Robert M. Herman

Robert M. Herman, 92, of La Grande, died Feb. 2 at his home surrounded by family. Recitation of the holy rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian burial.

Bob was born March 2, 1917, to Anthony "Big Tony" and Harriet "Tootsie" (Steinhaus) Herman in Chicago.

During World War II, he served in the South Pacific in the Navy construction battalion, the Sea-Bees. On Feb. 7, 1948, he married the love of his life, Rosemary "Ro" Palmer. They settled in Winfield, Ill., to raise their six children.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Elmhurst Chicago Stone Co. for nearly 30 years.

Bob's passion while his children were young, was spending time at their cabin in the "UP" or Upper Peninsula in Michigan, enjoying the company of family, friends and snowbirds.

He moved to La Grande in 1987, with Ro and daughter Mary, where he enjoyed splitting firewood, pitching horseshoes, baking pies, wood carving, saying the rosary and reminiscing with his old friend, Carlo Rossi.

Robert is survived by his children, Glen and his wife, Vicki, of La Grande, Gail Henry of Durango, Colo., Tony and his wife, Cheryl, of St. Charles, Ill., Tom of Naperville, Ill., and Mary of La Grande; a nephew; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ro; and son, Guy.

Contributions may be made in Bob's name to the charitable fund at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

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