Rudolf "Rudy" Herz, 86, of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. A private burial service with military honors will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MT. PLEASANT CHAPEL
Rudy was born on August 23, 1925 in Stommeln (Cologne), Germany, son of the late Ernst and Karoline Herz. A German Jewish refugee of the Nazi regime, Rudy was held in Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and other concentration camps. He was liberated by the US Army on May 5, 1945. Rudy had the distinctive honor of serving on the frontlines with the Oklahoma National Guard, US Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict.
Rudy shared his life story with students of all ages. He frequently spoke at the College of Charleston's Jewish Studies program and participated as guest lecturer in the Columbia College's Teaching the Holocaust program for teachers worldwide. His focus was teaching about the Nazi regime through the eyes of a Jewish refugee. Recently Rudy returned to Stommeln at the invitation of a local high school and shared with the town his experiences.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Ursula Syré-Herz of Myrtle Beach, SC; three children, Carolyn Thomas of Wilmington, NC, Chantal Fryer of Columbia, SC and Raphael Herz of Natick, MA; five grandchildren, Nathaniel Thomas, Isabella and Gabrielle Fryer, Jacob and Tobias Herz; his brother Karl-Otto Herz of Nevada and very dear cousins in Cologne.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Rudy's memory to The College of Charleston, Department of Jewish Studies, 96 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29424. A memorial service will be held on November 12, 2011 from 2-5 p.m. at Calvary Chapel on Highway 544 in Socastee.