Photo courtesy of Teahen Funeral Home - Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Aug 3, 1935 – Feb 21, 2024
John Robert Herder, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away peacefully at MeadowView Memory Care Village in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Funeral mass: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids by Rev. Jim Brokman. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Teahen Funeral Home where a rosary will be recited by the Knights of Columbus at 4:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held at St. Jude on Tuesday after 9:00 a.m.
John was born August 3, 1935 in Graceville, Minnesota to Dr. Theobald and Ohonar (Rivers) Herder. He married Vivian Miller in Ortonville, Minnesota in 1958. John was a 1957 graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, receiving a BS in Natural Science. Early in his career he worked in pharmaceutical sales and then went on to work for Xerox Corporation as a sales executive for 32 years. John enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 1957 and was discharged honorably in December 1963.
John was a very loving and generous man, giving of himself and his resources in many ways. He was a co-worker of Mother Teresa and exemplified her mission to do small things with great love. Being a charter member of the St. Jude parish, John took an active role in many capacities including the building committee for what would become the church as it is today, as well as a familiar hand at the Sweet Corn Festival from its beginnings. He was a member of American Legion Post 572, Catholic Layman, Cadets of St. George, and 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 909 where he was a past Grand Knight. John volunteered for Horizons Meals on Wheels for many years. Beyond his many acts of service, John enjoyed golfing, fishing, especially his annual fishing trips to Canada with friends, and attending Iowa Hawkeye football games.
John’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, his 5 children; sons Thomas (Gwen) Herder of Robins, David Herder of Cedar Rapids, Michael Herder of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Stephen (Laurie) Herder of Mound, Minnesota and a daughter, Jennifer (Terry) Timmerman of Cedar Falls; twelve grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew) Watters, Shane (Caitlin) Herder, Sean Herder, Amanda (Shawn) Martin, John Herder, Emily Herder, Brianna Herder, Elizabeth Herder, Joseph (Bernadette) Herder, Charles Herder, Alexa Timmerman, Tyler Timmerman, 6 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family gratefully acknowledges the staff of MeadowView Memory Care Village and Mercy Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to some of John’s favorite charities.
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I had the pleasure of working with John at Xerox in the 70’s. He was a true professional, always willing to help others, and always had a smile.
Bill Einhaus
April 02, 2024 | Houston, TX | Coworker
Ed and I both worked with John at Xerox in the late 1970-1980s. I was first his sales secretary then became a sales representative with his guidance. He was always so very kind to me and such a gentleman. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye as he’d share something funny. We extend our sympathies to his family and know they will always keep him dear in their hearts as we also do.
Kris (Jacobsen) Gehl
March 05, 2024 | Anamosa, IA | Coworker
John & I spent many mornings drinking coffee together at Casey's. He was a super guy and a great coffee friend!
harry jensen
March 02, 2024 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Friend
He was such a wonderful man..lots of great memories either on the golf course ! ...Fantasy football.....strategy in the garage! A dance with Vivian ..Sally still remembers at the home of the Settlers......the list goes on and on.....after our daughter died he asked our son to stay and practice law with his father...it meant the world to us that he knew what we needed at the time....thank you so much John for always stepping up to do the right thing .......we are forever...
Sally and Gene Kopecky
February 28, 2024 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Friend
My sympathies to the Herder family. I remember all the times you came to Graceville when your kids were young and always stopped at the farm (Donley & Jean Pansch) to see us. Especially remember the boys trying to teach Julie and I how water ski when you were in Graceville for the centennial in 1978! Never did get up to ski that day but had lots of fun! Dad eventually taught us to ski.
Laurie Pansch Athey
February 27, 2024 | Clinton, MN | Friend
Vivian and family, I was so sorry to read of John´s death. I have so many memories of the Friday night golf, the fishing trips and all the other activities he shared with Tom and the other "boys". John was a great guy, and you all will have many memories to share in the days to come. I believe Tom and the other guys were there to greet him as he passed thru those pearly with golf clubs and fishing pole in their hands. John was a great friend and he will certainly be missed.
Judy Zachar
February 26, 2024 | Friend
Sending love and prayers your way. May he sleep in the peace of Christ and may our Blessed Mother enfold you in her care. Good and faithful servant of God and His church!
Fr. Dennis Quint
February 26, 2024 | Dubuque, IA
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. John was certainly a pillar of St Jude's Parish. He spent his life spreading God's love to others. He was such an incredibly kind and gentle man of God. John left his mark on this world as a good and faithful servant of God. Enjoy the heavenly fruits of your labors John!
Nancy Glab
February 25, 2024 | Swisher, IA | Friend
Tom and family... our deepest sympathies on your dad's passing! May God be with you in the days ahead.
Sherri Olson
February 25, 2024 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Classmate
