Audrey J. (Natzke) Herr

Audrey Jean Herr, age 85, was called home November 16, 2021 in Noblesville, Indiana.

Audrey was born July 20, 1936 in Montevideo City, Minnesota to the late Bernadette and Dalton Natzke. The oldest of two daughters, she is survived by her beloved sister, Patricia Torrell of St. Paul, Minnesota (with nephews Luke, Tom, and David). Audrey graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Augsburg Lutheran College where she earned her degree in elementary education. She taught in Lutheran Parochial Schools in Minneapolis, Rapid City, South Dakota as well as public schools in Savannah, Georgia.

Audrey married Maurice G. Herr, Jr. in 1960; he proceeded her in death in 1999. Maurice was one of 11 children and Audrey always expressed her gratitude to have been welcomed into the loving Herr family “like a sister.” Their 9-month courtship and 38-year marriage was a testament to their enduring commitment to one another and to family. They traveled the world together and while stationed in Taiwan, they adopted two children. With prayers and Audrey’s unwavering faith, she believed God’s plan brought them to their children. The privilege of parenthood was never taken lightly. As a teacher, Audrey taught her children through her motherly “lectures” and Maurice guided with strong discipline; both committed to raising kind and contributing kids.

Audrey was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Otterbein, Indiana where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served on the Ladies’ Committee. Upon retiring to Tuscon, Arizona, she was a member of Noel Evangelical Church where she remained active in teaching, singing in the choir, as well as serving as church Deacon. In 2005, she was diagnosed with early stages Alzheimer’s disease and returned to Indiana where she attended Bethel Lutheran Church, Noblesville, Indiana.

Devoted to her family, she managed an in-home childcare business to be a stay-at-home-mom. As her kids grew, she remained true to her servant heart by staying involved in her kids’ activities, volunteering, and working in retail. Audrey loved children, dogs, books, the water (swimming, water aerobics and boating), church hymns, sewing, crafts, the color blue, letter-writing, rocky road ice cream and buying scrapbooking supplies. Audrey was known for her quiet strength, devotion to others and her well-known “pitch-in” favorites of baked beans, banana bread or broccoli salad. She was an example of “Service-over-Self” through her membership in the Indiana American Legion Auxiliary. In addition, she was a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who famously enjoyed fellowship at the all-you-can-eat-buffet after every weekly weigh-in.

Audrey is survived by her children Timothy James (Amy) of Charleston, South Carolina, and Maria Lynn (Bill) of Carmel, Indiana; six grandchildren – Miranda, Dalton, Mitchell, Brian, Grant and Greg; countless nieces, nephews, family and friends across the states … all who held a special place in Audrey’s heart.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who walked alongside us on the 16-year journey. Audrey’s longtime primary care-providers Dr. Lee Sredzinski and his nurse, Katie, as well as her neurologist Dr. Michael Levine. The former St. Vincent hospice staff (currently Compassus) – nurses, Diane, Heather, Doug, Angie & Charlene; LPN Kathy, NA Charrise and NA Sean, Chaplain Linda, and Social Worker Carole. With overwhelming love and gratitude, we acknowledge “A Family for Mom” who provided Audrey’s direct care and warm shelter for the last 6 years: owners and caregiver Gloria and Don along with Steve and Debbie who ensured constant quality of care, comfort, love, and dignity until the very end.

Honoring Audrey’s wishes, a family memorial will be held in Savannah, Georgia and a private graveside service to be held at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, West Lafayette, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, please buy a book for a child, support a teacher, or give to your favorite charity.

“My body and mind may waste away, but God remains the foundation of my life and my inheritance forever.” Psalm 73-26

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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