Ronald Joseph Herman passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on the morning of January 29, 2025, with his beloved son, Ronnie Herman, by his side.  Born on April 1, 1940 in Washington, Missouri, Ron was the only child of Joseph and Aretta Herman.  Surrounded by the love of many aunts and uncles, he grew up on one of Missouri’s first automated Golden Guernsey cow farms in the town of Beaufort, where he learned the value of hard work by helping milk the cows each day.

In 1953, his family moved to Eureka, Missouri, where he attended Eureka High. At the age of 22, Ron joined the Army and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. Although his battalion was destined for Vietnam, fate led him to Nuremberg, Germany, where he developed his skills as a mechanic—a talent that would shape his lifelong career.

In the summer of 1966, a mutual friend introduced Ron to the woman of his dreams, Joan Gerleman. They married on June 17, 1967, and together, they built a life filled with love, creativity, and generosity. They welcomed their son in 1968 and their daughter in 1975. Ron and Joan embraced life to the fullest, enjoying family camping trips, days at the lake, and visits to local craft shows. Ron especially loved riding his motorcycle with the kids, attending car and monster truck shows with his son, and supporting activities like ice skating and Girl Scouts with his daughter, often lending his exceptional crafting skills to create cherished mementos for those around him.

An extraordinarily talented craftsman, Ron was also a dedicated large engine mechanic who worked on fire trucks well into his early 80s at Rosie’s Restoration—often joking that he would “die with a wrench in his hand.” Whether he was brewing beer with friends or building nearly anything seen at the craft shows, his creative touch was unmistakable. Alongside Joan, whose soft spot for animals led to the rescue of countless pets, Ron exemplified generosity. A friend or family member in need would always find him ready to help with anything from car repairs to household fixes.

Ron also devoted much of his time to his community, volunteering with the Assumption Church Athletics Association. His efforts, whether at turkey shoots, fish fries, or even burying electrical lines around the ball field, made him a steadfast and trusted presence for his neighbors and friends. His wisdom, guidance, and practical advice continued to enrich the lives of everyone he encountered right up until his final moments.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Herman, who passed on February 26, 2020. He is survived by his son, Ron (Laura) Herman Jr., and his daughter, Kellie Herman. His legacy of outstanding mechanical skill, dedicated family love, and a generous heart will forever live on in those who knew him.

Ronald J. Herman will be remembered always for his skill with machinery, his unwavering devotion to family, and the generous spirit he shared with everyone around him.

A service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Military Honors will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:00pm. Please join the car procession at 1:30pm at the large parking lot behind Diestelkamp Contracting off Telegraph and Sheridan Road. The parking lot is marked, Sylvan Springs Upper Lot. The procession will leave sharply at 1:50pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation or any animal rescue you choose.