Leroy R. Hermansen

COTTAGE GROVE- Leroy R. "Lee" Hermansen, age 87, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 7, 1928, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Leona and Roy Hermansen. Lee served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 1951 until Jan. 1953. During his time in the army he learned cartography. On Feb. 28, 1953, he was united in marriage to Gloria Holmes in Elmwood Park, Ill. Lee received his degree from the University of Illinois in Mechanical Engineering and went to work for Commonwealth Edison in Chicago where he designed power plants. He was very active in the Methodist Church in Addison, Ill., serving as chairman of the building committee. In addition to his wife, Gloria, Lee is survived by his three children, Barbara St. John, David (Mary) Hermansen and John (Donna) Hermansen; four grandchildren, Claire (Peter) Sonnentag, Stacy (Alex) Walker, Daniel (Tawny) Hermansen, Mark Hermansen; four great-grandchildren, Charlie, Laney, Sullivan and Lucy; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Dave St. John; and brother, Kenneth. A memorial service will be held at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 229 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 22, 2016, with the Rev. Matthew Ploeger presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors being conducted. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lee's name to Agrace HospiceCare. The family would like to express a special thank you for the loving care to Agrace HospiceCare, especially Leah Rinehart. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420