D.C. Herman

View D.C.'s Tribute Video

D.C. Herman, 83, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society of Miller.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller with military honors.  Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 1, 2013 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

DeWayne C. “D.C.” Herman was born January 7, 1930 to Michael John and Edith (Balliet) Herman in Bowdle, South Dakota.  He graduated from Miller High School in 1948.  On January 28, 1949, D.C. enlisted in the United States Navy at Omaha, Nebraska.  He served as an Aviation Mechanic, working on the DC6 and C54 planes.  He honorable discharged on January 7, 1953 with the rank of AD2. 

While serving his country in the Navy, D.C. purchased a 1947 EL 61” Harley Davidson while being stationed in Hawaii.  He later traded up for a 1952 BSA 650cc Golden Flash.  On the BSA Golden Flash, he swept his future wife, Mary Sommer off her feet.  D.C. rode to where Mary was working at the time, asked her out and she said okay.  On August 18, 1953, D.C. and Mary were married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller. 

From 1953 to 1954, D.C. worked in a Gold Mine in Lead, South Dakota.  From 1954 to 1959, he drove the Standard Oil Gas Truck in Miller and from 1959 to 1973, drove the milk route for the Terrace Park Dairy.  On July 1, 1973, D.C. and Mary purchased Sommer’s Bar in Miller.  Mary passed away January 9, 1981.  D.C. continued to own and operate the bar until retiring on September 18, 2012. 

D.C. had a love and passion for riding motorcycle.  He rode for 62 years in a row; making many trips with his family.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.  He served as the 1^st President of the Miller Jaycees in 1959.

Grateful to have shared in his life were his children: Ginger (Bernie) Huisman of Miller, Tim (Lisa) Herman of Carrollton, GA, Larry (Dianne) Herman of Miller, Jill (Bob) Laird of Sioux Falls, and Pat Herman of Miller; six grandchildren: Holley Huisman, Mike Herman and Brittany Herman, all of Miller, Jordan Laird, Jacob Laird and Jeremy Laird, all of Sioux Falls; siblings: Ardith (Jerry) Knippling of Gann Valley and Derwin “Dewey” Herman of Cleveland, OK; and special friend, Carolyn Beranek of Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Edith; wife, Mary and step-mother, Beth.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with D.C.’s arrangements.