Erika Jeschke

September 30, 1941 - June 23, 2017

Erika Jeschke age 76 passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on the afternoon of June 23, 2017. Erika was born September 30, 1941 in Germany. To Wilhelm and Barbara Stephan, the second of four children. She grew up in a small city Memmingen, Bavaria Germany, graduating from Volksschule. After attending nursing school, she worked in a hospital for one year. Erika then left for Los Angeles, CA in 1966. She worked as an au pair for a year while attending Santa Monica College; she graduated and went on to be a bookkeeper. Erika met Winand Jeschke in a German Baptist Church in Highland Park, CA. She was asked several times to go out on a date and kept refusing but finally accepting the date from Winand. They went on a chaperoned date and then got married six months later, on May 12, 1973. Erika and her husband started building a business, managing apartments in Santa Barbara, where they worked together providing homes for the community and making friends. Finally moving to Santa Barbara in 1981 living in several places and making the Riviera their final home. Erika's, life was filled with quiet but deep faith and nurtured by enjoying nature and life that surrounded her; she loved walks, healthy food, gardening and made a point to share her garden with others in the neighborhood, always giving to those who were less fortunate than others. She was always contributing to non-profits to support their causes. Erika loved playing the piano, even when cleaning the house, she would ask Winand to sit down, and she would play for him so he can enjoy a private concerto. Erika leaves behind a large family who will miss her compassion for life and the beautiful things God has given her. Her husband Winand of 84, one close sister Rosie Baeuerle, two brothers Georg Stephan, Wilhelm Stephan and two nieces and two nephews. Erika will be missed by all who loved and knew her. Rather than flowers, Erika requested that you please send a donation to The Rescue Mission 535 E. Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 or wwwsbrm.org Memorial Services will be 10:30 AM at Cambridge Drive Community Church 550 Cambridge Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 Phone # 805-964-0436