Herman Gouwens

On March 20, 2023 Herman Gouwens, age 86, passed away with loving family by his side.

Herman was born to Harry Sr. and Margaret (DeWinter) Gouwens on January 7, 1937 in Harvey, Illinois.  He graduated from Thornton High School. In 1955, Herman married Margot Gouwens in Chicamauga, Georgia. They lived in the cities of Dolton, Markham, and Oak Forest. Herman and Margot always wanted to live on a farm, so in 1972 they bought a farm in DeMotte, Indiana, and moved their family to the small rural town.Herman worked as an overhead crane operator at ACME steel for 41 years. After retiring, he kept busy on various projects and never stopped finding things that needed to be fixed. He was a strong Christian man with conservative Christian values and attended Community Bible Church in DeMotte. Herman enjoyed fishing trips with family and camping in most of the lower 48 states. He was an avid Bulls and Cubs fan, and enjoyed cheering for them. He loved going to buffet style restaurants.  In more recent years, he looked forward to his daily lunch with his friends at the Fase Center. He was known as a hard working but quiet man. He loved his family and was always interested in anything they were doing. Herm was immensely loyal, and a pillar of stability and security to his family whom admired him greatly. 

Herman is survived by his children: Roy (Deb) Gouwens, Rick (Karen) Gouwens, Linda (Rich Jr.) Gunter, 17 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Margot, son: Ray Gouwens, brother: Harry Gouwens Jr, and a great granddaughter.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Community Bible Church, DeMotte, Indiana. Services for Herman will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Rodney Tolleson officiating. Interment will follow at the Holland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Community Bible Church AWANA youth program.