In Memoriam: Beloved Longtime Frankfort Resident, Historian, and Gardener Judy Herder

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort community is mourning the loss of a treasured member.

Judith Herder, 73, a 40-year resident of Frankfort, died Friday, Dec. 9.

Her legacy of contributions to Frankfort include 30 years spent as president of the Frankfort Area Historical Society, the Preservation Foundation, Garden Club, Concerts on the Green, Kidswork Children’s Museum, creation and maintenance of both the Bark Park and Fort Frankfort. She was part of Friends of the Library, where she was "instrumental in acquiring outdoor sculptures and was the inspiration behind the reestablishment of the 21st Century Frankfort Brass Band," according to her obituary.

Her obituary details those who loved her dearly, including her high school sweetheart of 60 years John Herder, and children Heidi (Ted) and Christopher (Kim); brother, Jim and partner Monique; sisters- in-law, Eunice and Colleen; grandchildren, Kara, Katherine, Maxwell, Austin, Jesselyn, Madeline, Ruby, Emma and John Robert; nephews, Eric, Brendan and Tysen; niece Maryn and Border Collie Ozzie.

"Things that made her proud were her family, the success of her Frankfort initiatives, especially those of the Frankfort Area Historical Society and the fact that she saw the greatest post-season run in this century, the 2005 Chicago White Sox winning the World Series" according to her obituary.

A celebration of life is planned for June 27, 2017 at CD & Me, 23320 South La Grange Road, Frankfort, IL, from 4 p.m. until close. Memorial contributions can be made to the Frankfort Area Historical Society, PO Box 546, Frankfort, IL 60423.

A full obituary can be found online.