Kobe Herr

Kobe touched the hearts of countless individuals. His infectious smile, his gentle spirit, and his ability to find joy in life left a mark on all who crossed his path. Kobe's impact went far beyond his family; he touched the lives of friends, caregivers, and even strangers. His optimism and his ability to find beauty in every moment reminded us all of the preciousness of life. Kobe Xub Yeej Herr was born in Fresno, CA at Saint Agnes Hospital on January 22, 2014 to the parents of Kong Pheng Herr and Tong Lee. His big brother is Kendrik Xub Laim and little sister is Trinity Gao Soua Herr. His paternal grandparents are Cher Pha Herr and Xue Kong. His maternal grandparents are Khoua Cha Lee and Soua Xiong. From the moment Kobe entered this world, he faced numerous challenges due to his congenital heart disease. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. He was a patient at Valley Children's Hospital. With each surgery her underwent, Kobe demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. At two days old, he had his first open heart surgery named the Norwood procedure. His repaired surgery for congenital bilateral superior vena cava occurred when he was 3 months old. The Glenn procedure was his third surgery at 18 months old. He never allowed his condition to define him. His fighting spirit was a testament to his unyielding determination to live life to the fullest, and he proved time and time again that no obstacle could stand in his way. On May 31, 2023, he was admitted for his final Fontan surgery. Kobe fought hard to recover for 14 days; however, on June 13, 2023, God called him home. Though his time on Earth with us may have been short, Kobe's nine years were a testament to his unwavering spirit and will. Throughout his journey, Kobe's faith in God shone brightly. It was this faith that carried him and his family through the darkest of times and provided them with the strength to overcome every hurdle that came his way. Kobe actively participated in the Alliance Church of Merced, where he was recognized for his devotion and earned numerous awards. With his family, he faithfully lifted his voice in prayer to God everyday. On December 18, 2022, Kobe publicly declared his faith by accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and took the significant step of baptism to symbolize his commitment. His firm belief in God served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His faith was a guiding light, reminding us to embrace hope and trust in a greater plan. Kobe was a Trailblazer at John Muir Elementary and completed 3rd grade. He cherished being at the same school where his dad works. His presence left an impact on all his teachers and classmates. His joyful spirit extended to his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, such as playing Uno, Roblox, Minecraft, Rubrix Cube and chatting on Discord with his cousins. He was immersed in the world of dinosaurs and characters from Marvel, Super Mario, Sonic, and Star War. He had a special fondness for hotdogs, Little Caesars stuffed crust pizza, Funyuns, and the refreshing taste of "ICE COLD WATER." Moreover, he delighted in the comfort of chocolate chip cookies, chocolate donuts, bread, and fried chicken skin or sausage with rice. He liked playing board games, engaging in playful pranks, competing with his little sister, and making digital art and videos of himself. But above all, spending quality time with his loved ones brought him the greatest happiness. As we mourn the loss of this incredible young soul, let us also celebrate the life he lived. Let us carry forward the lessons he taught us, the love he shred, and the faith he exemplified. Though Kobe may no longer be physically present with us, his spirit will forever remain alive in our hearts. May his memory inspire us to live each day with purpose, to cherish our loved ones, and to face life's challenges with the same determination and faith that he possessed. Rest in peace, our dear Kobe.

Tributes

Kobe Herr

January 22, 2014 - June 13, 2023