In Loving Memory
A. Michael Hermansen
January 29, 1946 - February 5, 2025
VISITATION
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
SERVICE
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Peter Morlock
INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Alden Michael Hermansen was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa on January 29, 1946 to Alden and Catherine (McCoy) Hermansen. He spent his childhood fishing and boating all over Five Island Lake, helping his father run a bait and tackle business. He graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1965. Mike was a natural athlete, playing football into college at Mankato State and basketball in high school, college and the Air Force.
Mike married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Kay Potter on June 10, 1967. Mike and Pam welcomed their first born child, Nora Christine, in December 1968 while stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM. Following Mike’s service, the family moved to Emporia, KS where Mike earned his degree at the College of Emporia. Mike and Pam returned to Emmetsburg and had two sons: Adam Michael in 1978 and Daniel James in 1983.
Mike was a well-respected businessman and he excelled at sales and management. In 1974 he started a long career in the truck equipment industry with a sales position at Dur-a-Lift in Emmetsburg. He went on to hold roles with Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner, IA and Time Manufacturing in Waco, TX prior to founding Utility Truck Equipment Company and Utility Truck Equipment Manufacturing in Hewitt, TX. Mike loved to travel to spend time with his children, and this gave him an opportunity to spoil his grandchildren. Mike was a great gift giver on holidays, and he has spent more than his fair share of time walking the toy aisles at Walmart and Target with excited, big-eyed grandkids.
In retirement, Mike and Pam moved back to Mike’s childhood home in Emmetsburg. Mike became active in the community by serving on the Board of Directors at Lakeside Lutheran Home. He was instrumental in the addition of Grace Estates. Mike was elected and has served a number of years on the Emmetsburg City Council, where he found much value in the work. Mike was always ready to hear someone’s point of view, whether or not it was the same as his. Returning to his roots at Bethany Lutheran Church, Mike rekindled his active membership. Bethany was truly his home church, having been baptized, confirmed and married there.
And poker…cards were always a pastime for Mike, but later in life he stepped up his game. He looked forward to the Senior World Series of Poker each year in Las Vegas, and he had a regular game that he played in most weeks. It was also common to find him in his office with his iPad, watching the pros play.
He loved his wife, Pam, with all his heart. That was obvious for all to see. Their marriage is a great example of how to do it right. More than 57 years in, and Pam was always his #1 priority.
Mike will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends, his beloved coffee group friends and all of his poker buddies.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon.
Left to mourn his death are his wife Pam, sister Noreen Hermansen of Cedar Falls, IA, children Christy (Jim) Willmore of Emmetsburg and Superior, WI, Adam (Casey) Hermansen of Smyrna, GA, and Dan (Laura) Hermansen of Lenexa, KS. Grandchildren Josh Hill of Burbank, CA, Jake Hill of Circleville, OH, Holden Willmore of St. Paul, MN, Hunter Willmore of Duluth, MN, Abi Willmore of Superior, WI, Owen and Clara Hermansen of Smyrna, GA, and Wylie, Brodie and Brooke Hermansen of Lenexa, KS.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Elizabeth Burton
July 6, 2025
I go way back over forty years with Mike. True and nothing but a true friend. I’m very sad today. Elizabeth Burton Skokie I’ll.
Margie Barker-Glockzin
February 14, 2025
My love and prayers to Mr. Hermansen’s family. I met him only once when he came in to Woodway City Hall to bring Christi flowers, who had received a promotion, and tears came to my eyes. He was so proud of her. What a sweet father he undoubtedly was.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of his family. I think of his sweet Christi often.
Robert Hill
February 12, 2025
Condolences to Pam and family. Always thought I’d see him again
David Monroe
February 11, 2025
sorry to hear of your loss.
Maureen (Reeves) / Joel Horsley
February 11, 2025
Deepest sympathy to Pam n all family.
What a great life he lived.
Mark & Erin Partlow
February 10, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mike was a friend to so many of us in the truck equipment industry. I first met Mike and did business with him when he was at Dur-a-lift in the early 1980's. Later I worked for him at IMT in Garner, Iowa. I will not forget his immense capacity for helping other people both customers and employees, and that great smile. We share your sorrow.
Tom and Mary Beth Michaelis
February 10, 2025
We met Mike and Pam soon after they moved to Waco, Texas when Mike came to Time Manufacturing as the Vice President of Sales. It was through our children Derek and Ryan who were friends with Adam and Daniel that Mary Beth and I developed a friendship with Mike and Pam. That continued and grew through the years that the Hermansen's lived in Waco. Mike was passionate about sports especially High School basketball when Adam and our son Derek played on the Midway Jr. H.S. team and then on the Midway H.S. team. We spent many hours together at those basketball games played all across central Texas. We joined St. Matthew Lutheran Church where the Hermansen's were already members, and they were our sponsors. Mike was a kind, warm, intelligent, loving man who was a joy to be with. A few years ago Mary Beth and I visited Mike and Pam in Emmetsburg for few days. A WONDERFUL visit! Mike was very proud of his hometown, his parents and upbringing in northern Iowa, and in the wonderful people who live there. We met several of them in the few days we spent there.
To Pam, Christy, Adam and Daniel we express our heartfelt sorrow for your loss but rejoice in Mike's place in heaven next to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jenny Nelson (Breyer)
February 10, 2025
Dearest Pam, Christy, Adam, and Dan- our hearts are with you and your entire family during this challenging time. Mike was one of a kind and we feel lucky to have known him. He had the best laugh and was always trying to make everyone around him laugh. Thanks for sharing him with us for all those holidays in Texas! Praying for comfort and peace.
Paula Stevenson
February 9, 2025
Pam and family. Dave and I wanted to send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Always a smile. Sending hugs and blessings
Laura and Jason Reinders
February 8, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Pam, family and friends. Mike made us laugh and made us think. He was a genuine person and will be greatly missed.
Jim & Jan Stillman
February 7, 2025
Our sympathy and prayers for Pam and all Mike’s family. Mike was just a great guy. Always a smile and greeting. He gave much of himself to the Emmetsburg Community. Prayers.
Gary Heisterkamp
February 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Hermansen Family. I had the privilege of meeting Mike over forty years ago and have some very fond memories of him and how he helped me grow in the truck industry. As many of you have so graciously stated we will never forget Mike's infectious Smile.
Kristy Simington
February 7, 2025
One of the sweetest, most generous caring people I have met. My sympathy to you Pam and your family for your loss. He has blessed each of you with a lifetime of memories. Cherish them and hopefully they will help you to smile and heal daily. Prayers !!!
Bill/Marcie Frevert
February 7, 2025
Pam, Christy and Family,
Mike was a treasure and we are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere sympathy, Bill and Marcie Frevert
Michele Freeman
February 6, 2025
Sincere condolences to his family. He always spoke of you all so highly. He is definitely one of the good guys. His contagious smile and fun loving humor will be missed. RIP
TJ Murphy
February 6, 2025
Poker table won't be the same without ya, Herm. I'll miss battling with you at the cash game, and I always very much appreciated you attending my monthly tournaments. I'll miss traveling to big tournaments and texting you every break with updates, anticipating your feedback, well wishes and advice. I know you're up there at the poker table with O.J., Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar and Sam Grizzle. Tell em all hi for me. Happy i got to know you as well as i did. Rest easy my friend.
Elaine & Dave Sidles
February 6, 2025
Mike was a wonderful guy and always had a smile. He will be greatly missed by all! Prayers and hugs to all his family!
Barb Meyer
February 6, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about "uncle mike". I got to know him when I started working in the pharmacy years ago. What a very special guy He will be missed. Pam, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Feb
11
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Funeral services provided by:
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536