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Edward R. Hermsen, age 79, of Dyersville, IA, completed his earthly journey peacefully on April 13, 2022, at MercyOne in Dyersville. To honor Edward’s life, a private family burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Edward “Junior” was born on October 17, 1942, in Luxemburg, IA, a son to Edward and Florence (Vaske) Hermsen, Sr. He was raised on a farm with a strong work ethic and a desire to enjoy life to the fullest. Ed provided for his own family with John Deere Dubuque Works in his early years, but eventually found his way into the driver’s seat as an over the road trucker. He was proud to have driven a million miles without an accident or ticket. He embraced the spirit of one of his favorite songs, I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash. Ed enjoyed polka and bluegrass music and country dancing. If you threw in some relaxing and light-hearted conversation, he was sure to be content with the day. Ed looked forward to family gatherings, local baseball games and Hawkeye basketball. We pray that he is at peace from his earthly battles due to cancer and have no doubt that he will make friends in heaven just as easily as he did here among us. Thank you, Ed, for walking through your days with an easy smile, positive attitude and for being our guardian angel as we travel the highways. Ed left a legacy in his children and grandchildren of a love for adventure and an open mind.
Those surviving Ed include his children in whom he took great pride: Wayne (Kimshiro Benton) Hermsen of Dyersville, IA, Joan (Charles Hoover) Hermsen, Amy Hermsen, Jill (Lance) Wood of Columbia, MO, Christine (Jason) Krueger of Weston, WI, and Dean (Kristen Hinz) Hermsen of Rothschild, WI. Ed’s grandchildren include: Ian, Norah, Garrett, TJ, Maya, Matthew, David, Owen, Theo, Wyatt, Elin and Elliott. He is also survived by his brother, Donald (Grace) Hermsen; his sister-in-law, Sharon Hermsen; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wilma, in infancy; and his brother, Charles Hermsen.
Ed’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital and MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care over the last two months.
Online condolences may be shared with Ed’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com.
To honor Edward’s life, a private family burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Prayers and hugs for all the Hermsens.
My sympathy to your family. Shirley and Ed were our neighbors in Garwin. He became friends with so many in Garwin with his smile and his warmth. Thinking of you as you celebrate his life.
Deb Van Haaften
I met Ed many years ago when he’d occasionally go to a dance in Cedar Rapids when it worked out with his trucking schedule. He was such a nice guy. I didn’t see him for a number of years but somehow, our paths crossed again. We mostly talked on the phone and he was a very supportive, kind person. He’d share his health concerns with me sometimes, and he always had a kind word to me. I miss talking to him on the phone and texting each other on facebook. It is a great loss to his family and friends, but I am thankful that his pain is now gone and he is in the arms of God. It sounds like he had been blessed with a wonderful family. My condolences to you.