Claremont residents mourn the death of beloved father
The residents who recently held a night vigil in support of beloved Johan Gerber's family, gathered again after his death to share their condolences.
A family and residents of Hanny Street, Claremont, are in mourning after the death of a beloved husband and father Johan Gerber.
Gerber (46) died of a bacterial lung infection on Sunday morning, after more than three weeks in hospital. He had previously tested positive for Covid-19.
“He overcame Covid, but unfortunately, the virus made his lungs very weak and he then died of a bacterial infection,” Gerber’s wife Sue said in a voice note to concerned residents.
The 30-year-old Sue and her seven-year-old son CJ were left behind after the death of their “Ironman and Dad”, but are surrounded by neighbours and residents of Hanny Street who offered their support.
About a week ago, the residents held a night vigil in front of the Gerber family’s house. After Gerber’s death on Sunday morning, residents gathered at the residence again in the late afternoon in support of mother and son.
Resident and friend of the family Andrea Kuhn again arranged the gathering.
“They (Sue and Johan) were together for 10 years,” said Kuhn.
“CJ does not believe his dad is dead and says they are lying because his dad said he was coming home – he promised him.”
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An emotional Kuhn said Gerber called Sue the day before he died.
“He called on Saturday night when Sueby was with me for coffee. He asked if she was okay, and she said, ‘Yes, I’m with Andrea’. Johan was glad she was not alone.”
Kuhn said Gerber called again later and spoke to CJ.
“He told him, ‘you’re Daddy’s Ironman, and I love you very, very much’. He sent her (Sue) one last message on WhatsApp at 21:30 and said how much he loves them, and ‘talk again tomorrow’.”
At 05:45 on Sunday morning, however, Sue received a call from the hospital to say that her husband had passed away.
“He put on a great fight to the very end,” said Kuhn.
“Sue was able to see him one last time when she went to fetch his belongings from the hospital.”
Kuhn thanked all the residents in Hanny Street for their support to the Gerber family.
“I would especially like to thank Bestcare emergency services, XXX Towing, Brinant security, and all the people in the street, the kindergarten parents, and every dear person’s prayer together, and being together. We will continue to support Sue… I will not let go of her hand.”
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