Gerda E. Janak, 86, of Shiner, passed in Victoria at the South Texas Comfort Center, on February 21, 2023, with her husband Casper at her bedside.  Her life journey began on May 12, 1936, in Dedlow, Germany, born to parents Johanna & Maximillian Reng.

After completing nurses training in East Germany in 1959, Gerda relocated to West Germany and worked in a Munich hospital.  Both Gerda & Casper happened to be traveling through Austria on the same day in 1960, staying in a hotel in a small village, where they met, and the rest is history.  They were married on January 28, 1962, in Orleans, France, where Casper was stationed with the US Army.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Gerda, will remember her as being very welcoming and a joy to be around.  She knew how to live.  She was a "doer".  She loved all kinds of books, music, concerts and the opera.  There were always a few needlework projects on the go, all masterfully accomplished to her high standards.  There were the crossword puzzles she made time for almost daily.  Her love of the gardening and plants could be seen and felt by anyone who had the pleasure of visiting her "piece of paradise".

The Garden Club gave Gerda the opportunity to share gardening secrets with likeminded gardeners, and participate in activities, such as showing her flower arrangements.  Casper & Gerda often traveled to visit family in various countries, Germany in particular.  They spent many happy times dancing and playing dominoes with friends.

Gerda will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but never forgotten.

Gerda is survived by:  her husband of 62 years, Casper Janak; 2 sisters, Rita Fuch & Anita Kushan of Germany; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Mary Jo) Janak, Henry (Carolyn) Janak; sister-in-law Sylvia (Gordan) Scott; nephews, Christopher Wayne (Patsy) Janak, David (Deborah) Janak, Rick (Angie) Janak & Douglas (Natalie) Scott; nieces, Connie (Ken) Stolte, Stephanie Janak, Karey (Dennis) Satsky & Kelly Scott; and numerous nieces & nephews in Germany.

Gerda was preceded in death by her parents, brother Hans Georg Reng, niece Sharon Gonzales, and nephew Chris Jerome Janak.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Saturday, February 25, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville; Visitation starting at 8:30 am, with Rosary starting at 9:30 am. Pallbearers: Christopher Janak, David Janak, Rick Janak, Ken Stolte, Dennis Satsky and Jonathon Janak. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church or donor's choice. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.