HERMAN, John Jacob 1923-2008
HERMAN, BIERSCHENCK, RUNYAN, THIELE, HARTING, MOHR, SCHMINKE, WEBER, KOHLER
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 11/26/2014 at 00:43:12
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Sunday, March 23, 2008]
LA PORTE CITY - John Jacob Herman was born on March 31, 1923, near Vinton, son of Wilhelm and Dorthea (Bierschenck) Herman. John was raised near Vinton and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940. After high school he began farming with his father, and on Oct. 26, 1942, he was united in marriage to Charlene C. Runyan in Rossville, Ga., near Chattanooga, Tenn. On April 10, 1944, even though he was able to stay home due to his critical work as a farmer, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight during World War II. In February of 1945 he served with Co. E, 147th Infantry Regiment attached to the 3rd Marine Division in the battle for the island of Iwo Jima. Staff Sergeant Herman was a squad leader in the mortar section. After Iwo Jima was secure he served in Okinawa.
John earned the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Navy Unit Commendation and the Good Conduct Medal. John was a patriot, and service to his country was a vital part of his life. He continued this service by his membership to many military organizations: the Dysart American Legion Post No. 335 for 62 years; a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars; life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and he belonged to numerous Iwo Jima survivor associations. He recently returned from the Combat Veterans Reunion marking the 63rd anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima in Arlington, Va. John was also active in civic organizations such as the Tama/Toledo Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Moose Lodge in Waterloo.
Following World War II, he and Charlene returned to the Herman farm. John also operated a livestock and grain trucking business for 24 years, and two hog buying stations in Mount Auburn and Van Horne. Despite some health issues, John remained active in farming until 2007.
On Friday, March 21, 2008, John was at the Lutheran Home in Vinton when he passed away at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlene in 1989; a daughter in infancy, Mary Ann; a special friend, Shirley Whitmore in 2007; and a half brother, Erhardt Kohler.
His memory is cherished by his three sons, Jay (Susan) of Shellsburg, Roger of Henderson, Nev., and Kenny (Lana) of La Porte City; two daughters, Cathy (James) Thiele of Waterloo and Tere Harting of La Porte City; one sister, Pauline Mohr-Schminke of Vinton; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Vera (Jack) Weber of Traer.
Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ripley United Church of Christ, Traer, with burial in Garrison Cemetery, Garrison, with military honors by Dysart American Legion. Public visitation from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at Overton Funeral Home, Dysart.
Memorials may be directed to the church or Cedar Valley Hospice.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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