Joyce Charlene Herman

Joyce Charlene Aszmus Herman 
November 28, 1931 – March 5, 2024 

Lee’s Summit, MO – Joyce Charlene Aszmuz Herman, 92 of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on March 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055 on Thursday March 14, 2024, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, at Speaks Suburban Chapel beginning at 11:00 AM, with private burial following. 

Joyce was born the only child of Andy and Lucy Aszmus on November 28, 1931, at St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Joyce lived her entire life in Jackson County. She atended Ashland Grade School. Joyce made some of the best friends of her life during her time at East High School. Joyce graduated from East in 1949, where she was honored to earn membership to The National Honor Society. Joyce was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kansas City, MO. 

In 1949 Joyce began to date Eugene (Gene) Herman, who was atending Kansas City University and operating the U-Smile Service Station. Joyce worked as the receptionist for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company in downtown Kansas City. 

Gene proposed to Joyce on June 3rd, 1950, in front of the World War I Museum. They were married on July 28th, 1951, in Joyce’s mothers Rose Garden in Kansas City, MO. Their honeymoon took them to the West Coast for 2 weeks of travel in California. After the honeymoon, Joyce began her new career at U-Smile Court working at the front desk with her dear mother-in-law, Bety Herman. Over the years Joyce’s other responsibilities included overseeing the housekeeping department and designing the interior of the hotel rooms and restaurant. 

Joyce gave birth to her first daughter Jane, on March 6, 1952. Jane passed one day later due to birth defects. Light was brought into Joyce and Gene’s lives on March 19, 1956, when their daughter Janet Lynn was born. 

For enjoyment, Gene and Joyce traveled around the country to professional and conventions. Gene and Joyce spent much of their free time watching Royals baseball games at the stadiums; they were Season Ticket Holders from the time the Royals moved to Kansas City in 1969. 

In 1991, Joyce became a grandmother to her first grandson, Jeffrey (Jeff) Herman Franklin, followed in 1995, by her second grandson, John (Jack) Hall Franklin Jr. 

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Aszmus and Lucy Lea Feeback; husband, Gene Herman; and infant daughter, Jane. Joyce is survived by her daughter Janet Herman Franklin of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandsons, Jeffrey (Jeff) Herman Franklin and John (Jack) Hall Franklin Jr. of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law, Joan Bretell of Melbourne, FL; stepsister, Bonnie Hon of Harrisonville, MO; and her nieces, nephew and many cousins. The family would also like to recognize Joyce’s caregiver Dawn Schweigerdt for her many years of care and friendship. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either of the following which were important to Joyce: Community Services League of Independence or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.