Obituary for Mr. Harry H. Herman Jr.

Harry Horace Herman, Jr., 89, of Kutztown, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30, 2021 in his residence. He was the husband of Nettie K. (Heffner) Herman, whom he met at C.J Hummel's Dance Hall in Lenhartsville, and later married on September 1, 1956 in the St. John's Lutheran Church Parsonage on Main Street in Kutztown. They continued to be faithful members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years. Nettie sadly passed away on May 23, 2020.

Born and raised in Topton, PA, Harry was the youngest of four children, and only son of the late Harry H., Sr., and Mamie C. (Derr) Herman. He attended school in Topton until 9th grade when his family moved to the Village of Chapmans. He graduated from William Allen High School, Allentown, class of 1949, where he also attended vocational-technical school with a focus in auto mechanics. He honorably and faithfully served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Seargent First Class from 1948 to 1957. After high school, Harry went to work for his father and uncle's well drilling business, the former Herman Brothers Well Drilling in Lehigh County, for 11 years.

In 1961, Harry and his father purchased the former Wagaman's Drive-In, Topton and renamed it to what it is today, Herman's Drive-In. Harry, along with his wife, Nettie, owned and operated the local eatery from 1961 until their retirement in 1995. After 10 years enjoying retirement, Harry decided to go back to work at Herman's as a morning clean-up person, preparing the Drive-in for their daily operations from 2005 until 2015. It was during his time at Herman's that he had the opportunity to meet and serve so many people over the years, building relationships that would last a lifetime. He was always proud of his dedicated employees, loyal patrons, and what he and his wife accomplished during their ownership.

Those who knew Harry probably didn’t know him without having Nettie by his side. The couple was inseparable over their 63 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, cruises, bus trips, especially to Atlantic City and other casinos, going out to eat, taking walks around Kutztown, and socializing at Renninger's Farmer's Market, Quality Shoppe, Airport Diner and the local shopping malls. They were proud of their home on Constitution Boulevard in Kutztown. Harry could often be found tinkering with his Lionel model train display and his model truck collection or fixing just about anything while Nettie could be found outside taking care of her flowerbeds and baking delicious treats in their kitchen. Even if you met Harry and Nettie only once, you knew how proud they were of their family, especially their three grandsons, and most recently, their three great-grandchildren. They could often be found supporting and attending their grandsons' school, music and sporting events, often being the first ones in attendance, seldomly missing any.

Harry lived a life full of happy memories and love and was so fortunate to see his family grow. The last 11 months have not been easy without the love of his life, whom he missed every day. Our family will forever be grateful for his love, caring personality and being a role model for all of us.

Harry is survived by his two daughters, Lisa A. (Herman), wife of Terry G. Bollinger, Topton, and Julie A. (Herman), wife of Brian K. Rabenold, Kutztown; three grandsons, Jonathan M., husband of Meghan N. (Smith) Quier, Kutztown, Adam B., husband of Kirstin L. (Luckenbill) Rabenold, Mohrsville, and Brock A. Rabenold, Kutztown; three great-grandchildren, Greyson Z. and Addyson C. Quier and Owen B. Rabenold; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to his wife Nettie and his parents, Harry was predeceased by his three sisters, Miriam (Herman) Moyer, Arlene (Herman) Weaver and Lucille (Herman) Sicher.

A joint memorial service to celebrate and honor both Harry and Nettie will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA with their Pastor and former employee, Reverend Mary Ann Hamm officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Harry's memory to Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 East Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.