Henry Hermanson, 84, died Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Ekelund Lutheran Church near Goodridge, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until time of services on Wednesday at church.

Henry Jacob Hermanson was born May 16, 1925 on the family farm in Reiner Township, Pennington County, MN the son of Soren and Elga (Sigerud) Hermanson. He was baptized on July 9, 1925 and confirmed on October 20, 1940 into the Lutheran faith. He attended school at District 48 of Reiner Township. Henry worked on the family farm and when he was older, worked in the potato fields and harvested grain near Hatton, ND.

Hank had a life-long love of music and enjoyed playing the accordion, piano and guitar. He also played numerous other instruments in which he was self taught. His ear for music and talent led him to play in several bands including the Selmer Ramsey Band; and in later years Hank had his own band with friends. He also played on KTRF Radio many times. Hank was also invited to teach accordion and piano at a large music store in the Twin Cities, he declined the offer.

While playing at the Silver Star Night Club in Roland, MN he met his future wife, Alvina Paulina Kolstrand. She was drawn to him for his good looks, his musical ability and his sparkling blue eyes. The couple was married June 7, 1952 at the Zion Lutheran Parsonage in Thief River Falls. To this union there were four children, Sylvia, Barbara, Deonne and Denise.

They made their home on a farm in Reiner Township. Hank carved out the farm from timber and brush with his T9 Cat and also built the road leading into the farm. They farmed small grains. Hank was very well known in the community for welding and for his mechanical ability. He was meticulous about everything. He loved his tools and his equipment, especially his Versatiles and his old W9s. In his later years he loved to mow his yard with his John Deere even though he always had red paint on the farm. He also had a life-long interest in trains.

Hank had several other jobs over the years including moving hay stacks in the winter for neighbors; he worked for John Hoffman; and also worked as a welder at Arctic Cat for a short time.

He took great pride in his family; especially his grandchildren and enjoyed listening to their sporting events on the radio. He always had a treat for the kids.

Hank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alvina of Goodridge; four daughters, Sylvia (Rodney) Hoffman, Barbara (Paul) Odette, Deonne (Jeff) Bakken and Denise (Davie Naeseth) Naeseth all of Goodridge; seven grandchildren, Alissa (Tim) Hruby, Lacey (Joe) Hruby, Brett, Brady, and Brandon Bakken, Brea and Cameron Naeseth; brothers and sisters, Ervin Hermanson of Thief River Falls, Anne Wells of Chula Vista, CA, Laurie (Rev. Lawrence) Waddy of La Jolla, CA and Sammy Hermanson of Goodridge; sister-in-law, Carol Hermanson of Bonita, CA; aunt, Hulda Sigerud of Thief River Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lewis and Lloyd; brother-in-law, Lloyd Wells; mother-in-law, Pearl Kolstrand; and friends, Clifford and Lester Kolstrand.

Organist: Tanya Kotrba
Special Music: Walseth family- Amazing Grace , How Great Thou Art , & Lifes Railway To Heaven
Congregational Hymns: Children of The Heavenly Father , On Eagles Wings & This Is My Fathers World
Casketbearers: Rodney Hoffman, Paul Odette, Jeff Bakken, Davie Naeseth, Brett Bakken, Brady Bakken and Brandon Bakken, Cameron Naeseth, Alissa Hruby, Lacey Hruby, Brea Naeseth, Tim Hruby, Joe Hruby, & Rodney Wold
Honorary Casketbearers: Dr. Casey Ryan & Nurse Mary at Altru Clinic, Dr. Todor Dentchev & Nurse Glen, Cancer Center Coordinator, Denise and all staff at Altru Cancer Center, and the staff at Pioneer Memorial Care Center