Bill Hermann

Bill Hermann, 96, of Hoven, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Bowdle Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Hoven, with Fr. Brian Simon presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A wake service will be 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026, at the church.

Willard “Bill” Hermann was born March 9, 1929, in Hoven, South Dakota, to Mathias and Gertrude (Gerber) Hermann. He attended St. Bernard Parochial School, and from a young age developed a strong work ethic.

On August 5, 1950, Bill was united in marriage to Betty Jane Kilian. The couple lived for a short time in the Clear Lake area before returning to Potter County, where they made their home near the river. During this time, Bill worked for area ranchers. In the early 1960s, the family moved to Hoven, where Bill was employed by the Potter County Highway Department and later worked at the Hoven Cheese Factory until his retirement.

When Bill wasn’t working, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting and fishing, making his homemade wine, helping at local auctions, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

Bill’s life will be cherished by his children: Bob (Mary) of Nowthen, MN, Ginny (Aryln) Minnerath, Hoven, Joy Penrod, Gettysburg, Lynn (Donnie) Karst, Hoven, and Ed (Naomi), Gettysburg; grandchildren: Kelly Herman, Nickie (Jeff) LaBeau, Brad Frost, John C. (Joan) Umiker, Angie (Jeremy) Anderson, Jeremy (Jodi) Penrod, Jodie Karst, Brooke (Tyler) Ulrich, Paige (George) Sperry, Megan (Tristan) Lankenau, Sage Hermann, Cody (Michelle) Minnerath, Jenny (Don) Litzen and Lynelle (Pat) Dwyer; great grandchildren: Rocky and Jasmine LaBeau, Morgan and Kolten Frost, JJ and Jake Umiker, Gracie Ann, Bella, and Wyatt Fillaus, Madie Penrod, Tyler and Kaitlynn Rudebusch, Jayden Karst, Kayl, Kemry, and Kaden Ulrich, Crue,  Hazley, and Holden Sperry; and two sisters-in-law: Carletta Kilian, and Pat Kilian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Betty Hermann; son, Billy Hermann; son-in-law, Rich Penrod; grandson, Travis “Trapper” Karst; brother, Herbert Hermann; and sisters: Adeline Fox and Dytc Rundall.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.