Henry "Hank" Herdeman passed into Eternal Peace, with his family at his side on November 3, 2008, after battling fiercely with cancer for the last few months. The son of Henry Barnard Herdeman and Caroline Christine Herdeman (nee Spranger). Survived by his wife Sheila J. (nee Raab), sons Eugene (Claire), Dave and daughter Susan (the late Al) Shivy. Also survived by his grandchildren Benjamin, Megan, Erin and Jennifer; great grandchild Samantha; his step-children Shawneen (Mike) and David Raab; step grandchildren Natalie and Mitchel Lozeau; and many close friends of all ages. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and his loyal companion "Boss". Hank was born in West Allis and moved to New Berlin, where his father built a house that was eventually a home to four generations of his family. Hank attended Shady Nook Elementary School in New Berlin, and graduated from West Allis Central High School, where he excelled in football and track. He worked at Allis Chalmers, where he received a machinists apprenticehip and journeymans card, eventually leaving to start his own business in 1965. His son Eugene joined him in the business in 1983 and worked with him side by side for more than 25 years. Between the outdoors and his business, Hank's relentless work ethic, stamina, and tenacity were well known and recognized. He passed on and shared his passion of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing, and always maintained that it was less meaningful and enjoyable if his family was not there to experience it with him. Having been inflicted with the polio virus just after graduating from high school and being affected by it his entire life, Hank was a very proud and significant supporter of world wide polio education efforts by the Rotary Foundation. Hank was a longtime supporter of the Wisconsin 4H, both at local and state levels. He was instrumental in helping fund the start up of the K9 Police Dog Unit in Waushara County where the family shares their hunting cabin. Throughout his years in business in Cudahy, he was actively involved in the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce, served on the Trinity Memorial Hospiral Community Board, a member of 440th Community Council, and served on many other community service organizations over the years. He was never hesitant to offer help or donations to a cause he felt worth supporting. His influence and impact on so many people will be remembered and missed. A celebration of Hank's life will be held at the Funeral Home Sunday, November 9, 2008, 4-7 PM for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Hank's name.
