Berget Herb: The Renaissance Woman of Freiberg

When Berget Herb went to Augsberg, Germany, to study chemistry, she was not looking for a husband. But her mother saw to it that Berget was located in suitable living accomodations “near a good LDS family.” Since the branch in her home village of Ansbach had six members, and Berget was the only child, her mother felt it was important that she meet other young people who believed as she did. And that’s what happened.

Twenty-two years ago, Berget met Manfred Herb, whose parents owned the building in which she boarded as a student. Today at age 46, Berget is the mother of two lovely daughters—Corenna and Maritta—and three handsome sons, Ronald, Gregor, and Eric. Berget has worked as a chemist, gives language lessons, and plays three musical instruments. She has filled her life and home with the benefits of her many hobbies.

Her handiwork can be seen throughout their country village home, in Wolfenweiler, seven kilometers from Freiberg. Accenting the brightly lit sitting room is a beautiful macrame sunwheel—the result of one of many adult education courses she enjoys taking. On the shelves above the stereo deck are attractive pots she turned out during another series of classes in pottery. Photography is yet another of her accomplishments, and a hobby she pursues enthusiastically.

“I am interested in almost everything,” she says in flawless English but with typical German reserve. Her expressive brown eyes are framed by shiny dark hair pulled back in a loose ponytail.

Though reserved, Berget Herb is direct. “I love music, especially classical music,” she may tell you, though she doesn’t have to. It is nearly always playing in her home. Beside her couch, in front of a multi-paned window, sits an organ, which she learned to play when she was twelve years of age. She learned to play the accordion at about the same time, and the flute even earlier.

Over the years, and often simultaneously, Berget has taught a Sunday School class, been organist in Sunday School, Primary, and Relief Society, and frequently directed the music as she played. She has served as Relief Society president and is now second counselor in the ward Relief Society presidency as well as ward music director.

Her daughters are grown now, but when they were younger, Sister Herb decorated a bedroom-playroom in bright colors. It had two miniature doll houses she constructed and furnished herself. Every Monday as the children grew, Berget would take them to a gymnasium filled with exercise equipment and games. She even took a class in judo with them.

For the past fifteen years, Manfred has worked in Frankfurt for the genealogical society, which has meant that during the week, the demands of caring for their children have been hers. “It has been hard on all of us,” declared Berget, “but we have a close and supportive family. And Manfred is going to start a new business here at home now.”

Sister Herb’s interests appear endless. She wants to expand her skills in music, sewing, and English. “I am not satisfied,” she says. “I always want to be learning.”