Cynthia A. Herder (née Clauder), passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the age of 94, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church.
Beloved wife of the late Arthur E. Herder, Jr.; dearly loved mother of Mark (Kathy Foley), Mary (the late Kenneth) Iberg, Lisa (Edward Hejlek), Cynthia Schleicher, Madelaine (David) Rekemeyer, John (Jackie West), Jane, Peter (Lisa Brys), and the late Matthew, and Christian.
Cherished Meemaw of William (Kara Meyering), Nathaniel, Blaise, Natalie (Parker Wright), and Luke Herder; Adrianne (Justin) Yount; Alexander (Karson) and Elliott Iberg; Cecilia (Nick) Ramsey; Matthew (Nicole Tu-Maung) and Julia Venker; Joseph (Aimee Della Porta) and Elizabeth (Colin O’Neill) Hejlek; Maggy (Tyler) Lawson; Nicholas (Marina May) and the late Jacob Schleicher; Drew and Tsavo (Jenny Vaillancourt) Rekemeyer; Fern (Jake) Sandstrom; Emma (Jared) Gray and Elijah (Carrigan Eye) Miller.
Great-grandmother of Grayson and Addy Yount; Emmy and Harper Ramsey; Micah and Frances Hejlek; Xander, Ellie and Ryan Lawson; and Phoebe Schleicher.
Dear sister of Elaine Laaker and the late Kenneth Clauder; dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend to many.
In 1954, Cynthia became one of the first women in the nation to be licensed as a Physical Therapist after earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Louis University. She remained lifelong friends with her “Club 15” college group.
She enjoyed playing tennis at Sunset Tennis and other clubs; sang in the choir at St. Joseph’s Church in Imperial; and took pleasure in water skiing, horseback riding, reading, gardening, and bird watching.
An avid traveler, she explored much of the United States—spending summers in Cotuit, MA, and visiting family in Memphis, TN; Madeline Island, WI; Southern California; and Portland, OR. She and Art loved sailing in the BVIs with the CHER group, spending time at the Biscan family’s lake house, visiting the pyramids of Egypt, and exploring much of Europe.
Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support of the entire staff at Nazareth, as well as her many friends and neighbors there. They extend special thanks to Debra, Kathy, Leslie, Lauren, Rose, Jean, Patty, Raquel, and Shyrell for their devoted care.
A celebration of Cynthia’s life will be held on Thursday, May 29, at Nazareth Living Center. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass and a reception in the Sr. Mary Timlin Room. Private interment will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111-2899, for their Retirement Fund.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this very special lady
My sincere condolences to each of you. She was a very special lady and will be missed
Dear Madelaine and family,
Your mother’s memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the people she touched. Our college summer days and weekend nights will be remembered at your house as your mother darted in and with her boundless energy and effervescent smiles. She brought love and joy to every dinner, party, and wedding. Her heart and community spirit lives on in all of you. Love, Cecilia
What a full and interesting life she led, and such a large, beautiful family she and your dad raised!! We’re glad she’s not suffering any more, and pray for your family’s strength and peace as you mourn. Love to all of you❤️Ken and Gail Slavens
John, Blaise and Family,
Ms Judy and I send our sincerest condolences in this time of loss. Your Mother and Meemaw is now with her Lord and Savior for eternity.
Tom Gould
I am sorry for your loss. Your Mother left such a wonderful legacy, she was the Matriarch to so many who follow her. May you all heal from her loss and find peace in seeing her long history unfold before you. Love to Lisa, Ed and the kids, I hope you can celebrate your wonderful Mother and Grandmother.
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a Loving and intelligent Lady. So many happy memories with her and Art. As the husband of another “Club 15” girl, I recall her saying “just call me SIN” when I stumbled trying to remember her name. Rest in Peace, SIN.
Dear Herder Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a special lady and she always made me feel welcome and truly interested in anything I would say. I remember having the best time with her in Florida with Mary and Lisa Smith. She was a blast and could keep up with us younger ones. I will pray for you as you go through this time of morning. She is for sure up in heaven with your dad, brothers and all of her loved ones.
With sincerest sympathy and love,
Chris (Radomski)
Lisa., so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom…know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
John and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was the sweetest and kindest person I knew. She will be missed. I will always remember the day I picked her and my parents up after their cruise. God blesses her in heaven.
Dear Mary. Jane and the entire Herder Family. I haven’t seen anyone in quite awhile but knowing your Mom, Dad, sisters and brothers are still a huge part of our High School Years at Notre Dame. Your Mom was a Beautiful woman and even more a Beautiful Mom because your Mom raised such a beautiful, loving family. Your Mom lives forever in each and everyone of you and lives in your children and their children. Prayers to your family during this sad time and know your Mom is with our Creater in Heaven and so many others who are now living the eternal life. 😇❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜
Dearest Herder Family,
Your Mom was a one of a kind women. She was always welcoming and open . Being around her she felt like one of the girls. She raised an amazing family. I feel so blessed to have know her and all the family. The lose of her is a gift to the heavens. She is up there right now, planning a meal , an adventure, sing , and welcoming everyone!. She left a legacy never to be for gotten. My love and hugs to each of you.
Lisa Smith
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Mrs. Herder and the entire Herder family were the best neighbors one could ask for. The generosity and welcoming spirit were always front and center. I fondly look back on my years in StL and always remember Mr. & Mrs. Herder along with their children. Your mother was a wonderful part of my childhood along with many of her children. I pray for the loved ones left behind and that Mrs. Herder is at peace in Gods hands. She was always a beacon of warmth and generosity. May she rest in peace.
Peter, Lisa and the whole family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God surrounds you all with his loving light of peace and comfort!
I only had the privilege of meeting Mrs Herder one time when she came to my house with Mary for a bonfire with the neighbors. She was full of life at 90 years old at that time! We were instant friends and she was as witty as someone half her age! What a special woman to have blessed the earth with wonderful children, been a supportive and loving wife, and lived her life for others to the fullest. May God reserve a special place in heaven for this beautiful and special lady. Amen.
I was friends with her son Christian. Cynthia was the best! She felt like a second mom to me and many others. She was an interesting, caring person. Her and Art’s house was always filled with fun and laughter.
Your mom and grandmother was a wonderful, positive, gracious woman who we knew through St Joseph Parish in Imperial. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you for your loss, but we are happy for Cynthia that she is with God.
Praying for the family of this fun loving, accomplished lady. So many great times remembering her. May she rest in peace. Love, Nick and Carol
What a great lady!
I know you will miss her terribly 💕
Mary
God has called another amazing angel 😇 home, I was very blessed to be able to help take care of Cynthia. She was a beautiful lady. Cynthia was blessed to have a wonderful and caring loving family. Cynthia has her big beautiful white wings 🪽 she would truly be missed by many loved ones. RIP Cynthia in the name of Jesus Amen 🙌 🙏 🤎 ❤️ 😔
Heartfelt sympathy for all that knew her. The family will be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Must have been a magnificant woman and mother to raise such talented and beautiful children. Praying for you.