MILFRED T. HERMANSON

Milfred T. “Mel” Hermanson, 88 of Devils Lake formerly of rural Hamar, ND died on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Heartland Care Center with family at his side. Mass of Christian Burial for Milfred will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Mel will be Jim Moe, Arlen Morris, Josh Kuntz, Steven Twete, Stacy Twete, Daniel Wentz, Jeremy Wentz and Ardell Hermanson. Music will be Jodi Kurtz and Congregational Hymns. Reading the Scriptures will be Barbara Zahradka and Gift Bearers will be Drew, Allyson Jo and Breden. Milfred, the son of Amund and Bertha (Borgerson) Hermanson was born on December 8, 1922 on the family farm, Colvin Township, Eddy County, rural Hamar ND where he was reared and educated, attending country school. He worked on the family farm with his Dad and brothers and when they were called into service during World War II, Milfred was allowed to remain on the farm to help his Dad. After his father died in 1947, Milfred took over the farm. Mel was the local blacksmith and welder for the neighboring farmers. He also was willing to share his knowledge and taught many of the neighbors the art of welding and repair. In 1965, Mel sold the farm and moved to McVille where he cared for his mother until her death in 1967. He and his brother Sanfred then moved to Devils Lake where Mel would live until his death. Mel was a member of the Eagles Lodge and St. Joseph Catholic Church. As bachelors, Mel and Sanfred ate at the local restaurants frequently and that is where Mel met the love of his life, the waitress, Magdalena Kuntz and they were united in marriage on October 6, 1967 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They lived, worked and raised their son Joseph here in Devils Lake. Mel worked for a time in shipping and receiving at Montgomery Ward and then for the City of Devils Lake as an equipment operator with the Waste Management Department. He retired on March 20, 1990. Retirement for Mel didn’t mean sitting around. He always liked to keep busy. He completely remodeled his homes from top to bottom, from walls to plumbing to electrical. He had a special talent with small engines, repairing lawn mowers and farm equipment. It didn’t have to have a motor for Mel to enjoy restoring and repairing-such as bicycles. He enjoyed yard work and helping with the garden. He willing took over some of the household duties to help Maggie. He and his son spent many hours together enjoying classic cars, especially 1957 Chevys. He did some restorative work and took a trip to the West Coast and back with a friend in a 1957 Chevy 210 Series car. When he did take time to relax, he and Maggie loved to go dancing-especially dancing to polkas and the waltz. Mel is survived by his wife Maggie; son Joseph Hermanson and his wife Lisa of Devils Lake; grandchildren Drew Schill, Cando ND and Allyson Jo and Breden Hermanson of Devils Lake; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Neil Twete, rural Tolna ND, Amelia Schmitt, Towner ND, Rebecca Long, Spokane WA, Elizabeth “Betty” Wentz, Bismarck ND, Joan and Odin Gleason, Tolna, Bernadette Wentz, Devils Lake, Barbara and Larry Zahradka, Devils Lake, Nick and Verna Kuntz, Webster ND, George Kuntz, California and Richard and Wanda Kuntz also of Devils Lake; many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mabel Hermanson, Selma Morris, Hazel Pewe, Alma Morris-Halvorson and Bernice Twete; brothers Bennie, Sanfred and Glenn Hermanson. Friends may sign the online register book and share memories at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com