Aldena Lou Herman

Aldena Lou Herman, affectionately known as Dena and Ma, graced this world with her vibrant spirit from November 20, 1932, until her peaceful departure on August 14, 2025, in O'Fallon, Missouri. Born in Rockford, Illinois, she radiated love and warmth throughout her life, enveloping all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Dena’s life was marked by her loving, feisty, and fun-loving personality. She had an incredible ability to light up any room with her laughter and spirited energy. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she instilled joy in everyone around her. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Cooking special meals for them every Friday became a cherished family tradition, a testament to her caring nature and love for gathering loved ones around the table.

Her talents extended far beyond her culinary prowess. Dena found joy in crocheting, solving crosswords, and baking, often sharing the fruits of her labor with those she loved. Some of her beloved memories include her affection for Spuds McKenzie, her stuffed animal that made countless trips in her van, her collection of bells, and her treasured angel figurines—a reflection of the giver she was, always bringing delight to those around her.

Dena's faith played an integral role in her life; she took great pride in her Lutheran beliefs which shaped her values and guided her relationships. She leaves behind a legacy of love, reflected in her proudest accomplishments: her beautiful family, including her dear children—Peggy (the late Patrick) Tharp, Cathleen (Joseph) Mathey, Kenneth (Judi) Bracher, Dustin (Claire) Herman, Keith (the late Vickie) Bracher, Billy (Diana) Herman, Shari (Raymond) Smith, and Dawn (Michael) Mesey—and her grandchildren, Joni (Mark) Duncan, Jeremy (Martha) Tharp, Christopher (Kristy) Mathey, Amanda (Dwaine) Spence, Brandy (Billie Lee) Tague, Kimberly (Joseph) Baldi, Katie (Ben) Goldkamp, Terry Herman, Timmy (Lauren) Herman, Tony (Christine) Wagner, Kane Bracher, Rose (Josh) Hutyan, Sara Bracher, Taysha Smith, Jarid Smith, Addison (Lauren) Bracher, and Olivia Bracher along with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who will carry her memory forward.

She is also survived by her dear brother, Leon (Karen) Johnson, and sister Linnea (the late Ed) Van Barriger, and held a special place in the hearts of her extended family and friends, serving as a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Dena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warren Herman, and cherished grandchildren, Tricia L. Tharp and Bourbon (Jose) Ortega, along with her siblings who are now waiting for her in eternal peace.

The warmth of her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light to her family. A visitation will be held on August 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, both at Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters, Missouri. The day will culminate with a graveside service at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Charles, Missouri, where she will be laid to rest, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Dena's impact on the lives she touched will be cherished and remembered. She truly loved deeply, and her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will echo in the hearts of those left behind.