Carole Sue Herrmann died August 11, 2026, in Belton, MO, surrounded by family. Born Carole Sue Niebling on January 31, 1939, to Burdell and Walter Niebling, she called St. Louis her home for more than 80 years. Her adoration for the city was unmatched, and she was especially fond of its symphony, zoo, Cardinals baseball team, and many fine pizza restaurants. She became a registered nurse at Deaconess College of Nursing in 1959, the same year she married Paul Otto Herrmann III, her beloved husband of more than 66 years. Mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of eight, her family was her greatest pride and joy.
Carole loved playing cards and board games, telling stories, reading romance novels and murder mysteries, watching movies, and traveling, especially aboard cruise ships. She had a deep appreciation for family tradition and history, and she never missed a chance to retell a favorite anecdote or joke—or to revel in the milestones, successes, and compliments of those she loved. She was strong in her faith and was dedicated to a regular prayer and devotional practice and to her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a 60-year member of Zion Lutheran Church of Ferguson, MO, she was a cherished congregant and served on the nursery, altar, and women’s guilds, and she was embraced by Lord of Love Lutheran Church in Belton, when she moved there in 2023.
Carole is survived by her husband Paul; her children (Paul and Lisa, of Lee’s Summit, MO; Kathy and Dave Schmitt, of Bonita Springs, FL; Jim and Lila, of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Dave and Chelsey, of Houston, TX); her grandchildren (Cheryl and Ian Ross, Mallory Herrmann and Billy Kusmit, Matt and Celia Herrmann, Jessie and Aaron Demis, Joel and Ashley Herrmann, Chris Schmitt, and Tim and Kristen Schmitt); her great-grandchildren (Jade, Lincoln, Jack, Landon, Carter, Whitley, Josie, and Zachary); her sister, Suzanne Weaver, and brother, Walter “Bud” Niebling; her sister- and brother-in-law, Paula and Mel Ensor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law Judy Niebling, and her brother-in-law Richard Weaver.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be to:
Deaconess Nursing Ministry or Lord of Love Lutheran Church
