Joan was born on July 20, 1942, to Louis Gerleman II and Gladys Harp.  Joan’s father died when she was 9 years old, leaving brother Louis III as the man of the house.  He taught her how to pack their red wagon with food (1 can of beans) and run away with no can opener!  He also protected her as any big brother would.

Joan went to Roosevelt High School, where she sang in the Acapella Choir.  Along with her best friends Pat Hartman, Janice Young, and Betty Velenti, they were the cats about town.  In the summer of 1966, a mutual friend, Helen (Devine) Dulz, played matchmaker at Indian Hills Lake and introduced Joan to the man of her dreams, Ron Herman.  She was planning on going on their first date, but oh, nothing’s that simple! On that very day, Ron had an accident at work and cut off several fingers. This wasn’t all bad, as now Ron had nothing but time to pay attention to Joan.

On June 17, 1967, they were married at St. Thomas Aquin Church and then went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.  Ron and Joan were blessed with two beautiful children Ronald Jr. and Kellie.  Laura and Dan were later welcomed as part of their family. 

Joan babysat for 20 years in her home, touching the lives of many children.  She also worked at Dillard’s for 20-plus years.  Joan enjoyed many things, first and foremost, her family and many fur babies.  She did ceramics, quilting, and sewing.  She had a passion for animals, including adopting Sasha, a tiger at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue.  

During her life, Joan endured much physical pain and suffering.  She made a pact with God that if he would eliminate the pain, she would serve him to eternity.  Joan, fortified with the sacraments of the church, went to serve him at 8:07 p.m. on February 26, 2020. May her soul rest in peace, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and saint.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in honor of Joan’s love for animals.