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Keith Hermanson • 1931 - 2009 Helmer "Keith" Hermanson was born September 26, 1931, in rural Lignite. He was raised and educated with 12 years of school and a lifetime of learning in the Lignite area, where he continued to make his home until the time of his death. He married Ermalee Jeffery on March 2, 1951. He was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War with the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon, 2nd Division, through 1954. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and his scout dog, York, was the most decorated canine in Army history. The surviving members of that Platoon kept in contact through annual reunions around the country, a fellowship Keith particularly enjoyed. Upon his return to Lignite from Korea, he and Ermalee settled into farming and started a family. In addition to his lifelong farming career, he assisted his father with the operation of Hermanson Implement and took flying lessons and operated a spray plane as a sideline business. He had a strong interest in the area of oilfields, and became the go-to guy for many for advice on leasing. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Lignite, and had served as Lignite City Council Member for 12 years. He retired from farming in 1996. Fishing was Keith's favorite form of recreation. He made several trips to northern Canada and Mexico to fish with friends, and after his retirement, spent many weeks each summer boating and fishing at Van Hook. He also enjoyed traveling with his children and grandchildren, each of whom has wonderful memories of those journeys. Keith was a friendly, good-natured man who always wore a smile. He maintained close ties with his large and scattered extended family, and was a kind and caring son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was much loved and will be forever missed. Surviving family includes: wife of 58 years, Ermalee Hermanson, Lignite; daughters, Jyl (Randy) Baumann, Gillette, WY, Lisa (Steve) Knutson, Lignite, ND, Maia Hermanson, and Lori (Mark) Hermanson-Germain, all of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Brittany Bakken, Jade (Jared) Mogren, Jamie Bisson, and Hailey Germain; brother, Rodney (Marsha) Hermanson, Lignite, ND; sister, Joy (Gordy) McEvers, Lignite, ND; and nieces and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Shelli; grandson, Ashley Bakken; and sister, Cherry Bennett. Memorial Service: Monday, March 9, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.
at Christ Lutheran Church, Lignite. Officiant: Pastor Phyllis Scroggins Special CD Music Honorary Urn Bearers: Keith’s family and friends Immediately following the funeral service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the fellowship hall. The graveside service will commence in the spring of 2009. Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Keith. To sign the online guest register
for Keith |
Keith
Hermanson, 77, Lignite, ND, died at home with family by his side
on Friday, March 6, 2009, after a long battle with prostate cancer
and the side effects of its treatment.