Carolee Adele Hermann, 81, peacefully met her Lord on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at home with the loving support of her family. Carol was born March 29, 1937 to the late Vera and Leland Binder. As an only child, she enjoyed being loved by many aunts and uncles. Carol met the love of her life, Mathias C. Hermann, while both were serving as a youth counselor at church camp. They married two months later in September 1967 and were married for 51 blessed years.
Carol was raised in the city of St. Louis alongside her cousin, the late Warren Biest. She loved dancing, was a past queen of Jobs Daughter, was active in Eastern Star and was a proud graduate of Beaumont High School. Carol’s many activities included starting a seniors group at church, member of the bell choir, teaching a friendship group, and participating in many book clubs.
Carol had four children that were her treasures and she considered their spouses as her daughters and sons. Her children all considered her one of their best friends. Carol is survived by Richard (Julie) Drake, Randolph (Mary) Drake, Renee (Gregory) Kleffner, and Jodie (Sonny) Wolfe. Carol (along with Math) was an engaged, involved, active, and loving grandmother and great grandmother (Mema/Grandma). She leaves behind her thirteen grandchildren: Cassie (Chris) Aiello, Garrett (Katie), Taylor, Nicholas, Madeline, Benjamin, Thomas, and Charlie Drake, Tricia (Ryan) Koebel, Laura and Michael (Brittany) Kleffner, Mat and Tucker Wolfe. She is survived by her great grandchildren: Christopher and John Aiello, Jackson and Maicy Drake, and Grace and Isaac Koebel.
Carol lived a life filled with love, hugs, laughter, and excellent food. She had a keen ability to talk to you about your hurts and would tend to and care for you. Carol loved freely and was generous to all that met her. She didn’t know a stranger and each new encounter was a chance for a meaningful relationship. Carol’s children would often say she picked up “strays” that became part of the family. Throughout her life Carol’s church family was an anchor. Over the years she developed long and lasting friendships with the pastors at her churches (Independent, Salem, and Chesterfield Presbyterian). Everyone was welcome to enjoy a delicious meal at Carol’s home and there were no boundaries to inviting others without warning. Her love for babies was endless and she was always the first to hold and perhaps not share her grandbabies.
Carol and Math were the very best of friends, enjoying their home, family life, church community, and the entertainment world without limit. As many know, she tended to and cared for Math when he received his “new heart,” and in turn, Math was a tender caregiver to Carol for the past several years. As many know, she was an exceptional lady that was full of kindness and generosity. All that met her loved her.
A funeral celebration for Carol will be at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church (15037 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017) on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at 12:00pm. The family will receive visitors at the church at 10:00 am until the service. The arrangement and service are under the direction of Kriegshauser West-Mortuary Chapel (www.kriegshausermortuary.com). Interment private.
On behalf of the entire family our sincere gratitude to the caregivers that supported and encouraged Carol. To Kay and Rab Hoelting and family and Janet and George Montgomery thank you for being the angels in Carolee’s life. Family request orchids or in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Mid-America Transplant Association (https://www.midamericatransplant.org).
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him-and He will direct thy paths. Proverb 3:5-6
