Kathleen S. Herman
OBITUARY
Kathleen S. (Rhode) Herman, 103, formerly of Mertztown, passed away peacefully on Monday,
October 27, 2025 in Willow Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Kutztown, PA. She was the
widow of Herbert A. Herman who died on October 2, 1987 and the long-time companion of Donald
Delp, who died on May 20, 2021.
Born in Longswamp Township, Kathleen was a daughter of the late Nelson L. Rhode and Leah M.
(Landis) Rhode and attended Longswamp High School. Kathleen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church of Mertztown. She worked as an operator in the mounting shop at the former Caloric
Corporation, Topton, from 1967 until her retirement in 1984. Kathleen was a member of Lyons Fire
Company Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to take care of her home, quilting and crocheting.
A beloved matriarch, Kathleen was a radiant presence in the lives of her family and friends, sharing
stories filled with laughter and lessons learned along her 103 year journey. Her legacy is rich with the
memories of the countless moments spent with loved ones, and her kindness will be remembered by
all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Kathleen is survived by her two granddaughters, Kelly A. (Herman), wife of Douglas J. Neimeyer,
Mertztown, and Kim R. (Herman) Kilgus, companion of Bradley K. Teel, Macungie; daughter-in-law,
Donna D. (Ziegler) Herman, companion of Dennis G. Gillner, Mertztown; three great-grandchildren,
Alyssa K. (Neimeyer), wife of Daniel Hamm, Alexis L. Neimeyer and Aaron B. Kilgus; and two great-
great grandchildren, Eleanor Alexis Hamm and Lucy Kathleen Hamm.
Along with her husband and companion, Kathleen was predeceased by her son, Blake L. Herman on
March 26, 2017; and siblings, Bruce Rhode, Theodore Rhode, Lee G. Rhode, Rodney Rhode and
Marion M. Rhode.
A memorial service to celebrate and honor Kathleen’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 5,
2025 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 50 Luther Drive, Mertztown, PA with her Pastor, The
Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Sassaman officiating. Burial will follow in Longswamp Union Cemetery,
Mertztown. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the church.
Contributions may be sent in Kathleen’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 117,
Mertztown, PA 19539-0117.
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories
and condolences may be shared by visiting Kathleen’s obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.