My grandmother never shared much about my dad when he was growing up, but isn't he a cute baby?

This is one of my favorite pictures of my dad when he was a boy!





More great dad photos.

Ethel, Joe's mother, was a nurturing woman who delighted in dressing Joe in charming clothes and costumes, nurturing his creativity and confidence.  






More costume photos

Joe Jr and Sr enjoying a day at the lake, but why is Sr wearing a suit? Was he always working?

Ethel and Jr fooling around in front of the new family Packard, holding dad's derby.

In high school, Joe's leadership skills shone brightly as he played quarterback for the football team.

His father was a salesman for Monroe Calculators, but Joe Sr. was an entrepreneur at heart. He started a hardware store with enough land beneath it to build a motel alongside, embodying a vision that young Joe would carry forward in his own way.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Ethel sold the property for $45,000, a considerable sum that would equal $700,ooo today.

Joe took a job as a crane operator at a local mill, a position suggested by Nancy's father, Roy. Despite the grueling work, Joe quickly realized that his salary was only slightly less than that of a colleague with 30 years of experience. Frustrated by the lack of financial growth, Joe made the bold decision to leave the mill, much to the dismay of his family.

Joe's adventurous spirit was evident in moments like ordering a Ford Mustang while the car was still in design.  

Joe's personal life was as dynamic as his professional one. He and Nancy had four sons: Robert Douglas Herman, named after Joe's Sr's brother; Jeffry Earl Herman, inspired by actor Jeff Chandler.

Reed Herman was born 15 years after Jeff, and Brad Herman followed three years after Reed. Despite the end of his marriage to Nancy after 20 years, Joe remained a devoted father and sought to build meaningful relationships with his children.

Joe's next move was a leap into the world of sales, following in his father's footsteps by selling Monroe Calculators. His natural talent for sales soon caught the attention of Control Data Corporation, a rising star in the burgeoning computer industry. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary 28-year career during which Joe relocated multiple times, each move bringing new challenges and opportunities.


More photo's of Joe at work.

Joe's career with Control Data was a whirlwind of relocations and professional triumphs. From Johnstown to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chagrin Falls, Detroit, and finally to the company's headquarters in Minneapolis, Joe adapted to each new environment with enthusiasm. His dedication and excellence were recognized with numerous awards, and he played a pivotal role in selling the Ford Corporation's their first mainframe computers while living in Detroit.



Dad on setting goals.

After his divorce from my mom Nancy, Joe embraced a more adventurous lifestyle, filled with lively parties and new romantic escapades.

Joe put a unique twist on New Year's celebrations by hosting an annual New Year's Day party. Starting at midnight and lasting until 8:00 A.M., it quickly became a favorite among his friends. Everyone loved coming over for breakfast after a night of revelry.

More party photos.

Eventually, Joe remarried Gloria/Bunny, finding companionship and stability once more. His sons Jeff and Brad moved away, with Jeff settling in California and Brad in Colorado.

In his 40s, Joe underwent a double hernia operation, likely a result of years of physical exertion. Despite this, he remained active and continued to seek out new experiences. 

It was during one of these visits that Joe experienced his first heart event, leading to a dramatic rush to Los Robles Hospital, renowned for its heart care. Despite being diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart sac, Joe’s spirit for life remained undimmed.

Joe’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and stories from those who knew him. Colleagues, friends, and family shared memories that highlighted Joe's adventurous spirit, his professional achievements, and his enduring kindness.


More condolence letters 

His ashes were spread in his favorite rose garden near Lake Harriet, a serene and beautiful place that reflected Joe’s love for nature and tranquility.