Thomas Hermel Obituary

Thomas Clifford Hermel, age 78, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, June 22nd, from extreme heat exhaustion at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. He died a "quick, happy death not listening to his wife." He left behind an impeccable collection of hunting guns, clothing and supplies, as well as industrial sized boxes of instant oatmeal, and more Tom Brady, Donald Trump and sports memorabilia than we can count. 

Tom was born on November 26, 1946, in Mankato, MN, to parents Clifford A. Hermel and Kathryn G. Hermel. He grew up in St. Peter, MN, graduating with the St. Peter High School Class of 1964. He was a member of the Chicago Cavaliers Drum Corps for one summer and went on to assist his parents with the two drum corps they created in St. Peter, the Crusaders and for the little people, the Black Knights. He then went on to graduate from Mankato State University in 1968 with a BA degree in Business Administration and a minor in music and government. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity during his college years. 

He married Sharon Haley Hermel on December 17th, 1966. Together they created several successful businesses with the last being The Woodshaving Company in Pine River, MN. Tom is a past charter member of the Nisswa Lions Club, a past board member of the Pine River Day Activity Center, and a supporter of the Pine River Library and The Salvation Army. Tom had a passion for hunting, football, Tom Brady, Donald Trump, and Bill W. He loved all of the family “critters” especially his hunting dog, Blazer. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Katie Hermel; parents-in-law, Edward and Vivian Haley; sister-in-law, Mary Helen Haley Wirtz; and brothers-in-laws, Michael, Dean, and Phillip Haley, Bruce Wirtz and John Cook. Tom is survived by his wife, Sharon; two wonderful daughters, Kristian Hermel Happe and Katie Hermel Ulm; sons-in-law, Joseph Happe and Biff Ulm; and grandchildren, Grace Happe, Sam Happe, Mel Ulm, Max Ulm and Gus Ulm. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Cook and brother, Bradley Hermel. He also leaves behind his best friend, Gerald Seeman.

 A service for Tom will be held later this Fall. Any donations in Tom’s memory may be given to The Salvation Army, the Riverview Church in Pine River, MN, Bridges of Hope, and Heartland Animal Rescue Team (HART) in Brainerd, MN.