Always busy doing something- if he wasn’t building it he was taking it apart, if he wasn’t taking it apart, he was putting it together, if he wasn’t building or taking it apart, he was cleaning, if he wasn’t cleaning, he was cooking and if he wasn’t doing any of those things, he quit what he was doing to go help somebody out. That is the Lonnie Lee Herman that heaven gained on Monday, March 30, 2026.

 Lonnie was born on September 15, 1968 in Reed City, Michigan to Howard and Frances (Hollenbeck) Herman. As a child, he used to make his siblings, laugh, making up songs with his brother Howard, like “Booger on the Cherry”. They might not remember all the words to the song, but they still remember the name and life was never dull. As a young man, Lonnie was always giving something away or finding some treasure to repurpose and giveaway. That’s just who he was. As a husband and father he always put their needs before his own trying to make sure they had what they needed. As Papa to his two grandchildren he lived for them. To hear their laughter, see their smiles and watch their little faces light up at something new he found for them. He was the one that Granddaughter, Maxine prayed for God to heal and the one to have the grands snuggle in bed with to watch cartoons when he didn’t feel well enough to get up. Lonnie was the doer that brought everyone together.

Lonnie held several maintenance and custodial jobs throughout the area. We will start with McDonalds. This is where he met his wife to be, Melissa Rhoads. He then transitioned over to night time custodial at Fosters for a short time before his all time favorite place to work, NABCO in Reed City. They ended up closing production in the US and moved to Mexico. By this time, Lonnie and Missy, who were married, at the Evart Free Methodist Church on April 6, 2001, had two toddlers and moving wasn’t in their plans. He worked at Walmart for 2-3 years and then became a stay at home dad for 10-12 years before going back to McDonald's.

 When Lonnie had a free moment, he could be found fishing or hunting OR look out back he may just be riding the lawnmower or something else in the back two wheels or through a mud puddle! You just never knew. If you knew Lonnie you know how much he loved, Sponge Bob, Hot-wheels, the Grave Digger, VW bugs, and Godzilla. You knew he loved watching movies with Missy and that he was a perfectionist, everything needed to be properly in its place.

 His perfectionist attitude led us here. It dictated his passing and set the guidelines on how his life should be celebrated. Celebrate Lonnie with the good stories, the songs he held close to his heart and the love for the Lord and faith that he will be there to welcome you when it is your time to come home.

 Treasuring the memories they have are: his wife, Melissa; children, Joseph, Jeffrey, Cody & Ciarra Herman and Cassie (Curtis) Bennett; grandchildren, Brayden and Maxine Bennett & Krysten Mae Leland-Herman and Nathaniel Bryan Bouck; his beloved mom, who he was always helping out, Frances (Gary Carpenter) of Reed City; four siblings, Joan Cataldo of Evart, Christine Verburg of Evart, Barb Thornton of Big Rapids, and Howard (Sonia) Herman of Morley; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

 Lonnie was welcomed home by his father, maternal and paternal grandparents, mother-in-law, Elaine Clark; father-in-law, Manual Rhoads; and his brother-in-law, Ted Trudell.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 4th at the Evart Free Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior (noon to 1PM). Pastor Mark Bullock will be officiating.

Memorial contributions in Lonnie’s name can be made to the Evart Free Methodist Church where they have attended throughout the years. Share online by tapping the Tribute Wall tab on Lonnie’s page at www.coreyfuneralhome.com, Corey Funeral Home, Evart, MI.