Shirley Alvina Herman

Shirley Alvina (Coellen) Herman, 98, of Lakewood, died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. She had a wonderful 98th birthday party with extended family on the Monday before her passing. She was born as the first child to the late William Coellen and Alvina (Rinne) Coellen, in their home by the only registered midwife in Denver, on September 22, 1927, in Denver Colorado. She attended North High School in Denver, Colorado, where she excelled in her studies (a winner of a Permanent Scholarship Pin) and met her sweetheart and future husband. She graduated on June 6, 1945, as a member of the National Honor Society. She was awarded the Estella Hunter Scholarship to attend the University of Denver. During World War II, she helped the war effort with many small jobs, such as, counting ration coupons, growing a Victory Garden and collection recycle items. At 16, she and her classmates joined the Denver Girls Industrial softball league as the youngest team to provide some “ball” action while the guys were away at war; she was on the United Air Lines team, and they played their games at the old Merchant Park Field.

She exchanged many letters with her boyfriend while he served in the US Navy during World War II. Upon his Navy discharge from the Pacific theatre in February 1946, they began a courtship. Miss Shirley Coellen became the bride of Edward Frank Herman (son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Herman) on Sunday, April 27, 1947, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. As newlyweds they struggled with finding decent housing, available jobs and the shortages present in the post-war era. They did decide to start a new family and together they worked hard to save for a new home of their own. They successfully build a nice home to raise a family in 1953, in Lakewood Colorado where they both lived until their respective deaths.

She had many different jobs, but the most enduring was raising her children and being a blessing to her greater families. She was an active church member in her teens and throughout her life. She attended North, Highland Park, Wheat Ridge and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Churches. She taught Sunday School, serve in the Presbyterian Women’s organization, was often a Deacon, served on many committees, helped with the feeding and housing of homeless families, took part in the annual craft fair and as acted as a Stephen’s Minister. She and her husband work with old youth in various capacities, including the Mariners ministry.

She was a frequent volunteer with the Spellbinders organization, providing oral storytelling to the local elementary school. Many children remember her and her many stories through their school years and beyond.

Shirley and Ed were married for 62 very happy years and got to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary; a lovely marriage ending with Ed’s death in 2009.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed, sister Jacqueline Coellen and brother William “Fritz” Coellen. She is survived by children Mark Herman (Diane Frantz-Herman), daughter Debra Hoyer (Thomas Hoyer); seven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Grandchildren: Jill Brogdon (Darrell); Matthew Herman (April); Heather Schlueter (Jason); Krista Lightfoot (Ryan). Keith Hoyer (Brandi); Crystal Hoyer; Anna Hoyer (Daniel Walker).

Great Grandchildren: Zachary, Chantell, Aiden, Bailey, Rowyn, Sophie, Flynn, Ian & Lincoln; Taylor, Nicholas, Logan, Landon, Elisabeth, and Dean.

Great-Great Grandchildren: Raven, Noah, Korbin and Zayn.