Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Beloved husband of the late Ruth Bilgram for 59 years; dearest father of Walter (Ramona) Bilgram, Barbara (Mike) O’Brien, Margit (Glenn) Scott, and Linda (the late Mic) Arnold; loving grandfather of Kristin and Calley Bilgram, Andrea and Allison O’Brien, Alex and Adam Scott, and Sara and Jonathan Arnold; our dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.
Herbert was born in Memmingen, Germany on October 6, 1930. His mother died of complications from childbirth the very next day. His father remarried a couple of years later, and he was raised by his stepmother, along with two older siblings and two younger half-siblings.
Herbert’s childhood was dominated by the tragic events of World War II. His hometown fell under attack a couple of times during the war while both of his older brothers and cousins served in the German army. His oldest brother, Otto, was held in a POW camp and eventually released. His brother, Walter, was captured by the Russians and declared Missing in Action. He was never found.
After the war, Herbert’s father wanted him to go into banking like his brother, Otto. Instead, he studied to become a cabinet maker and eventually traveled with a friend to the United States in 1953 to complete his apprenticeship. He settled in High Ridge, Missouri, where he had befriended some relatives of a woman and her children whom he met on the overseas trip.
Two years later, he went home for a brief visit and proposed to his childhood friend, Ruth Loessl, whom he had known since he was eight years old. The kindred spirits were married in 1956, and Ruth relocated to America to be with Herbert, building a wonderful life and family together that eventually included four children and eight grandchildren. They became American citizens on May 5, 1966.
Herbert was very active in his community, having founded the High Ridge Civic Center Association and serving as its president for more than 40 years. He and Ruth also maintained the many German customs and traditions they treasured from their childhood days.
He was also a member of the Deutscher Männerchor, the local German Singing Society, and a 65-year member of the Carpenters Union Local 1596.
Herbert was a multi-faceted, dignified and gifted gentleman: a master craftsman, a person of deep Christian faith, a caring friend to all types of animals, and someone who always greeted you with a smile and a friendly joke.
His handiwork adorned executive boardrooms and elegant bars and restaurants throughout the St. Louis area. But it was his hobby of woodworking that, perhaps, became his legacy. Jewelry boxes, candle holders, bowls, Christmas ornaments, lamps, and so much more. All featuring beautiful inlay work created by a man with large hands, yet with the smallest attention to detail.
Herbert lived his last few years at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills. The family wishes to thank all those who helped care for him and their mother, Ruth, before him.
Herbert passed away almost 70 years to the day he came to America to start a new life. His father let him go reluctantly, and always tried to get him to come back home to Germany. Herbert, perhaps, summed up the situation best when he once said:
“Things happen sometimes, and you don’t know how or why, but they just seem to work out. It was meant to be. Ruth and I were meant to be in America.”
Herbert touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed. But he is now reunited with his beloved Ruth in Heaven above. Welcome home, Herbert.
Services: Visitation at St. Lucas UCC (11735 Denny Rd.) on Saturday, March 25 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Interment at St. Lucas UCC Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Lucas UCC Memorial Fund appreciated.
Barb, Mike, Andrea & Allison,
It is very hard to lose a father (and grandfather). But our memories of them and happy times together remain with us always.
May the memories of good times bring you comfort and peace now and in the future.
Our sincere condolences.
Jana & Jim Stanley
Dear Linda and family,
Your father sounds like a wonderful man who led a rich and full life. Your mother and he certainly raised a beautiful family! My deepest condolences are with you. Lifting you with love and prayers .
To Linda and Walter- my condolences to you and your family. He sounds like he lived a good life!
We are lifting each of you up in prayer! You Dad was a great guy. I have so many memories of the times I’ve spent with you all’s family. He will be missed by many. He lead a life you should be so very proud of.
A beautiful obituary for a lovely man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Barb, Mike, Andrea and Allison may God hold you in his hands over the next few weeks and fill you thoughts and dreams with loving memories of your father, father-in -law and grandfather. He as a special man that joins his past family in heaven. Many hugs.
Such a wonderful gentleman and family leader. Remember him, when he first arrived in High Ridge and his marriage a few years later and the wonderful family he and his wife had, as an example to all
We are very sorry to hear the loss of your father, our prayers are with your family
To Walter and family,
Sincere condolences from Bob No Louise Nation
Schöne Worte Mike!
Ich schicke Euch mein tiefes Beileid und Mitgefühl! Ich werde meine Blume in Memmingen vor seinem Elternhaus niederlegen!
Liebe Barbara und deine Familie
Ich bin sehr traurig über die Nachricht und sende meine Gedanken an euch!
Ich habe nicht viele jedoch sehr wertvolle Erinnerungen an Herbert und Ruth, die Erzählungen von Vati( Friedrich Lößl), die wertvollen wunderschönen Holzgeschenke die immer in Sichtweise an unserem Schrank stehen, die Würde und liebenswertigkeit die spürbar für mich war!
Diese Erinnerung und das ich euch in New York treffen durfte sind wertvoll !
Ich wünsche Herbert den besten Platz im Himmel bei Tante Ruth und er wird euch immer beschützen und stolz sein auf euch!
Viel Kraft und Frieden für den Schmerz und die Trauer❤️
Er Ruhe in Frieden
Eure Inge
Your dad will certainly be missed in many places. I remember him and your mother from the time when you all came to St. Martin. They were always so nice and interesting to visit with. He led a long and full life so that can be a comfort to you. My condolences to all of you.
I remember the family well from church.Such a kind man as was his wife a very kind woman. So soft spoken ,both of them. Was always so amazed at how well behaved the children were. Rest in peace dear man,you will be missrd.
My deepest sympathies to you and the entire family. Feel the pain then let it go.
Your Dad was a class act. He was warm, authentic, and was always willing to help or provide some levity to any situation. He always made our family feel welcomed and included. He was extremely proud of all of his family and served as a role model for all. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you all during this time of mourning and remembrance. God bless!
Where does one begin to commemorate a gentleman who lived life to the fullest?! A man who instilled the importance of love to family and sharing of his giftedness. Our families enjoyed each other’s company and these memories are cherished! His presence will be missed by many. Herb’s legacy will continue with his family living by his example.
I am so sorry for all of your family. Mr Bilgram was such an amazing guy! He always had a smile and a joke to tell. What a loss for you all, but I know you can feel better that he is reunited with his lovely wife. God bless you all. Hugs and prayers.
Herbert Bilgram was a special gift from God to his wife, children, grandchildren, family
and friends. He was blessed with an outstanding talent that he used throughout his
life. Creating beautiful art work that will live on in his memory.
It was always a pleasure to be with him and his wife, Ruth. We will always remember
them.
Our prayers are for his family, asking God to help them cope with his loss, and may he
rest in peace.
Truly sorry to hear about Herbert. I worked with him for a short time at Bank Building/Loughman. He was a dear friend to my in-laws Curt/Mary Betty Kuhn. I also treasure one of his inlaid wooden bowls.
I just learned today about Herbert’s passing. Ruth and Herbert were neighbors and family friends. I do remember the keeping of German traditions. As a child I marveled at the Christmas tree with candles attached and loved Ruth’s Christmas cookies. One of Herbert’s wooden bowls with inlay adorned my parent’s coffee table. Such a talented and civic minded man. Walter, Barbara, Margit and Linda, please know I’m thinking of you all . The passing of parents is quite difficult, perhaps only buffered by the knowledge that your Dad had a long and very, good life. Cindy