LaVern N. Herman

LaVern ""Vernie"" Herman Born: May 31, 1944 Died: July 12, 2009 Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle Survived by wife Elizabeth Herman, daughter Julianne Lloyd, son James (Tonya) Herman, son Joseph Herman, granddaughter Kyla Lloyd, grandson Tyler Herman. Occupations: * Mechanic (car, boat) * Musician * Custodian Talents/Hobbies: * Could fix anything - creative, innovative, resourceful * Loved children and was loved by children *Took time to get to know the kids, especially those with special needs, and made them feel valued * Taught kids respect for themselves, respect for others, and respect for their school and surroundings * Rewarded kids with gum/candy for successfully spelled words such as encyclopedia (both backwards and forwards) * Saw a need and found a way to fix it, even if it meant creating something new (specially made teacher's desks, modified wheelchairs, etc.) * Gifted musician and singer - created the Julianne polka for his daughter, sang on many recordings at many dances (including his eldest son's wedding) over the course of 50 years * Played in the band with both of his sons * Played multiple different instruments to include bass guitar, hammered dulcimer, piano, keyboard * Loved his band room and his ""castle"" which was his garage building that he built that was nearly larger than his house * Dedicated, hard worker - built his house from the ground up * Talented barterer and negotiator - traded boat and vehicle repair for new carpeting, traded equipment for fire wood * Devoted husband and father - his family could always count on him to be there for then whenever they needed him no matter where they were - he even helped to diagnose car problems by listening to it over the phone for his daughter when she was overseas in Germany * Devoted son - worked with his father for most of his life and kept helping his dad by bringing him out to the garage and keeping him involved with the business even after a stroke had paralyzed him * Made friends easily and had a great sense of humor - even the hospital nurses that took care of him during his illness loved him * Had and endearing quality about him that made him unforgettable to those who knew him * Ornery with a wicked sense of humor - loved to joke around and play * Unforgettable sayings ""Never force it, use a bigger hammer"" * Found unique uses for duct tape and super glue * Quick witted, never at a loss for words * Someone to look up to and admire * Popeye muscles * Animal lover * Helped cook in the lunchroom at school - both while he worked there and even after he retired * Good at anything and everything he set his mind to * Suave and charming when he wanted to be * Well known in many different social circles Loved, honored, cherished and treasured and will be missed beyond measure Please share memories of LaVern and/or condolences for his family by clicking the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below.