Herman Rady

Herman Rady was born on a farm southwest of Gilcrest on December 8, 1920. He was born to Frank and Pauline Achziger Rady. Herman passed away on January 22, 2023 surrounded by his family. He had a wonderful 102 years of life all spent in the Greeley/Weld County area.

He graduated from Greeley High School (Greeley Central) in 1938. It was a fateful night when he went to Warnoco Skating Rink in Greeley and met Freda Croissant, whom he knew from church. They became engaged on February 14, 1944, and married at the Rady family farm on June 25, 1944. Large weddings were not planned at that time as our country was in the middle of World War II. They have celebrated 78 ½ years of marriage and have 3 daughters Margaret Sawyer, Lynn Weitzel and Luann Barlow.

After marriage, they continued living on the family farm and helped his parents. On March 31, 1945, Herman was drafted into the Army. After basic training at Camp Walters, Texas, he was shipped to Korea in preparation of the invasion of Japan and became a supply sergeant. He returned home to Freda in time for Thanksgiving 1946. He was always proud to have served his country and loved the US flag which frequently flew at their home.

Early in 1947, Herman worked for the Weld County Clerk and Recorder and became an Election Deputy. In 1959, he went to work at Northern General Tire as a tire salesman and assistant manager until 1982. In 1982, Herman had an opportunity to manage the tire department at Ranch Wholesale/Big R (now Murdocks). He was well known in the area by local farmers. He retired from tire sales in 1985 and returned to work for the Weld County Election Department on a part-time basis until November 2005.

Retirement brought Herman many adventures many of which were visiting friends and playing cards. They sold their home in 2014 and moved into independent living facility eventually moving to assisted living in 2022.

He was quite witty and always had a joke or story to tell. Up until the day of his death he liked to tell a joke or story. He was excited to use his digital camera and computer, enjoyed sending and receiving emails. Occasionally he would do a Google search for a recipe for Freda to make for dinner. He loved to play cards, bingo and put puzzles together. Visiting with friends and family also brought him great pleasure. As his daughters retired they would take Herman and Freda on “adventures” including wine festivals, Washington state to visit friends and Nebraska to visit former Army buddies. He had a very strong faith in God, love for his country and very proud of his family.

He was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 50+ year member of Kersey Lions Club and Greeley VFW Post 2121. He was proud to have been on the inaugural Honor Flight in 2008.

Herman is survived by his wife Freda, and brother, Leroy and his wife Marge Rady of Drake. His daughters Margaret and Ed Sawyer of Colorado Springs, Lynn and Don Weitzel of LaSalle and Luann and Dave Barlow of Loveland, grandchildren Kristy Sawyer, Kairee Tormoehlen, Dirck Weitzel, Jillinn Weitzel, Amber Barlow and Amanda Barlow. Herman has 4 great grandsons and 1 step great grandson, 1 step great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pauline Rady, sisters Esther Baker Weimer and Helen Rady, brothers Fernand and Ed Rady.

Services will be Monday, January 30, 2023 at 2pm, St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 1525 43rd Ave, Greeley, Colorado. Private family burial will precede service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Herman Rady Memorial Fund at St. Paul’s Congregational Church.