Fern L. Herrmann

FERN LUCILLE HERRMANN was born July 25, 1919 to John and Anna (Becker) Herrmann on the family farm in Rock County, Minnesota. In 1936, she moved with her parents to Brandt, South Dakota, where she helped her parents. In February of 1945, Fern moved into an apartment in Watertown, South Dakota and became employed in the Laundry Department at Luther Hospital. She later moved into the home of Mrs. Nicols in Watertown and lived and cared for her a number of years while continuing to work at the hospital. In 1972, Fern moved into her own apartment in town. As Fern never married, her personal life was dedicated to helping others. She continued her professional career over the next 50 years with Prairie Lakes Health Care Center in Watertown until her retirement in February of 1995. The result of her commitment to others was recognized by Governor William Janklow as he commissioned February 11, 1995 as Fern Herrmann Day in South Dakota. In May of 2007, Fern became a resident of the Jenkins Living Center for a short time until May 30, 2007 when she moved to Stoney Brook Suites Assisted Living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On June 25, 2010 she moved to Luverne, Minnesota and became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home. Due to her declining health, Fern entered the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage on March 1, 2012. On Saturday, March 10, 2012 she passed away peacefully at the cottage age of 92 years, seven months and 16 days.

Fern was a former member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown and was currently a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota. She enjoyed spending evenings reading, knitting and helping anyone that may have had a problem.

Fern is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna; two brothers, Ernest Herrmann and Raymond Herrmann; a sister, Clara Yotter; and two sisters-in-law and a nephew.