister Free Lance. Herman’s life was devoted to writing and journalism. He had been City Editor for several papers including both the Hollister Free Lance and the Pinnacle.
A avid reader and collector of books on all subjects and an authority on William Shakespeare, Herman was presently writing a novel about Shakespeare and was very proud to have visited Shakespeare’s European birthplace and where he is buried. He was proud to quote from memory any lines from Shakespeare, as well as quotes from over a 1000 poems which he had memorized. Herman was an active community member—serving annually at the Marlan Holte Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, the Exchange Club fundraisers which provided scholarships for County students; the Chamber Of Commerce activities, and assisting those who were the less fortunate. In addition to being a member of the Exchange Club and the E Clampus Vitus, Herman supported many groups and organizations with his literary talents assisting them with their organization’s history and presence in the community. On election nights he could be found at the County Court House monitoring the results. Herman wrote for many local, state, and national campaigns. He also attended the National Conventions.
His survivors include his spouse Sigrid of Costa Mesa; his children Andrea Ureno of Burbank, Philip Von Wrede of Rancho Santa Margarita, and Alexander Wrede of Henderson, NV; grandchildren Presley Ureno and Tabitha Cruz; sister Anna Kubicz, spouse Norman of Ohio; nephew and spouse Mr. & Mrs. John Wrede of WA; many other family members and friends.
Friends are invited to a celebration of Herman’s life on Saturday June 14th at 4:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister. As per his wishes private inurnment has been held. Donations are preferred to the Hollister Post 9242, V.F.W. or to the Marlan Holte Annual Dinner c/o
the mortuary chapel. To view and send condolences go to www.grunnagle.com
