Dean Herman

Rev Dean Eldon Herman was born on December 25, 1922, in Tiffin, Iowa, to Melvin and Ernestine Herman and joined his Lord on April 24, 2008.

He served in the Philippines during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart after suffering wounds during the fighting. He was united in marriage to Thelma Miller in Marengo, Iowa, on May 24, 1947.

He finished undergraduate work at Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois, then did graduate work at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was graduated from the Nazarene Theological Seminary in May of 1956, and accepted his first pastorate in McCook Nebraska, later that year. In 1959, he moved to Curtis, Nebraska, to accept a Home Mission church, and pastored there for 28 years.

He retired in June, 1988, and resided in Curtis, moving to Sunset Haven in 2002 and then to Lenexa, Kansas, in August of 2007, when his nursing home was forced to close. His wife of 60 years and 11 months survives him in Lenexa.

He was the father of eight children, of whom he was inordinately proud. He leaves to celebrate his life Elizabeth (Gary) Leach, Stephen (Diane), Marijo and good friend, Joe, Timothy, Jonathan (Karmin), Benjamin (Janis), Jenifer (David) Cedillo, Andrea (Dhruba) Chakravarti. He also leaves nine grandchildren; Reggie Herman, Sydney Herman, Haley Anderson, Brandi Carlisle, Matthew Herman, Chelsea Herman, Molly Herman, Thaddeus Herman, Georgia Herman and two great-grandchildren. Survivors also include Sisters Katherine, Lenore, Marcia and Ruth Mary, brothers Norman and Keith and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, three infant siblings, and brothers Earl, Elmer and Gerald.

Dean extended opportunities for employment to many, many individuals through the years. In addition to his pastoral duties, he also was a small business owner to supplement his income. His sons, various nephews, and members of the town were employed in his enterprise.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Curtis, Nebraska.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, April 28, 2008 at the United Methodist Church Curtis, Nebraska with Rev. Kevin Burkhardt and Pastor Greg Hall officiating. Burial will take place in the Curtis Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Nazarene Missions International, Attn: Rob North, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 6413 1, payable to General Treasurer.

Dean personified integrity, honesty, determination, fortitude, resilience, and many other values shared by the Greatest Generation. He walked the walk. We love him. Rest well, Daddy.