Alice Willidene Kimmell Herr, December 8, 1919 - November 6, 2016 Willie, which she always preferred to be called, was born to Liva and Sherman Kimmell of Auburn, Indiana. She was the youngest of five children, one boy and four girls. She is survived by her three sons, their wives, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In her youth, Willie was very active in 4H and demonstrated her love of cooking and sewing by winning several blue ribbons at the Indiana State Fair. After high school Willie attended Ball State Teacher's College for two years, then transferred to Purdue University. There she met and became engaged to Frederick Williams Herr of South Bend, Indiana. The Pearl Harbor attack caused the University to shorten the academic year, so Willie and Fred were married the morning of May 3, 1942 and they received their bachelor's degrees that afternoon, Willie's degree in Home Economics and Fred's in Mechanical Engineering. Willie and Fred's first son, Frederick was born October 13, 1944, followed by their second son, David on June 1,1949 and their third son, William on December 25, 1952. Willie always thought that her sons were special, having been born Friday the 13th, the first day of June, and Christmas. Willie and Fred settled in Grand Rapids in 1949 and remained life long residents with a large circle of friends. As a mother and homemaker, Willie was very active in the lives of her children and husband. The family cherished their annual summer vacations that took them throughout Michigan and the United States. Willie was also very involved in her community. She was a president of the Association of University Women (AAUW), active at Park Congregational Church, Purdue Club, Women's City Club, PTA and Cub Scouts. In addition, Willie served as a volunteer for the Sallie Bender Guild gift shop at Butterworth Hospital for over 50 years and was twice president. Willie remained active with her sewing, knitting and weaving throughout her life. Upon Fred's retirement, Willie and Fred traveled throughout the US and the world. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in 1991. After Fred's death in 1991, Willie continued to travel extensively. In 2002 Willie moved to Holland Home and maintained an active life style well into her 90s. A memorial service will take place at First (Park) Congregation Church, 10 Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, at 11 am Friday, November 18. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holland Home (HollandHome.org), 2100 Raybrook SE, Ste 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.



Service Information

Service
When: Friday, November 18, 2016 11:00am
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508