John J. Herman

John Joseph Herman, 76, Menomonee Falls, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, in the comfort of his home surrounded by beloved family. John was a loving husband, father of three and proud papa of six grandchildren.

John was born on November 4, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI to Phillip and Sadie (Drifka) Herman. A Custer High School graduate, John continued his education with Pennsylvania State University and became a pioneer of the Sprinkler Fitter’s Local 183 for 41 years.  On September 14, 1981, John married Debra Gail Swearingen and together they raised their three children Sara, Justin, and Kendra.

John’s family would describe him as one of a kind, a man of all trades. Smart, generous, humble and kind; a do-it-yourself kind of man.  His laugh (cackle) was contagious and would bring a smile to anyone’s face. His happiness could be read through his beautiful friendly bright blue eyes.  John was known for his inappropriate, but innocent humor. John could make your bad day a good one, even in his final days. John was a staunch Democrat, always willing to educate his peers, but did so with dignity, respect, and kindness (and he couldn’t help but throw in a few inappropriate political jokes)!

John loved nature. Every year he grew beautiful flower gardens that contained every color of the rainbow. He loved planting his own vegetables, and fruit trees throughout his yard. John loved his birds. He enjoyed spending time up north with his brother, learning about the Purple Martin, and caring for them in the numerous homemade birdhouses alongside the lake. John also enjoyed fishing, and in his younger days, was a hunter.

John was preceded in death by his wife Debra, siblings Bridget, Dorothy, Evelyn, Jeanette, Phillip, Mary, Virginia, and Jimmy, as well as his parents Phillip and Sadie. He is survived by his three children Sara (Jason) Gierach, Justin (Elissa) Herman, and Kendra (Marc) Moonen; his grandchildren Aubrey, Sophie Brady, Alexa, Alayna, and Aleah; his sister Arlene, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the cancer nurses and doctors at Community Memorial Hospital for their loving care and support during a difficult battle. John always had such positive things to say about the nursing staff, and although he disliked visits to the hospital, he loved seeing all of their friendly faces.

The family will receive friends and family at Krause Funeral Home on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society.

John requested that he be laid to rest in a few of his favorite places including his flower gardens at home, with his late brother Jimmy on Lake Petenwell, and alongside his late wife Debbie at Mountain Cemetery, in which a private gathering with family will take place.

“Fly Free with the Purple Martins, Papa.”