Wanda S Herrmann

Wanda Sue Herrmann (Tielkemeier), 59, of rural Freeport passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at FHN Memorial Hospital. Born on December 11, 1952 in Freeport, she was the daughter of Leo and Gladys (TerHark) Tielkemeier and grew up on the family dairy farm between Dakota and Rock City, IL. Wanda graduated from Dakota High School in 1970, received a BA degree (education) from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1974, a MEd degree (reading) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1978, and an ES degree (administration) from Northern Illinois University in 2002. On June 21, 1975, Wanda and Dr. Jack Herrmann were married in Cedarville, IL. Wanda was a lifelong educator who promoted a student centered philosophy and believed that every child was a gift from God and had the potential to learn. She began her career in education as a reading specialist in Dakota, IL in 1974 and after her marriage, taught at Catlin, IL for three years as a reading specialist/Title 1 teacher, while she completed her Master'™s degree and her husband completed his DVM degree at UIUC. After moving back to Stephenson County, Wanda taught at Pearl City, IL first as a fourth grade teacher, then a sixth grade teacher and ultimately became the elementary school principal. In 2001, she accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools at Dakota, IL and served in that position until her retirement in 2010. For the past two years, she served as interim Superintendent at Shirland, IL. Wanda belonged to and served on many professional and community organizations, at local and state levels, including the Freeport Public Library Foundation, the YMCA of Northwest Illinois, Delta Kappa Gamma, Dakota Opportunities in Education and many more. She served in an advisory capacity to state and regional educational agencies and was recognized with multiple leadership awards. Wanda was an avid cross country and downhill skier, hiker and snowshoer, a fabulous cook and was known as the 'Biscotti Queen' for one of her favorite bakery items. Wanda and Jack loved to walk on the Jane Addams Trail with their dogs and enjoyed annual trips to Summit County, Colorado, Germany and Denmark and to the wine areas of California. In her free time, Wanda enjoyed fitness classes, yoga, gardening, and especially, spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jack Herrmann, daughters Anne (Charles Milbert) of Chicago, IL and Kate (Steve Mocco) of Bethlehem, PA, three grandchildren, Michael, Peter and Mary, her father Leo Tielkemeier of Freeport, sister Peggy Afflerbaugh of Mt. Morris, IL, brother in law Grant Afflerbaugh of Oregon, IL, parents in law Walter and Loretta Herrmann of Arlington Heights, IL, brother and sister in law Bob and Phyllis Herrmann of Park Ridge, IL and five nieces and nephews, Robert Herrmann (Park Ridge, IL), Lynn Herrmann (Champaign, IL), Dan Herrmann (DesPlaines, IL), Matt Afflerbaugh (Milan, IL) and Emily (Matt Grugel) of Rockford. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Wanda'™s life will be held on June 30th at the Herrmann residence, rural Freeport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dakota Opportunities in Education, the YMCA of Northwest Illinois or the Freeport Public Library Foundation. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.