Andreas Herne, 60, Akwesasne

Mr. Andreas Herne, of Fire Walk Lane, passed peacefully at sunrise on Friday, August 19, 2011, attended lovingly by family and the friendly people of Highland Nursing Home and St. Lawrence County Hospice. 

Andreas was born on November 30, 1950, in Berlin, Germany, the son of Gisela A. Herne and the late William B. Herne. He graduated from Glenbard High School in Chicago in 1970 where he was an accomplished gymnast. After graduation, Andreas was drafted into the US Army, where he served in Washington State. Andreas traveled extensively and lived in Chicago, Milwaukee, Washington, Denver, Puerto Rico, Rochester, Texas and Akwesasne.

Andreas permanently settled in Akwesasne in the early 80s where he worked as an independent mechanic and Native artisan, before operating a small trash removal and recycling business and was known as the “Tsi-Man”. He enjoyed woodcarving, stonecutting, and collecting, as well as spending time with his friends and family. 

He is survived by his mother, Gisela Herne; son, Robert “Zeke” Herne; brother Bill (Jaclyn) Herne; and sister, Dawna (Victor) Page; his god-sister, Deborah Adam (David) Davies; his nieces and nephews, Soli, Zac, and Aiden Page and Julia Herne; and eight grandchildren.

Andreas treasured his family and lifelong friends, especially his chosen brother, Thomas C. Herne, his beloved cousin, Debbie “Doobie”, and cherished love, Retha M. Herne.

He is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins: Paul Herne & family, Thomas (Vernie) and Toni Herne & family, Kenneth Terrance & family, Erna Werner & family, Helga and Frank Adam & family, Inge and Karlheinz Fehlberg & family, Heiner Adolff and family, and his “Loeffel” Detlef Adolff and family.

Andreas was recently predeceased by his father and his godmother Martha Herne Terrance and also by his grandparents, Moses and Catherine Tarbell Herne, and Heinrich and Martha Adolff. 

Andreas made a whole-body anatomical gift to the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont for the advancement of medical education and research.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Andreas to the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, where condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.