Thomas Paul Herrman, 72, of La Crosse, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas.
Born in Hays on April 3, 1954, to Paul and Angeline “Angie” (Dreher) Herrman, Tom grew up with a strong work ethic, a steady faith, and a heart big enough for everyone he met. He graduated from La Crosse High School in 1972 and built a life centered around his community.
A talented mechanic who took pride in working with his hands, Tom began his career with NL Acme Tool in Great Bend before owning and operating Rupp Radiator in Garden City.
He later served as the maintenance supervisor for the Garden City School District until his retirement, after which he returned home to La Crosse.
Tom was a proud Corvette owner, a lifelong car enthusiast, and a man who loved good conversations over a cold beer (or two) with good company. He truly never met a stranger—socializing came naturally to him, and he had an extraordinary gift for making anyone feel like an old friend. Tom was always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh.
While living in Garden City he enjoyed cooking for local community events. Tom loved following La Crosse High School sports, especially cheering for his great-nephews Lee, Zach, and Tyler, and he was an avid Gonzaga University fan.Tom was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Garden City where he was also a 3rd and 4th- degree member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse.
He is survived by his children: Ryan Herrman and his wife Monica of Dallas, Texas, Elizabeth Herrman-Shotton of Scotland, and Emily Herrman of Los Angeles; his three cherished grandchildren, Mason Herrman, Brooklyn Herrman, and Greta Shotton; his brothers, Joseph Herrman and his wife Deb of La Crosse, Leo Herrman and his wife Vicki of Hays, James Herrman and his wife Marie of Rose Hill, and Carl Herrman and his wife Lorna of La Crosse; his sisters, Marie Holopirek and her husband Rollie of La Crosse, and Ruth Schroter and her husband Jon of La Crosse; He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Wes Shannon and his wife Sherleen of Hays, the mother of his children, Carrie Mantooth, as well as a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Angie Herrman, and his sister, Carolyn Shannon.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, Kansas, with a
Rosary service at 6:30 PM and Vigil service at 7:00 PM.Visitation will continue on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 12 with Father Stephen Debanka and Father Benjamin Martin concelebrating.Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Liebenthal. Following graveside services lunch will be hosted at St. Michael’s Hall in La Crosse.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or La Crosse High School Athletics.
Friends and family are invited to share stories, photos, and videos celebrating Tom’s life on Tom’s tribute page at keithleyfuneralchapels.comArrangements are under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes – La Crosse Chapel 611 Peace Street, La Crosse, KS 67548