Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
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.
Elizabeth Burton
July 06, 2025 | Skokie, IL | Friend
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.
Margie Barker-Glockzin
February 14, 2025 | Waco, TX | Friend
Condolences to Pam and family. Always thought I’d see him again
Robert Hill
February 12, 2025 | Mason, TX | Coworker
sorry to hear of your loss.
David Monroe
February 11, 2025 | Protection, KS | Friend
Deepest sympathy to Pam n all family.
What a great life he lived.
Maureen (Reeves) / Joel Horsley
February 11, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
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.
Mark & Erin Partlow
February 10, 2025 | Willard, MO | Friend
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...
Tom and Mary Beth Michaelis
February 10, 2025 | McGregor, TX | Friend
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.
Jenny Nelson (Breyer)
February 10, 2025 | Waco, TX | Friend
Pam and family. Dave and I wanted to send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Always a smile. Sending hugs and blessings
Paula Stevenson
February 09, 2025 | Waverly, IA | Friend
In Loving MemoryA. Michael HermansenJanuary 29, 1946 - February 5, 2025VISITATIONTuesday, February 11, 20254:00 - 6:00 P.M.Martin-Mattice Funeral HomeEmmetsburg, IowaSERVICEWednesday, February 12, 202510:30 A.M.Bethany Lutheran ChurchEmmetsburg, Iowa CLERGYRev. Peter MorlockINTERMENTEvergreen CemeteryEmmetsburg, 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
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