Gary E Herman, 64, of High Ridge, Missouri died July 6, 2016 at home after a lengthy illness.
Visitation and a memorial will be held on Monday, July 11, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123. Cremation to follow.
Gary was born February 18, 1952 in St. Louis to Stanislav H Herman and Eileen Favers. He graduated from Riverview High School, St. Louis. Although he worked at different jobs, he learned the die cutting business working alongside his father and then at Progressive in St. Louis. He was later self-employed in the business of custom made cutting dies. He also worked at Mound Tool and Poly One as a plant manager before becoming disabled.
He married Debra Olson on June 9, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Gary learned to love fishing with his Dad, a deep rooted bonding. Fishing tournaments with his brother Kevin became a tradition. Even when bickering about where to fish and how to fish, Gary very much loved every second of it and frequently did well.
For the past decades his fall tradition was deer hunting. The ultimate planner, his list of preparations would begin months before opening day. Buddies at deer camp would be required to write in his deer log each year. These diaries he kept for years before passing them along to good bud, Gene.
Recently reconnecting with school friends, he helped plan a grade school reunion and high school buddies, Jim, Bob, and Lupo would get together on a regular basis. He most enjoyed the times he could fire up the barbeque pit. He always said it was a good beer job. His lifelong love of dancing and music included John Denver and Hank William Jr. and more. He would never miss a game of his beloved Cardinals. Last, but absolutely not the least, his love of family was enormous.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debra. Gary is also survived by children from his first marriage; daughter Barbara (Ryan) Bell; grandson Brandon Bell of Overland, Missouri, son Tim Herman; granddaughter Alyssa Herman of O’Fallon, Missouri, son Ray Herman from various places across the country, “the free spirit”, son Gary (Kelly) Herman; grandson William Herman and granddaughter Ella Herman of Springfield, Missouri and son Joe Herman of St. Charles, Missouri. Also brother Stan (Camille) Herman of Wildwood, Missouri; sister Kathy (Pete) Hatcher of Warson Woods, Missouri; sister Jan (Greg) Enoch of High Ridge, Missouri; sister-in-law Cathy Herman of Arnold, Missouri and brother Henry Repka of Sealy, Texas.
Gary is also survived with bonus family by marriage to Debra: son Steve (Kelly) Olson; granddaughter Elizabeth (Lizzy) Olson of Houston, Texas; and son Jesse Olson; granddaughter Karlie Olson from Macon, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother Kevin Herman.