Kristi was born on January 11, 1969 in Syracuse, NE to Joseph Deleeuw and Cynthia Callaway. One of Kristi’s many favorite roles in life was that of being a big sister to Joey Deleeuw and later, Megan Johns.
Kristi attended Waverly Public Schools, where she excelled in basketball, volleyball, softball and track. Kristi earned the honor of State and National Champion in shot put while attending South Lincoln Track Club. She was an athletic standout and was honored with numerous awards before graduating from Waverly High in 1987.
In one of many news articles written on behalf of Kristi’s accomplishments, a journalist stated that Kristi would be best remembered for putting up the “ViQueens” final jump shot at the buzzer, winning the Nebraska State girls basketball championship.
Kristi received the Leadership Scholarship from Peru State College in 1987, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. While attending Peru State, Kristi excelled in Volleyball and Softball, again earning numerous awards for the Bobcats. In 2015, Kristi was inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame for outstanding performance in Volleyball and Softball.
On September 16,1995, Kristi married a fellow Peru State Bobcat, Tim Herman in Lincoln, NE. They then began a family having two beloved sons, Tanner and Logan. Kristi, Tim and the boys are best remembered spending many years fishing, camping and boating with family and friends. They could also be found cheering the boys on from the sidelines during little league and later high school football games. Kristi cherished the title of “Mom” and proudly boasted it until the day of her passing.
It was at this time in Kristi’s life she courageously fought and won a battle with cancer, proving her favorite quote to be accurate: “Put on your big-girl-pants and do it!”.
Along with juggling family, life and friends, Kristi dedicated 20+ years to a career in the Human Resource industry. Most recently, Kristi was employed by Horse Power Today in Omaha as a senior HR consultant and also independently provided services as a contracted HR advisor. Kristi was passionate about equality in the workplace and at one point in her career, started a non-profit group, acting as an Equal Opportunity advocate for those being mistreated.
Kristi is preceded in death by her husband, Tim Herman; mother, Cynthia Callaway-Johns; and father-in-law, John Herman.
Kristi is survived by her two sons, Tanner & Logan Herman; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Betty Deleeuw; step-father, Alan Johns; brother, Joey Deleeuw; sister and husband, Megan and Justin Neil, niece, Nora Neil; sister-in-law and husband, Traci and Todd Mihm, nieces, Claire and Catherine Mihm, nephew Todd Clarence Mihm; uncles, Billy Brown and Steve Callaway; step-siblings, Mandy Shuck, Jamie Hosler, Leland Johns.
Kristi enjoyed camping and being outdoors and/or near the water. Her favorite hobbies included thrifting, visiting casinos, videography and making special memories with friends and family. She will be best remembered for her kind and giving spirit, infectious smile, never ending loyalty and self-less acts of love to all of those around her. She will be sorely missed and cherished in memory forever by her family, acquaintances and countless close friends.
Funeral service will be Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 8:30 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner St, Lincoln NE.
Memorials to the family for future designation.