Rodney E. Hermes

1934 - 2026

Rodney E. Hermes

August 29, 1934 - February 6, 2026

Rodney E Hermes, 91, passed away February 6, 2026. Rod was born on August 29, 1934 to Mary & Elmer Hermes in Racine, WI. He was the baby of four children and growing up Rod loved playing sports! Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Golf and Football. After graduating from Wm Horlick High School in Racine, Rod was recruited to play football at the University of Wisconsin, but with all Madison had to offer - his fraternity, playing the drums and throwing the football, he didn't leave much time for the books. He transferred to Beloit College, where he continued his education and playing football. In 1956 Rod was drafted as a quarterback by the Green Bay Packers (same year as Bart Starr). He ultimately left training camp to finish his degree at Beloit College, but was very proud of his spot in his favorite team's history and often joked about his recurring dream of being asked to "Suit-up, Hermes! We need you!"

Rod married the love and light of his life, Prue (Carroll), in 1956, they were happily married for over 65 years and created a wonderful life together.

Rod was employed at Great Northern Corporation in Racine. He was the Senior Vice President of sales for the display division. He retired in 1997 after 30 years with the company. He and Prue moved to Bonita Springs, FL to spend their golden years. After Prue's passing, he came back to Wisconsin to be closer to family.

Rod was an avid golfer and was able to get one hole-in-one at Meadowbrook Country Club in 1972, (Prue never let him forget that she had a hole-in-one Twice!) Another passion of Rod's was playing jazz drums. He drummed in several bands over the years, most recently with friends in a Florida retirement band called the Brooks Brothers.

It's impossible to fit all the things that made Rod special into these few paragraphs. He was super creative and loved making photo boards for events. He left sweet notes for our Mom up until the day she died. He loved being the golf day organizer. He loved meeting new people and made friends wherever he went. He loved to laugh. He loved God and he loved life. He cherished his family and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Surviving Rod are his children, Bill (Teri), Tom, Betsy (Jim) Olson, and Jill; his grandchildren, Henry Hermes, Griffin (Maddie) Hermes, Madeline Hermes, Ian (Sommer) Fox, Nick (Shannon) Olson, Katy Olson, Sarah and Molly Curran. In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by his wife, Prue, his sister Mary Ferraro, and his brothers, Fred and Ross Hermes, and his lifelong friend King Kovac.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. Mary's Elm Grove. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service beginning at 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Guests are invited to celebrate Rod's life with family and friends at O'Donoghue's Irish Pub - Elm Grove, after the memorial service is complete.

Condolences to: www.beckerritter.com