Other retirement activity with civic groups was limited to the Winchester Glasshoppers, a club of glass and china collectors and enthusiasts in which I served briefly as a director. I became their unofficial historian, writing newsletter trip reports about their various outings and events. Molly and I also presented a series of programs concerning our collections. Their monthly meetings, annual glass show and collecting trips were eagerly anticipated. I treasured the friendship developed there. With age, my hearing (never too good) deteriorated to the extent that I no longer felt comfortable serving on committees or as an organization leader. A few years ago, I retired from such active participation. While I felt I had served my time, it was always with a feeling of guilt that I refused requests, particularly those involving the church.

The activities previously mentioned led to a fair amount of written material, some of which has been published in various obscure publications both here and in Europe. On a few occasions, I received moderate compensation and recognition. Newsletters, which I have either written or edited for the Burgenland-Bunch, are available on the Internet. I have had the assistance of ten sub-editors and their help has been invaluable. Even though they reside in many states as well as in Europe, our combined efforts have resulted in a massive amount of ethnic data. This now comprises the largest English language library and depository of Burgenland family history (over 2500 pages) available anywhere. While under copyright, it is freely available to interested parties. I have also written and privately published genealogical histories of the Berghold and Beck families, copies of which are available in various libraries. Molly and I also jointly wrote and edited the 175th Year History of Bethel Lutheran Church. My Email correspondence has been astronomical, averaging twenty to thirty per day, most of which received replies.

In September 2003, shortly after my 73rd birthday, I was informed that I had an incurable cancer of the prostata. It was time to put my house in order and contemplate the hereafter, as we must all do eventually.
Thus, my life of limited importance came to an end. I hope it has made a difference and that I left something of value for future generations. I have tried to be a good man, first and foremost a good Christian, as well as a good father, husband and citizen. With my capabilities, and recognizing the many temptations of the flesh, I have always tried to hurt no one, help those I could and share God’s gifts with those in need. I like to think that those I am one of those as mentioned in the second verse from Ecclesiasticus 44:13-14 of the Apochyrpha:
„And there are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their posterity will continue forever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their names live to all generations.“
My major regret is that I did not do more good, although I know God has forgiven me my sins of commission and omission. I deeply regret having to leave behind those who are near and dear, but with a firm belief in the resurrection and the hereafter, I do not say goodbye, I say „Auf Wiedersehen“ - till we meet again.

Thank you for sharing my life,
may God bless and keep you.

Gerry Berghold