Funeral services for A. Michael Hermansen were held on February 12, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in 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 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
martinmatticefuneralhome.com
