John Robert Herder

John Robert Herder

Cedar Rapids

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.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.