Kenneth Dean Hermanson

Kenneth Dean Hermanson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service to honor Kenneth’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM.

Kenneth was born in Worth County, Iowa, on February 1, 1937, to James and Olga Hermanson. From the young age of twelve, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, laboring on nearby farms picking beans by hand, operating a Hume pea loader, assisting field workers as a “water monkey,” and running tractors in the pea stacks for Cool Springs. Alongside these duties, he helped manage the family farm’s daily chores, tending to the fields and caring for hogs, chickens, and cows.

After graduating from Lake Mills High School in 1955, Kenneth served his country with pride by enlisting in the United States Army on October 31, 1955, and was honorably discharged on August 8th, 1957. Following his service, he began his civilian career at the Fertile Title Company, earning $0.85 an hour. Known for his industrious nature, Kenneth often balanced multiple jobs simultaneously, continuing to support the family farm as well as many others in the area. He expanded his skills by buying a chainsaw to clear farmland, saw trees, and grind stumps. Over the years, he worked at Smith Tire and Electric—first at the parts counter, then as a salesman—followed by positions at Albert Lea Clean Towel Service, Don Hultgren Sanitation and Waste Control in St. Paul, and ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations for Waste Systems Corporation in Lake Mills. Upon reaching his 50th birthday, Kenneth was declared disabled and shifted his focus to buying and selling real estate.

While Kenneth was known for his hard work, he also embraced life with enthusiasm in his younger years—always ensuring his family was his priority. On June 20, 1959, Kenneth married the love of his life, Maryann Norby, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. Together, they raised two daughters, Debra and Lori. Kenneth and Maryann shared many joyful moments riding motorcycles and cruising in their convertible. A milestone deeply cherished by Kenneth was celebrating 50 years of sobriety on July 24, 2025, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Maryann; daughter, Lori; parents, James and Olga; parents-in-law, Helmer and Tess Norby; brother and sister-in-law, Roger G. and Betty Hermanson; sister and brother-in-law, Ovila and Carl Hanna; great-grandson, Baby Archie; brother-in-law, Daryl Norby; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Barb Norby; previous sisters-in-law, Norma Alvey and Judy Carter; nieces, Patty Norby, Tammy Norby, Diane Norby, and Linda Hermanson; nephew, Tim Norby; and Ken’s special friend, Maxine “Mick” Colstrup.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Robert Jr.) Arnold; grandchildren, Adam (Alicia Heilman) Clay, Shane (Heidi) Arnold, and Casey (Vanessa) Arnold; great-grandchildren, Rhea, Zoie, Jali, Chance, Ava, Maddox, Harper, Baby Arnold, Hunter, and Maverick; Brothers-in-law, Tom (Sandy) Norby and Dick (Lois) Norby; sister-in-law, Beverly Staples, and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Lake Mills Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Kenneth and their family over the years.

Memorials can be made in Kenneth’s honor to the Hospice Support Foundation, 1175 Center Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120.