Joan was born on July 23, 1941, in St. Ignace, Michigan, to Fred and Mary (Struble) Frazier. On November 25, 1961, in Moran, Michigan, she married Leonard “Sonny” Louis Herman, who preceded her in death on January 20, 2021.

Joan was a wonderful and dedicated mom. She could bring magic to holidays and ensure that each Birthday was a celebration of joy and love. Joan loved celebrating birthdays. Joan showed love by making special birthday meals and your chosen birthday cake. She shared in her children’s joy of independence and autonomy. Joan instilled strength, perseverance, and hard work despite barriers and obstacles that arose. Joan’s ability to accept life’s fate and move forward positively stemmed from her strong trust in God. Her children experienced that with each new day - her warm smile and deep, nurturing brown eyes always released the unspoken truth that whispered at each visit, “I love you, and you are important.” She was a mother, friend, confidant, and a rock when you needed grounding.

Joan was a wonderful grandmother. She took special joy in seeing her grand and great-grandchildren. She relished in the moments of all the encounters God gave her. Her grandchildren giggled at her spicey humor and enjoyed all the stimulating conversations, no matter what direction that conversation led to. Attending her grandchildren’s activities brought extreme joy to Joan. She was a devoted groupie who followed and chased after each grandchild like they were celebrities. In her eyes, they were. Her family will miss Joan’s smile and presence; however, her love remains in the hearts of all who knew her, and may all those memories bring comfort and peace. Joan had a remarkable ability to bring light into darkness to the lives of those around her. Known for her radiant smile, she carried an unwavering positivity, even in the face of life’s challenges. Despite her declining health, Joan often said, “I am glad I was crippled and not a young child.”

1941 ~ 2025

She was willing to struggle if that meant she could save a child from suffering. Joan was best at unconditional love. We love you, mom!!!

Joan dedicated her career to Suttons Bay Schools, where she wore many hats over the decades. Whether helping in the office, supervising detention and recess, or supporting students in need, Joan’s warmth and willingness to step up left a lasting impact.

Joan enjoyed shopping and relished outings to Leelanau Sands Casino with her siblings and friends. Fond memories of after-hour food fights would occur with her neighbor and best friend, Marie LaBonte.

Joan, a skilled and hardworking woman, helped her husband build homes in Traverse City and Leelanau County. Joan’s family devotion was felt and noticed. She will be missed, without a doubt.

Joan’s legacy lives on through her children, Laura (Michael) Mains, Cindy (Barry) Riske, Duayne Herman, Shelly ( Jim) Felber, and Bonnie (Mike) Pugh; her siblings, Bud (Dee) Frazier, May Weirtella, Ann (Rich) Haske, Mary B. (Dale) Streichert, and Nancy Frazier; her grandchildren, Brianna, Levi, Sidney, Jacob, Zachary, Wyatt, Jessie, and Cody; and her great-grandchildren, Azalia, Sklyer, Pasley, Rowen, and Sophia. Her beloved husband of 59 years, Leonard “Sonny” Herman; her parents; her brother, Chum Frazier; and her grandson, Ethan Pugh, preceded her death.

Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, January 24, with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7 pm at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, January 25, with the family greeting friends at 10 am, also at St. Michael’s Church. Father Leonard Paul will serve as a celebrant. A spring burial will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.